How to Dial In "Beautiful" by The Smashing Pumpkins - Guitar Tone Settings
What The Smashing Pumpkins Actually Used on "Beautiful"
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 JCM800 2203. 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 Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (1995). Reverb's guide to the band's gear has Billy Corgan's sound on the album built on Lace Sensor-equipped '57 Stratocaster reissues through a 1984 Marshall JCM800 head, with Marshall JMP-1 preamps as the main preamps for the record. That pairing is the one dialled in here, though nothing ties it to this song specifically. Use the bridge pickup at a medium-high gain and roll the guitar volume back a little for quieter passages. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Beautiful" Tone
What guitar did The Smashing Pumpkins use on "Beautiful"?
The Smashing Pumpkins tracked "Beautiful" on a Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster (AVRI Reissue) (released 1995). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Beautiful" need?
On Marshall JCM800 2203: Gain 6, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 5, 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 "Beautiful" without a Marshall JCM800 2203?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Beautiful" 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 "Beautiful" by The Smashing Pumpkins are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.