Some guitar tones don’t just sound great—they change everything. From the searing solos of the '60s to the polished sounds of modern rock, we’ve rounded up ten of the best guitar tones ever. These iconic sounds have shaped genres, defined generations, and inspired players around the world. And the best part? You can recreate every one of them using your Positive Grid Spark amp.

1. Jimi Hendrix – “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”

Band: The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Why it’s iconic: Hendrix's tone on this track is raw, expressive, and otherworldly, thanks to his upside-down Strat, a cranked amp, and fuzz that sings.

How to sound like Hendrix:

• Guitar: Fender Stratocaster with single coils
• Amp: Marshall Super Lead-style model
• Effects: Fuzz Face-style distortion, Vox-style wah, slight modulation

Pro tip: Tune down a half step to Eb for that extra Hendrix mojo.

ToneCloud Preset: Voodoo Child

2. Eddie Van Halen – “Eruption”

Band: Van Halen

Why it’s iconic: The “brown sound” is a masterclass in harmonics, sustain, and controlled chaos.

How to sound like EVH:

• Guitar: Humbucker-equipped Super Strat
• Amp: Hot-rodded Plexi-style amp with plenty of gain
• Effects: Phaser (MXR Phase 90-style), plate-style reverb

Pro tip: Use a noise gate to tame the gain and keep things tight.

ToneCloud Preset: Eruption

3. David Gilmour – “Comfortably Numb” (Second Solo)

Band: Pink Floyd

Why it’s iconic: Gilmour’s tone is smooth, soaring, and drenched in emotion, proof that feel matters as much as gear.

How to sound like Gilmour:

• Guitar: Fender Stratocaster
• Amp: Hiwatt-style clean amp with headroom
• Effects: Big Muff-style fuzz, analog delay, modulation (chorus/flanger)

Pro tip: Stack compression before and after fuzz for sustain and clarity.

ToneCloud Preset: Comfortably Numb

4. Slash – “Sweet Child O’ Mine”

Band: Guns N' Roses

Why it’s iconic: A creamy, mid-heavy Les Paul tone that cuts through any mix without being harsh.

How to sound like Slash:

• Guitar: Gibson Les Paul with Alnico II pickups
• Amp: Marshall JCM800-style amp
• Effects: Delay for solos, slight reverb

Pro tip: Dial back the treble slightly and boost mids for that signature Slash warmth.

ToneCloud Preset: Sweet Child

5. John Mayer – “Gravity”

Band: John Mayer Trio

Why it’s iconic: A clean, compressed tone with just enough breakup to feel alive. Mayer’s tone is all about touch.

How to sound like Mayer:

• Guitar: Single-coil Strat-style guitar
• Amp: Dumble-style clean amp or Fender-style combo
• Effects: Light overdrive (Tube Screamer-style), compression, subtle reverb

Pro tip: Keep the gain low and let your fingers do the work.

ToneCloud Preset: Gravity

6. Tom Morello – “Bulls on Parade”

Band: Rage Against the Machine

Why it’s iconic: Morello’s tone is aggressive, experimental, and unmistakably his own.

How to sound like Morello:

• Guitar: Humbucker-equipped guitar with a killswitch
• Amp: Marshall JCM800-style amp
• Effects: Whammy pedal, delay, phaser

Pro tip: Use the killswitch creatively for rhythmic effects.

ToneCloud Preset: Bulls on Parade

7. Kurt Cobain – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Band: Nirvana

Why it’s iconic: Grunge in a bottle. Dirty, raw, and full of angst.

How to sound like Cobain:

• Guitar: Fender Jaguar or Mustang with humbuckers
• Amp: Solid-state or clean amp with distortion pedal
• Effects: DS-1 or DS-2 distortion, chorus

Pro tip: Keep it simple and focus on the energy.

ToneCloud Preset: Teen Spirit

8. Eric Clapton – “Layla” (Unplugged)

Band: Eric Clapton

Why it’s iconic: Warm, bluesy, and intimate. Clapton’s acoustic tone is as expressive as his electric work.

How to sound like Clapton:

• Guitar: Steel-string acoustic with light gauge strings
• Amp: Mic’d acoustic or acoustic amp with EQ
• Effects: Light compression, reverb

Pro tip: Focus on dynamics and phrasing.

ToneCloud Preset: Layla

9. Jimmy Page – “Whole Lotta Love”

Band: Led Zeppelin

Why it’s iconic: A gritty, overdriven tone that’s both raw and refined.

How to sound like Page:

• Guitar: Gibson Les Paul Standard
• Amp: Marshall Super Lead-style amp
• Effects: Tape echo, reverb

Pro tip: Use a bow for that iconic solo section.

ToneCloud Preset: Whole Lotta Love

10. The Edge – “Where the Streets Have No Name”

Band: U2

Why it’s iconic: A masterclass in delay and modulation. The Edge’s tone is atmospheric and rhythmic.

How to sound like The Edge:

• Guitar: Fender Stratocaster or Gibson Explorer
• Amp: Vox AC30-style amp
• Effects: Dual delay setup (dotted eighth and quarter notes), modulation

Pro tip: Use stereo delays for a wide soundscape.

ToneCloud Preset: U2 Where Streets

Turn Inspiration Into Your Own Signature Sound

Spark series amps make it easy to dial in some of the best guitar tones ever. From vintage warmth to modern bite, explore pro-quality presets, customize your sound, and tap into the tones that shaped generations. The gear may be virtual, but the inspiration is real—and it's ready when you are.