Guitar tone · rock

Genesis guitar tone: gear & amp settings

The gear and amp settings behind 7 Genesis songs, researched from rig rundowns, interviews and gear forums. The rig that shows up most: Gibson Les Paul (likely 1970s model, as used by Steve Hackett in this era) into Roland JC-120 (or JC-160/150, but JC-120 is most documented for this period).

Guitars Genesis used

Gibson Les Paul (likely 1970s model, as used by Steve Hackett in this era)1 song
Yamaha SG20001 song
Fender Stratocaster (likely late 1980s/early 1990s, used by Mike Rutherford in this era)1 song
Gibson Les Paul Custom (1970s, Steve Hackett's main electric for Genesis studio work)1 song
Gibson Les Paul Goldtop (1957, likely original or reissue)1 song
Gibson ES-335 (1960s, likely a 1962 model)1 song
Fender Stratocaster (likely early 1960s, as seen in era photos and videos, but not confirmed for studio recording)1 song

Amps Genesis used

Roland JC-120 (or JC-160/150, but JC-120 is most documented for this period)1 song
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus1 song
Marshall JCM800 (studio recording, typical for Genesis late 80s/early 90s heavy tones)1 song
Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 Head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio, 1973 recording)1 song
Hiwatt Custom 100 (DR103) head1 song
Marshall 50-watt head (likely JTM45 or Plexi, late 1960s)1 song
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (commonly used by Mike Rutherford in this era, but not explicitly confirmed for this track; Marshall JCM800 also possible)1 song

7 Genesis tones

Song	Part	Guitar	Amp	Gain
A Trick of the Tail · riff	Riff · clean	Gibson Les Paul (likely 1970s model, as used by Steve Hackett in this era)	Roland JC-120 (or JC-160/150, but JC-120 is most documented for this period)	0
Driving the Last Spike · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Stratocaster (likely late 1980s/early 1990s, used by Mike Rutherford in this era)	Marshall JCM800 (studio recording, typical for Genesis late 80s/early 90s heavy tones)	5.5
Firth of Fifth (2007 Stereo Mix) · solo	Solo · distorted	Gibson Les Paul Goldtop (1957, likely original or reissue)	Hiwatt Custom 100 (DR103) head	5.5
Home By the Sea · riff	Riff · distorted	Yamaha SG2000	Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus	5
I Can't Dance · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Stratocaster (likely early 1960s, as seen in era photos and videos, but not confirmed for studio recording)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (commonly used by Mike Rutherford in this era, but not explicitly confirmed for this track; Marshall JCM800 also possible)	5
I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) [2007 Stereo Mix] · riff	Riff · distorted	Gibson Les Paul Custom (1970s, Steve Hackett's main electric for Genesis studio work)	Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 Head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio, 1973 recording)	3.5
The Knife · riff	Riff · distorted	Gibson ES-335 (1960s, likely a 1962 model)	Marshall 50-watt head (likely JTM45 or Plexi, late 1960s)	6

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Frequently asked questions

What amp did Genesis use?

Across 7 researched songs, the amps that come up most are Roland JC-120 (or JC-160/150, but JC-120 is most documented for this period) (1 song), Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (1 song), Marshall JCM800 (studio recording, typical for Genesis late 80s/early 90s heavy tones) (1 song), Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100 Head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio, 1973 recording) (1 song).

What guitar did Genesis use?

Most often: Gibson Les Paul (likely 1970s model, as used by Steve Hackett in this era) (1 song), Yamaha SG2000 (1 song), Fender Stratocaster (likely late 1980s/early 1990s, used by Mike Rutherford in this era) (1 song), Gibson Les Paul Custom (1970s, Steve Hackett's main electric for Genesis studio work) (1 song).

How do I get Genesis's tone on my amp?

Open any Genesis song below to see the original gear and settings, then use ToneAdapt to adapt them to your own guitar, amp, pickups and pedals.