Tone library / Nirvana / Smells Like Teen Spirit

Smells Like Teen Spirit amp settings — MEGA amp ML-20

The Nirvana guitar tone for “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, dialed in for a MEGA amp ML-20 with a Nexon Cx-500. Studio version, Nevermind (1991) — iconic main distorted riff & chorus

Original rig

Fender Stratocaster with Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker, Boss DS-1 Distortion, Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp (Rhythm channel clean), Crown Power Base 2, Marshall 1960B 4x12 cab

Aggressive, raw, scooped lower-mid grunge distortion with biting attack

Amp settings — MEGA amp ML-20

CHANNELCleanBRIGHToffBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	2
Bass	6
Mid	4
Treble	7
Master	6

Don’t have a MEGA amp ML-20? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Boss DS-1 Distortion

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned (run direct into amp input)

Tone 4 · Level 8 · Dist 8

Why these settings

The MEGA ML-20 is an unrecognized entry-level solid-state practice amp whose built-in overdrive channel gets fizzy and lacks the raw clipping of the original record. The amp is set to its Clean channel with low gain to act as a clean pedal platform for the recommended Boss DS-1. Mids are pulled slightly to 4 with treble at 7 to match the aggressive, scooped bite of the 1991 Nevermind mix.

PRO TIPHit the muted percussive strums (the 'chucks' between chords) with hard, aggressive down-up strokes using the bridge pickup wide open to nail the rhythmic punch.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a MEGA amp ML-20. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.