How to Dial In "Generator" by Foo Fighters - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "Generator"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for an AC30. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
The vocal-sounding guitar running through this is a talk box — Dave Grohl used a Dunlop Heil unit, and he has said the idea came from admiring Peter Frampton and Joe Walsh. That means the effect needs the physical device: the amp drives a compression driver, a tube carries the sound into your mouth, and you shape the vowels into a vocal mic. No pedal setting substitutes. Standard tuning. The rest of the song is the album's usual approach — most of There Is Nothing Left to Lose was recorded in Grohl's basement in Virginia with a Vox AC30 rather than the Mesa rigs used live, so keep the gain moderate and the tone chimey rather than stacked. Feed the talk box a mid-forward, only lightly distorted signal or the vowels blur.
Common Questions About the "Generator" Tone
What guitar did Foo Fighters use on "Generator"?
Foo Fighters recorded "Generator" (released 1999) before the Gibson DG-335 (Dave Grohl Signature) came out; it is named above as a later replica. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Generator" need?
On an AC30: Gain 5.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6.5. 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 "Generator" without an AC30?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Generator" 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.
What pedals are on "Generator"?
The MXR M222 Talk Box named above is a modern equivalent - it came out after the record. Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Generator" by Foo Fighters are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.