How to Dial In "Annie Wants a Baby" by Red Hot Chili Peppers - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Annie Wants a Baby"
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 I'm with You (2011). The rig on this recording isn't documented, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster into a Marshall Major (200W) - 'The Pig' stands in. Keep the amp clean, just on the edge of breakup, and play the middle pickup. The rest of the album is in standard tuning, so that is assumed here.
Common Questions About the "Annie Wants a Baby" Tone
What guitar did Red Hot Chili Peppers use on "Annie Wants a Baby"?
The guitar on "Annie Wants a Baby" (released 2011) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Annie Wants a Baby" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, 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 "Annie Wants a Baby" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Annie Wants a Baby" 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 "Annie Wants a Baby" by Red Hot Chili Peppers are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.