Get this tone on your gear
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The recording
Page recorded the iconic rhythm riff on a 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard tuned to DADGAD, using the neck pickup with the tone knob rolled off. The guitar drove a Marshall 100‑watt Super Lead head into a 4×12 cabinet, delivering the thick, sustained overdrive that forms the core of the track. The part was double‑tracked and panned wide, creating the massive, layered guitar sound that defines 'Kashmir'.
Tuning DADGAD
Signal chain
Original gear
1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard ('Number Two')
Guitar
Page used his 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard, known as 'Number Two', to record the iconic DADGAD‑tuned riff of 'Kashmir'. He played with the neck pickup and a rolled‑off tone knob to achieve a warm, singing tone.
Marshall 100‑watt Super Lead (1968)
Amp
The Les Paul was driven into a Marshall 100‑watt Super Lead head, cranked to natural tube overdrive that defines the track's massive sustain. The amp’s bright channel and full‑volume setting gave the guitar its thick, mid‑range punch.
Marshall 4×12 Cabinet (1960s 4×12)
Cabinet
The amp was paired with a classic Marshall 4×12 cabinet, delivering the powerful low‑end and articulate mids heard throughout the mix. Its Celestion speakers contributed to the song’s thick, orchestral feel.
Alternatives
Practical playing approach
Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.
- 1.Tune the guitar to DADGAD (D‑A‑D‑G‑A‑D) and keep the strings in standard gauge.
- 2.Select the neck pickup and roll the tone knob back to around 3 for a warm, round sound.
- 3.Set the Marshall Super Lead’s volume high and the gain to full, letting the amp’s natural overdrive provide sustain.
- 4.Position the guitar a few inches from the speaker cone to capture the full low‑end response.
- 5.Double‑track the rhythm part and pan the tracks left and right for the massive, layered feel.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What gear was used for the Kashmir guitar tone?
The available research points to 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard ('Number Two') into Marshall 100‑watt Super Lead (1968). The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.
Are the original Kashmir amp settings documented?
Exact historical knob positions are not reliably documented for most recordings. ToneTwin does not publish generated values as studio fact; it creates playable settings only for the amp and pedals a player selects.
What tuning is Kashmir in?
The current research record lists DADGAD. ToneTwin keeps corrections open when reliable accounts disagree.
How do I recreate the Kashmir tone on my own gear?
Use the reported pickup, gain character, effects and signal-chain order as the target, then translate that target to your equipment. The matcher models controls for your selected rig rather than copying undocumented studio numbers.
Researched and reviewed by the ToneTwin Research Team.
