Blackstar ID:Core V4 Stereo 40 settings
Lithium settings for Blackstar ID:Core V4 Stereo 40
Nirvana · adapted 3 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Nirvana "Lithium" riff tone on a Blackstar ID:Core V4 Stereo 40, set Gain 7, Reverb 1, Isf 6. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
updated 2026-11-06
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Blackstar ID:Core V4 Stereo 40 knobs
- Gain
- 7
- Reverb
- 1
- Isf
- 6
Built-in effects
- Reverb on · 1
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in reverb set to a low level to add a slight ambiance.
- Play with a strong attack to emphasize the punchy, saturated nature of the riff.
- Experiment with palm muting to achieve a tighter sound when needed.
The original rig
What Nirvana used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Blackstar ID:Core V4 Stereo 40 actually has.
- Guitar
- Fender Japanese Stratocaster (likely 1989-1991, black, with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge)
- Amp
- Fender Bassman (studio recording, Nevermind sessions)
- Gain
- 7
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 6.5
- Presence
- 5
- Reverb
- 1
Different guitar or pedals? Get Lithium adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Nirvana's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Blackstar ID:Core V4 Stereo 40 settings for Lithium?
Set Gain 7, Reverb 1, Isf 6.
Which pickup should I use for Lithium?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did Nirvana use on Lithium?
Guitar: Fender Japanese Stratocaster (likely 1989-1991, black, with Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in bridge). Amp: Fender Bassman (studio recording, Nevermind sessions).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Lithium on other amps
More Nirvana on the Blackstar ID:Core V4 Stereo 40
All Nirvana tones →Popular songs on the Blackstar ID:Core V4 Stereo 40
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Walk · Pantera
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.