How to Dial In "Before the Beginning" by John Frusciante - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Before the Beginning"
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 The Empyrean (2009). The opener of The Empyrean, a spacious, melodic psychedelic-rock track with clean-to-crunchy Stratocaster-style lead and rhythm guitar. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster through a Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555X stands in. Set the amp at a light edge-of-breakup and use the neck pickup. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Before the Beginning" Tone
What guitar did John Frusciante use on "Before the Beginning"?
The guitar on "Before the Beginning" (released 2009) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Before the Beginning" 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 "Before the Beginning" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Before the Beginning" 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 "Before the Beginning" by John Frusciante are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.