Smells Like Teen spirit amp settings — Blackstar HT5R MkII
The Nirvana guitar tone for “Smells Like Teen spirit”, dialed in for a Blackstar HT5R MkII with a Yamaha Pacifica 112V. Studio version, Nevermind (1991) — iconic main riff and chorus distortion
Fender Stratocaster with Seymour Duncan JB humbucker, Boss DS-1 Distortion, Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm clean), Crown Power Base 2, Marshall 1960B 4x12 cab
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 5 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 1 |
| Master | 6 |
01Boss DS-1 Distortion
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; with pedal, switch amp to Clean channel with Gain at 2
Because you don't own the Boss DS-1, your Blackstar HT-5R MkII must generate the grunge saturation on the Overdrive channel with Gain at 7 and ISF pushed slightly British (around 7) to mimic Cobain's Marshall 4x12 cut. Your Pacifica 112V bridge humbucker closely matches the output of the Seymour Duncan JB in Kurt's Strat. If you acquire a DS-1, switch the Blackstar to the Clean channel with gain at 2 to let the pedal do all the clipping.
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These settings are for a Blackstar HT5R MkII. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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