How to Dial In "Less Than" by Nine Inch Nails - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Less Than"
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 Add Violence (2017). Add Violence is the third EP and eleventh major release by the American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Les Paul Custom through a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, the nearest rig we use for Nine Inch Nails' other songs, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Less Than" Tone
What guitar did Nine Inch Nails use on "Less Than"?
The guitar on "Less Than" (released 2017) isn't documented; the Gibson Les Paul Custom above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Less Than" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 5, 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 "Less Than" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Less Than" 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 "Less Than" by Nine Inch Nails are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.