Mr. Brightside settings for Neural DSP Nano Cortex

Amp block

Drive

5

Master

7

Bass

4

Mid

7

Treble

8

Presence

6

Original drive

5

Effects chain

1. 1overdriveChief OD1Gain 5 · Tone 6 · Level 7
2. 2modulationChorus 229TMix 5 · Rate 5 · Depth 5
3. 3reverbRoomMix 6 · Decay 5

Playing tips

• Focus on a clean attack to maintain clarity in the riff.
• Use a light palm muting technique to add definition to the notes.
• Experiment with a slow chorus effect to replicate the ambient depth of the original tone.

What amp model should I use on the Neural DSP Nano Cortex for Mr. Brightside?

Use the US HRDLX ChA 6 (crunch channel) with Drive 5, Master 7, Bass 4, Mid 7, Treble 8, Presence 6, followed by Chief OD1, Chorus 229T, Room.

Which pickup should I use for Mr. Brightside?

Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 8 and volume at 8-9.

What gear did The Killers use on Mr. Brightside?

Guitar: Fender Stratocaster (likely American Standard, early 2000s, as used by Dave Keuning on the studio recording). Amp: Fender Hot Rod DeVille (studio recording, 2003 era; Fender-style amp confirmed by multiple sources).

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.