Zoom G3Xn settings
1979 settings for Zoom G3Xn
The Smashing Pumpkins · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the The Smashing Pumpkins "1979" riff tone on a Zoom G3Xn, use the MS 800 (Marshall JCM800) amp model on the clean channel, then set Drive 4, Master 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5. Use the neck + middle pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Schecter Diamond Series C-6 Deluxe · updated 2026-10-03
- Amp model
- MS 800 (Marshall JCM800)
- Channel
- Clean
- Cab
- 4x12 closed back
- Pickup
- Neck + Middle
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Amp block
- Drive
- 4
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 6.5
- Presence
- 5.5
Effects chain
- 1compressionComp (MXR Dyna Comp)Level 7 · Sustain 6
- 2modulationChorusMix 5 · Rate 4 · Depth 5
- 3reverbFD Spring (Fender Spring Reverb)Mix 4 · Decay 3
Playing tips
- Use fingerstyle for a more nuanced attack.
- Incorporate light palm muting for added depth in the riff.
- Experiment with subtle vibrato on sustained notes for expressiveness.
The original rig
What The Smashing Pumpkins used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Zoom G3Xn actually has.
- Guitar
- Fender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 80s, as used by Billy Corgan in studio)
- Amp
- Marshall JCM800 (modded with KT88 tubes, as used on Mellon Collie sessions)
- Gain
- 4
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 6.5
- Presence
- 5.5
- Reverb
- 2.5
Different guitar or pedals? Get 1979 adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts The Smashing Pumpkins's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What amp model should I use on the Zoom G3Xn for 1979?
Use the MS 800 (Marshall JCM800) (clean channel) with Drive 4, Master 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, followed by Comp (MXR Dyna Comp), Chorus, FD Spring (Fender Spring Reverb).
Which pickup should I use for 1979?
Neck + Middle, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did The Smashing Pumpkins use on 1979?
Guitar: Fender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 80s, as used by Billy Corgan in studio). Amp: Marshall JCM800 (modded with KT88 tubes, as used on Mellon Collie sessions).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Schecter Diamond Series C-6 Deluxe. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
1979 on other amps
Popular songs on the Zoom G3Xn
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Layla · Derek and the Dominos
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Creep · Radiohead
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Plug In Baby · Muse
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.