How to Dial In "Ocean Size" by Jane's Addiction - Guitar Tone Settings
What Jane's Addiction Actually Used on "Ocean Size"
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 a Marshall JCM800 2203. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
Opens Nothing's Shocking and is built on a dropped tuning that gives the riff its enormous, sagging weight — Navarro's exact tuning for it is not reliably documented and transcriptions vary, so it is logged as a custom tuning and the honest instruction is to tune to the record. The song has no chorus in the usual sense: it alternates two sections rather than resolving, which is a large part of why it feels unmoored. Recorded 1988 with Dave Jerden. Navarro's tone is wetter and more processed than most hard rock of the period, with phaser and delay used as texture. Keep the gain moderate and let the low notes ring their full length.
Common Questions About the "Ocean Size" Tone
What guitar did Jane's Addiction use on "Ocean Size"?
Jane's Addiction tracked "Ocean Size" on a PRS Custom 24 (released 1988). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Custom tuning, so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Ocean Size" need?
On Marshall JCM800 2203: Gain 6.5, 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 "Ocean Size" without a Marshall JCM800 2203?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Ocean Size" 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 "Ocean Size"?
The original signal chain for "Ocean Size" runs through MXR Phase 90. 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 "Ocean Size" by Jane's Addiction are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.