How to Dial In "A Firm Kick" by John Frusciante - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "A Firm Kick"
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 Inside of Emptiness (2004). Inside of Emptiness is the sixth studio album by American musician John Frusciante, released on October 26, 2004, on Record Collection, and is the fourth in a series of six releases, issued from June 2004 to February 2005. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster through a Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555X, the rig we use for John Frusciante's other songs from Inside of Emptiness, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "A Firm Kick" Tone
What guitar did John Frusciante use on "A Firm Kick"?
The guitar on "A Firm Kick" (released 2004) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "A Firm Kick" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, 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 "A Firm Kick" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "A Firm Kick" 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 "A Firm Kick" by John Frusciante are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.