Dave Navarro Amp Settings
EQ dial positions, gain structure, and how to replicate the sound on any amp
Reference Amp
Estimated Starting Settings
Dial positions are derived from Dave Navarro's tonal fingerprint. These are starting points — fine-tune by ear on your specific amp.
All values on a 0–10 scale. Start here and adjust to room acoustics and your specific amp model.
Choosing the Right Amp
Amp at Every Budget
Getting the Most From Your Amp
- Use the amp's own drive channel rather than stacking too many pedals —Dave Navarro's tone benefits from amp-driven saturation.
- Don't scoop the mids. Dave Navarro's mid-forward voicing is essential to cut through the mix.
- Master volume matters — many classic tones only work at significant volume when tubes are working hard.
Related Gear
Similar Guitarists
FAQ
Dave Navarro Amp Settings — Common Questions
Dave Navarro's tone is characterised by pedals doing most of the work into a clean-ish amp with a british amp voicing. Approximate starting settings: Gain 7, Bass 7, Mid 7, Treble 6.
Dave Navarro's primary amp is the Marshall DSL20CR. At different budgets, similar tones can be achieved with: Boss Katana 50 MkII (£200 · Beginner), Boss Katana 50 MkII (£500 · Sweet Spot), Marshall DSL20CR (£1,000 · Pro-Level), Marshall DSL100H (£2,500 · Premium).
Dave Navarro's gain structure is pedals doing most of the work into a clean-ish amp. On a 0–10 scale, this translates to a Gain setting of approximately 7 on most amplifiers.
You can get close to Dave Navarro's tone on any amp by focusing on the EQ character rather than specific gain levels. Key: keep the mids high (7–8) — mid-forward voicing is critical. Use the amp's drive channel rather than external pedals for the primary distortion. A Boss Katana or Blackstar HT series can approximate the tone at low cost.
For Dave Navarro's EQ signature: Bass 7/10, Mid 7/10, Treble 6/10, Presence 6/10. The tone is characterised as: gothic-atmosphere, cinematic, melodic-lead. These are starting points — fine-tune by ear to your specific amp and room.