Marshall MG15DFX settings
Lithium settings for Marshall MG15DFX
Nirvana · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Nirvana "Lithium" riff tone on a Marshall MG15DFX, set Gain 6, Bass 5, Treble 6, Reverb 1, Contour 7, Fdd switch 1. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
updated 2026-11-10
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Marshall MG15DFX knobs
- Gain
- 6
- Bass
- 5
- Treble
- 6
- Reverb
- 1
- Contour
- 7
- Fdd switch
- 1
Built-in effects
- Reverb on · 1
Playing tips
- Use the amp's built-in reverb to add a subtle depth to the tone.
- Experiment with the contour control to find the right mid-range balance for the riff.
- Engage the FDD switch to simulate tube-like response for a fuller sound.
The original rig
What Nirvana used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Marshall MG15DFX 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 Marshall MG15DFX settings for Lithium?
Set Gain 6, Bass 5, Treble 6, Reverb 1, Contour 7, Fdd switch 1.
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
Popular songs on the Marshall MG15DFX
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Walk · Pantera
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- 1979 · The Smashing Pumpkins
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Back in Black · AC/DC
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.