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The recording
The Pretender was recorded at Dave Grohl’s Studio 606 West in Los Angeles with producer Gil Norton. The track opens with a clean, reverb‑laden arpeggio played on a Gibson Trini Lopez set to Drop D, routed through a Vox AC30 for chime. As the verse builds, Grohl switches to a high‑gain Mesa/Boogie Road King, while Chris Shiflett adds layered rhythm parts on a Gibson DG‑335 through a second Vox AC30. The dual‑amp, dual‑guitar arrangement creates the massive wall‑of‑sound that defines the chorus.
Tuning Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)
Signal chain
Reported gear
1967 Gibson Trini Lopez Standard
Guitar
Dave Grohl recorded the main rhythm and lead parts on a 1967 Gibson Trini Lopez Standard, a semi‑hollow body guitar with PAF‑style pickups, tuned to Drop D for the low‑end power chords.
Mesa/Boogie Road King
Amp
The heavy choruses were driven through a Mesa/Boogie Road King, delivering a thick, mid‑focused high‑gain channel that underpins the song’s wall‑of‑sound.
1967 Gibson DG‑335
Guitar
Chris Shiflett added layered rhythm parts on a 1967 Gibson DG‑335 semi‑hollow, which contributes a brighter, more articulate tone that complements Grohl’s heavier guitar.
Vox AC30
Amp
The clean intro and verses were recorded through a Vox AC30, giving a shimmering, reverb‑rich chime that transitions into the high‑gain Road King for the chorus.
Alternatives
Epiphone G‑400 Semi‑Hollow
Modern equivalent · for the 1967 Gibson Trini Lopez Standard
Epiphone Dot Semi‑Hollow
Modern equivalent · for the 1967 Gibson DG‑335
Mesa/Boogie Mark V (with Road King channel)
Modern equivalent · for the Mesa/Boogie Road King
Vox AC30 Custom Classic
Modern equivalent · for the Vox AC30
Practical playing approach
Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.
- 1.Tune the guitar to Drop D (D‑A‑D‑G‑B‑E) for the low‑end power chords.
- 2.Select the bridge pickup and set the volume knob to full for maximum drive.
- 3.Palm‑mute the verse chords and gradually increase attack to capture the dynamic build.
- 4.Add a subtle reverb on the clean intro, then let the high‑gain amp take over for the chorus.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What gear was used for the The Pretender guitar tone?
The available research points to 1967 Gibson Trini Lopez Standard into Mesa/Boogie Road King. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.
Are the original The Pretender 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 The Pretender in?
The current research record lists Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E). ToneTwin keeps corrections open when reliable accounts disagree.
How do I recreate the The Pretender 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.
