How to Dial In "Unreachable" by John Frusciante - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Unreachable"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
- GuitarFender American Vintage II 1961 StratocasterSuggested
- AmpMarshall Silver Jubilee 2555XSuggested
- EffectWahA pedal - which one isn't documented · On the solo
- EffectReverse reverbAdded in the studio · On the solo
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 Empyrean is the eighth solo album by American musician John Frusciante, released worldwide on January 20, 2009 through Record Collection. In a Vintage Guitar interview Frusciante said the electric guitars on the album were one of three pre-CBS Stratocasters and that his main amps were a Marshall Major and a Marshall Silver Jubilee, with a Fender Bassman on a few things, but it ties no gear to this track in particular, so a Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster through a Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555X stands in. The solo is a wah solo whose reverb was recorded and played back reversed, and Frusciante has said the left-channel tremolo on this track is an electric piano, not his guitar, and that the long harmony guitars at the end were run through a low-pass filter in sample-and-hold mode controlled from a keyboard. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Unreachable" Tone
What guitar did John Frusciante use on "Unreachable"?
The guitar on "Unreachable" (released 2009) 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 "Unreachable" 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 "Unreachable" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Unreachable" 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 effects are on "Unreachable"?
The recording has wah and reverse reverb on it. No source names the unit behind them, so this page doesn't guess one. ToneMirror maps each effect onto your rig - a pedal you own, your amp's own controls, or a block on a modeler - and says plainly when your rig can't make one.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Unreachable" by John Frusciante are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.