How to Dial In "Hesitation Gen" by Kings of Leon - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hesitation Gen"
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 Can We Please Have Fun (2024). Produced by Kid Harpoon at Dark Horse Recording in Franklin, Tennessee, and released in May 2024. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson ES-335 through a Vox AC30 C2, the nearest rig to the one Kings of Leon is documented with, stands in. Set the amp at a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Hesitation Gen" Tone
What guitar did Kings of Leon use on "Hesitation Gen"?
The guitar on "Hesitation Gen" (released 2024) isn't documented; the Gibson ES-335 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Hesitation Gen" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 5.5, 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 "Hesitation Gen" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hesitation Gen" 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 "Hesitation Gen" by Kings of Leon are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.