Maroon 5 have some classic pop hits and many aspiring guitarists want to play their songs. However, it can be hard to dial in the right amp settings to achieve the best tone. In this article I’ll guide you through the process of setting up your amp to sound more like Maroon 5.
Just looking for amp presets? Scroll down to find a list of example amp settings for some of Maroon 5’s most popular songs.
Quick Guide to Maroon 5 Amp Settings
To sound like Maroon 5, start with the following amp settings:
- Gain: 1-2
- Bass: 4-5
- Mids: 5-6
- Treble: 6-7
- Reverb: 2-3
Quick note: these amp settings should be used as a starting point only. Different amps and guitars all sound different from one another, so giving a one-size-fits-all amp setting preset isn’t all that useful. Instead, follow this guide through to get as close as possible to Maroon 5’s tone using your rig.
The Basics
Before we look at any more presets I think it’s a good idea to get a proper understanding of the basic controls and what kind of affect they have so you can understand where Maroon 5’s sound comes from. We’ll be looking at:
- Gain
- EQ
- Effects
Gain
Maroon 5 are not known for using much gain at all so I’d recommend using the clean channel on your amp (if it has more than one channel), and keeping the gain very low. For most songs the gain will probably need to be on around 1-2 and you’ll need to turn the volume up on certain amps to compensate for such a low gain setting.
EQ/ Tone (Bass, Mids, Treble)
When we’re talking about the EQ settings, we’re referring to three controls: bass, mids and treble.
- Bass: most Maroon 5 songs will require a moderate bass setting so start with this at midway. If it’s too high it’ll sound “boomy” and if it’s too low then it can sound thin and weak so you’ll need to strike a balance.
- Mids: this should again be fairly moderate and I’d recommend starting with this on 5-6. This should give the tone enough depth but without it dominating the mix too much.
- Treble: this adjusts the high-end frequencies. If it’s too high, the tone will sound harsh and sharp, but if it’s too low it’ll lack definition and clarity. For most songs I’d recommend starting with this on 6-7.
If your amp doesn’t have individual bass, mids and treble controls and instead has a single control called either EQ/ tone, then you should have this set in the middle to start. If the tone lacks clarity and doesn’t sound bright enough, turn it up. If it needs more warmth and depth, turn it down.
Some amps have additional controls so make sure you also check out the brand-specific amp controls guide which is relevant to you, to get the most from your rig:
- Fender Amp Settings
- Marshall Amp Settings
- Boss Amp Settings
- Orange Amp Settings
- Line 6 Amp Settings
- Vox Amp Settings
Effects
You won’t need a tonne of effects to sound like Maroon 5, but there are some that can be very useful:
- Reverb: many amps have a built-in reverb control but you can get an effects pedal if your amp doesn’t. This adds a lot of life and depth to the tone and is really important on a lot of songs.
- Delay: again this can be used subtly to add more depth. Most amps don’t have a delay effect so you’ll probably need to get a pedal if you want to use it.
- Overdrive: Maroon 5 don’t use much overdrive, but it is used occasionally to kick things up a notch for example during a chorus. It’s best to use a pedal for this so it can be turned on/ off easily without having to touch the amp.
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Amp Settings for Popular Maroon 5 Songs
Now let’s take a look at some example presets for popular Maroon 5 songs. These are not the exact settings used by the band are designed to be used to get you starting. They will almost always need some minor adjustments. Scroll ahead to the next section to find the fixes for common problems.
Memories Amp Settings
- Gain: 2
- Bass: 6
- Mids: 5
- Treble: 4
- Reverb: 4
Maps Amp Settings
- Gain: 2
- Bass: 5
- Mids: 5
- Treble: 7
- Reverb: 3
Sugar Amp Settings
- Gain: 2
- Bass: 5
- Mids: 6
- Treble: 5
- Reverb: 2
This Love Amp Settings
- Gain: 4
- Bass: 6
- Mids: 5
- Treble 5
- Reverb: 2
Animals Amp Settings
- Gain: 2
- Bass: 4
- Mids: 5
- Treble: 8
- Reverb: 3
Moves Like Jagger Amp Settings
- Gain: 2
- Bass: 4
- Mids: 5
- Treble: 8
- Reverb: 2
One More Night Amp Settings
- Gain: 3
- Bass: 4
- Mids: 6
- Treble: 8
- Reverb: 3
She Will Be Loved Amp Setting
- Gain: 2
- Bass: 6
- Mids: 6
- Treble: 7
- Reverb: 2
I’ve also made an article with example amp settings for over 40 popular guitar songs here to help you sound more like your favourite players.
Common Issues
If things don’t sound quite right, don’t worry! In this section I’ve listed some common problems and issues you may be encountering. Work your way down the list, making one adjustment at a time and listening for the differences so you are able to dial in the best settings.
Tone Sounds Too Harsh and Bright
- Switch to the neck pickup if you are using the bridge or middle
- Decrease the treble
- Increase the bass
Dry and Flat Tone
- Add more reverb
- Increase the mids
- Increase the bass
Thin Tone (Lack of Punch)
- Increase the mids
- Increase the bass
- Increase the gain
Sounds Too Distorted Rather Than Overdriven
- Turn the gain down and the volume up
- Increase the treble and decrease the bass and mids slightly
- Use an overdrive pedal instead of the gain setting on your amp
Frequently Asked Questions
What amps do Maroon 5 use?
James Valentine of Maroon 5 is best known for using Matchless guitar amps.
What guitars do Maroon 5 use?
James Valentine of Maroon 5 predominantly plays a Fender Telecaster but also frequently plays a Gibson Les Paul electric guitar.
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