Neural DSP Quad Cortex settings
Lithium settings for Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Nirvana · adapted 5 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Nirvana "Lithium" riff tone on a Neural DSP Quad Cortex, use the US Tweed Basslad Normal (Fender Bassman Tweed) amp model on the crunch 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 2026-10-03
- Amp model
- US Tweed Basslad Normal (Fender Bassman Tweed)
- Channel
- Crunch
- 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
- 1fuzzFuzz Pi (Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi)Volume 7 · Tone 5 · Sustain 8
- 2reverbSpring Reverb Engine (M)Mix 3 · Decay 2
- 3noise gateAdaptive GateRelease 5 · Threshold 4
- 4compressionChief CS3 (BOSS CS-3 Compression Sustainer)Level 5 · Sustain 6
Playing tips
- Use a strong pick attack to emphasize the punchy, saturated riff tone.
- Maintain a steady rhythm to achieve the thumping, full-bodied sound characteristic of the original.
- Experiment with palm muting on certain notes to add dynamics and texture.
The original rig
What Nirvana used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Neural DSP Quad 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 Quad Cortex for Lithium?
Use the US Tweed Basslad Normal (Fender Bassman Tweed) (crunch channel) with Drive 7, Master 7, Bass 6, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5, followed by Fuzz Pi (Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi), Spring Reverb Engine (M), Adaptive Gate, Chief CS3 (BOSS CS-3 Compression Sustainer).
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 Neural DSP Quad Cortex
All Nirvana tones →Popular songs on the Neural DSP Quad Cortex
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Walk · Pantera
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Whole Lotta Love · 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.