How to Dial In "Bump and Grind" by David Lee Roth - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Bump and Grind"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Eat 'Em and Smile (1986). Eat 'Em and Smile is the debut studio album by former Van Halen singer David Lee Roth, released on July 7, 1986. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for David Lee Roth's other songs from Eat 'Em and Smile, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "Bump and Grind" Tone
What guitar did David Lee Roth use on "Bump and Grind"?
The guitar on "Bump and Grind" (released 1986) isn't documented; the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Bump and Grind" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Bump and Grind" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Bump and Grind" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Bump and Grind" by David Lee Roth are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.