Tone Settings for Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz (guitar and amp)

1. Volume

• Set guitar volume knobs to 10 for full output and dynamic response.
• Control amp volume to avoid excessive distortion and maintain articulation.
• Use the guitar’s volume knob subtly during the performance for tone shaping.

2. Tone

• Set tone knobs on the guitar at around 7–10 for brightness and clarity.
• Mid and treble EQ on amp should be dialed higher (6–8); bass around 5–6.
• Avoid scooped mids; a mid-forward tone helps emulate the classic rock sound.

3. Pickup Selector

• Use the bridge pickup for the main riff and solos.
• Neck pickup can be used subtly for warmer rhythm parts if needed.
• Middle position typically less used for this particular song’s tone.

4. Humbucker or Single Coil Preferred?

• Humbuckers are preferred for their thick, punchy tone and sustain.
• They help recreate the saturated yet clear crunchy rock tone of the song.
• Avoid using single coils unless using a humbucker in single coil mode with gain compensation.

5. Ideal guitar type which is a Electric (Les Paul-style)

• Gibson or Epiphone Les Paul with dual humbuckers is ideal.
• Mahogany body with a maple cap adds depth, sustain, and warmth.
• Set neck construction enhances resonance and suits Kravitz’s vintage rock tone.

• Gibson Les Paul: Delivers thick, sustaining rock tones similar to Lenny Kravitz’s sound.
• Marshall Plexi Amp: Classic amp known for its crunchy, vintage overdrive.
• Cry Baby Wah Pedal: Essential for expressive lead lines and funk-inspired phrasing.
• Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi: Adds a heavy fuzz tone for extra grit and sustain.
• MXR Phase 90: Offers subtle modulation used for texture in solos or riffs.
• Boss TU-3 Tuner: Keeps your tuning in check during high-energy performances.

• Use a bright, overdriven guitar tone with medium gain for the main riff.
• Prioritize midrange frequencies to cut through the mix.
• Deploy a classic rock amplifier setting (e.g., Marshall-style amp modeling).
• Apply tight, punchy EQ with reduced bass and slightly boosted treble.
• Use light reverb to maintain clarity and separation.
• Keep modulation effects minimal or off to preserve rawness.
• Use a bridge pickup for sharper lead tones and riff articulation.
• Ensure drums have strong kick-snare presence with minimal room ambience.
• Focus vocals through a dynamic mic for a gritty, direct tone.
• Double-track rhythm guitars for thickness, panned wide left and right.