How to Dial In "Next Lifetime" by Erykah Badu - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Next Lifetime"
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 Baduizm (1997). Baduizm is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Erykah Badu. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue, a clean, snappy funk pairing, stands in. Keep the amp clean, just at the edge of breakup, and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Next Lifetime" Tone
What guitar did Erykah Badu use on "Next Lifetime"?
The guitar on "Next Lifetime" (released 1997) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Telecaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Next Lifetime" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5, Volume 5.5. 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 "Next Lifetime" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Next Lifetime" 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 "Next Lifetime" by Erykah Badu are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.