Neural DSP Nano Cortex settings
Lithium settings for Neural DSP Nano Cortex
Nirvana · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Nirvana "Lithium" riff tone on a Neural DSP Nano Cortex, use the Brit 2555 Lead 1 amp model on the lead channel, then set Drive 7, Master 7, Bass 6, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
updated 2026-08-21
- Amp model
- Brit 2555 Lead 1
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- 4x12 closed back
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Amp block
- Drive
- 7
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 6.5
- Presence
- 5
Effects chain
- 1fuzzFacial FuzzGain 8 · Tone 5 · Level 7
- 2reverbRoomMix 2 · Decay 3
- 3noise gateAdaptive GateRelease 5 · Threshold 4
Built-in effects
- Reverb off
Playing tips
- Use a strong, aggressive picking attack to emphasize the punchy nature of the riff.
- Experiment with palm muting to achieve a tighter, more controlled sound during the riff.
- Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm to capture the driving force of the original riff.
The original rig
What Nirvana used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Neural DSP Nano Cortex 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 amp model should I use on the Neural DSP Nano Cortex for Lithium?
Use the Brit 2555 Lead 1 (lead channel) with Drive 7, Master 7, Bass 6, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5, followed by Facial Fuzz, Room, Adaptive Gate.
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 Neural DSP Nano Cortex
- Walk · Pantera
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Mr. Brightside · The Killers
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.