GuitarDistortedSolo
Wicked Game Solo Guitar Tone Settings — HIM
HIM · 1990s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson SG (exact model unspecified, used by Mikko 'Linde' Lindström in studio for HIM's 'Wicked Game' cover)
Pickups
Humbuckers (stock Gibson SG pickups, likely 490R/498T or similar for this era)
Amp
Peavey 5150 (main lead sound for solos, as per interview); Laney head (model unspecified, also used in studio blend)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1997 (Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 era); Linde used a Gibson SG for the left channel and a Fender Telecaster for the right, but the solo is most likely the SG through the Peavey 5150 as the main lead amp. Fuzz pedals (Octafuzz, Pharaoh Fuzz) were used in the studio, but the 5150 is cited as the main lead sound for solos.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass6
Gain6
Reverb3.5
Treble6.5
Presence5.5
Effects Chain
- Fulltone Octafuzz · fuzz
- Black Arts Toneworks Pharaoh Fuzz · fuzz
Guitar → Octafuzz / Pharaoh Fuzz → Peavey 5150 (with spring reverb)
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Tone Character
- fuzzy and sustaining
- rich midrange
- slightly compressed attack
- warm and thick
- singing sustain
- not overly bright
- amp-driven crunch with fuzz coloration
- smooth lead voice
- distinct fuzz texture
- studio-blended distortion
Playing Technique
- Use legato to keep the line vocal · difficulty 3/5Connect selected notes with slides and hammer-ons instead of picking every transition. The lead should feel sung, with the distortion smoothing the edges rather than replacing the phrasing.
- Bend into the emotion, not past it · difficulty 3/5Approach the target pitch gradually and hold the note before adding vibrato. The gothic mood depends on controlled tension, so a rushed or wide bend changes the character.
- Let the fuzz soften the attack · difficulty 2/5Use the fuzz for texture and sustain, then pick lightly enough that the front edge stays rounded. If the solo gets harsh, lower treble or pick closer to the neck before adding ambience.
- Keep the pauses dramatic · difficulty 2/5Mute the string cleanly at the end of each phrase and let the room decay naturally. The silence gives the next held note a romantic, mournful weight.
Tone Story / Why This Tone Works
- Style and eraHIM's cover comes from the 1997 Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 era, where gothic romance met thick, melodic rock guitar.
- Linde's voiceMikko Lindström combines warm humbucker mids, sustained bends, and fuzzy coloration with a melodic, vocal-like sense of space.
- Gear rationaleA Gibson SG-style guitar, Peavey 5150-style lead amp, and Octafuzz or Pharaoh-style texture provide the thick studio-blended sustain.
- Why the solo worksThe tone turns a familiar Chris Isaak melody into HIM's nocturnal world while keeping the guitar intimate enough to feel like a second voice.
What Fans Are Saying About This Tone?
From YouTube commentsHIM Wicked Game Official Videothecrazygoth66 · 7,401 likes on featured comments
Director: How much wind do you want? Him: Yes!
Vote your takeOne of the greatest covers ever.
Vote your takethat version tells me this song was way ahead of its time. fits perfectly with HIM
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