Lithium amp settings — Marshall MG15G
The Nirvana guitar tone for “Lithium”, dialed in for a Marshall MG15G with a Harley Benton MB-20BK Rock Series. Studio version, Nevermind (1991)
Fender Bassman (modified), Fender Stratocaster (neck/middle single-coil for clean), Electro-Harmonix Big Muff (chorus distortion only)
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 3 |
| Bass | 7 |
| Mid | 6 |
| Treble | 4 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
01Electro-Harmonix Big Muff (or any Big Muff clone)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Essential for the chorus fuzz wall. A Behringer SF300, EHX Big Muff Nano, or any Muff-style fuzz will work. Engage only on the B chord leading into each chorus.
The MG15G is a solid-state Marshall with forward mids versus the Bassman's scooped, warm Fender voicing. To compensate: bass pushed to 7 (Bassman was bass-heavy), treble dropped to 4 (MG15G is brighter), mids at 6 to avoid the Marshall bark overpowering the warm grunge character. Gain at 3 gives the slight edge-of-breakup for verses without actual distortion. Without a Big Muff or fuzz pedal, you cannot authentically reproduce the chorus — the MG15G's OD channel will sound too tight and modern. Acquire a Muff-style pedal.
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These settings are for a Marshall MG15G. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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