The Pretender

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)

Original 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

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Tune the guitar to Drop D (D‑A‑D‑G‑B‑E) for the low‑end power chords.
2. 2.Select the bridge pickup and set the volume knob to full for maximum drive.
3. 3.Palm‑mute the verse chords and gradually increase attack to capture the dynamic build.
4. 4.Add a subtle reverb on the clean intro, then let the high‑gain amp take over for the chorus.