Sound Like Dave Navarro
Dave Navarro is one of the most recognisable voices in alternative rock — a heavy and assertive player who shaped the sound of a defining era for electric guitar. Dave Navarro of Jane's Addiction and Red Hot Chili Peppers blends funk-influenced rhythm playing with heavy reverb-soaked lead tones — a unique combination that is neither conventional metal nor conventional funk. Below are complete rig guides at four budget levels, so you can start building their sound whether you're just starting out or ready to invest in the full setup.
Budget Comparison
Pick Your Budget Level
£200 · Beginner
~£198
- DistortionBoss DS-1 Distortion
- AmpBoss Katana 50 MkII
£500 · Sweet Spot
~£527
- GuitarEpiphone Les Paul Standard
- DistortionBoss DS-1 Distortion
- AmpBoss Katana 50 MkII
£1,000 · Pro-Level
~£1,086
- GuitarEpiphone Les Paul Standard
- AmpMarshall DSL20CR
- ReverbBoss RV-6 Reverb
- WahDunlop GCB95 Cry Baby Wah
- FuzzElectro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
£2,500 · Premium
~£2425
- GuitarGibson Les Paul Junior
- WahWilson Effects MkII Wah
- DistortionFriedman BE-OD Deluxe
- AmpMarshall DSL40CR
- DelayWalrus Audio Fundamental Delay
Tone Profile
Dave Navarro's Sound
PRS Custom or Schecter into a Marshall head, with heavy reverb (Boss RV-6 or similar) on both rhythm and lead tones. A wah pedal is used as a filter on funk-influenced rhythm parts. The tone is dark and reverberant on cleans, saturated on leads. Like a Pink Floyd/Hendrix hybrid filtered through 1990s LA rock.
Tone Match
Closest Real-World Tone Match
If you like Dave Navarro's tone, these players use a similar approach — same gear philosophy, comparable sound characteristics.