How to Dial In "We Believe" by Red Hot Chili Peppers - Guitar Tone Settings
The Gear Behind "We Believe"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Marshall Major (200W) - 'The Pig'. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Stadium Arcadium (2006). A crunchy, mid-forward rock part with a short melodic lead. Accounts of John Frusciante's Stadium Arcadium rig, including the Ground Guitar tone breakdown and its page on his Marshall Major, name his 1962 Fender Stratocaster as his main guitar and a Marshall Major (200W) as an amp used in the studio on the album; this entry uses the nearest catalog pieces, a modern American Vintage II Stratocaster and a Marshall Major. Those sources tie the rig to the album, not to this song, so the exact amp and any pedals on this track are not documented here. Set the amp at a medium-high crunch and use the bridge pickup.
Common Questions About the "We Believe" Tone
What guitar did Red Hot Chili Peppers use on "We Believe"?
Red Hot Chili Peppers tracked "We Believe" on a Stratocaster (released 2006). The Fender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster named above is a modern equivalent, not the guitar on the record. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "We Believe" need?
On Marshall Major (200W) - 'The Pig': Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, Volume 6. 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 "We Believe" without a Marshall Major (200W) - 'The Pig'?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "We Believe" 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 "We Believe" by Red Hot Chili Peppers are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.