How to Dial In "Magic Johnson" by Red Hot Chili Peppers - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Magic Johnson"
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 Mother's Milk (1989). Mother's Milk is the fourth studio album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on August 16, 1989, by EMI Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Red Hot Chili Peppers' other songs from Mother's Milk, stands in. Set the amp to a medium-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Magic Johnson" Tone
What guitar did Red Hot Chili Peppers use on "Magic Johnson"?
The guitar on "Magic Johnson" (released 1989) isn't documented; the Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Magic Johnson" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 6.5, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, Presence 6.5, 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 "Magic Johnson" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Magic Johnson" 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 "Magic Johnson" by Red Hot Chili Peppers are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.