How to Dial In "Paper Lanterns" by Green Day - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Paper Lanterns"
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 Slappy (1990). Slappy is the second EP by American rock band Green Day. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender Player Stratocaster HSS through a Marshall 1959SLP Plexi Super Lead Reissue, the nearest rig we use for Green Day's other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in D standard (D G C F A D), a whole step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Paper Lanterns" Tone
What guitar did Green Day use on "Paper Lanterns"?
The guitar on "Paper Lanterns" (released 1990) isn't documented; the Fender Player Stratocaster HSS above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in D Standard (D G C F A D), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Paper Lanterns" 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 "Paper Lanterns" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Paper Lanterns" 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 "Paper Lanterns" by Green Day are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.