Amp settings
For Whom the Bell Tolls settings for Amp
Metallica · adapted 65 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "For Whom the Bell Tolls" distorted tone on a Amp, set Gain 7.5, Drive 3, Bass 4.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6. Use the p pickup (split-coil, only pickup position) pickup.
Distorted settings
Adapted for a Fender Precision Bass · updated 2026-11-14
- Pickup
- P pickup (split-coil, only pickup position)
Amp knobs
- Gain
- 7.5
- Drive
- 3
- Bass
- 4.5
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 6.5
- Presence
- 6
- Ultra low
- 0
- Ultra high
- 0
Playing tips
- Use your fingers to pluck the strings aggressively to achieve a punchy attack.
- Experiment with the drive control to find the sweet spot for saturation without losing clarity.
- Adjust the presence to enhance the definition of your notes while maintaining warmth.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Gibson Les Paul · updated 2026-06-19
- Pickup
- both
Amp knobs
- Gain
- 8
- Drive
- 3
- Bass
- 4.5
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 7.5
- Presence
- 6
- Ultra low
- 0
- Ultra high
- 0
Playing tips
- Use fingerstyle to achieve a warm and rounded tone.
- Experiment with the drive control to find the right level of saturation.
- Adjust the presence to enhance clarity without harshness.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Amp actually has.
- Bass
- Gibson Explorer (likely 1984 model, stock pickups at time of recording)
- Amp
- Marshall JMP 2203 (modified, 100W head, used in studio for Ride the Lightning 1984)
- Gain
- 7.5
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 4.5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 6
- Reverb
- 0
Different bass or pedals? Get For Whom the Bell Tolls adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Metallica's tone to your own bass, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Amp settings for For Whom the Bell Tolls?
Set Gain 7.5, Drive 3, Bass 4.5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.
Which pickup should I use for For Whom the Bell Tolls?
P pickup (split-coil, only pickup position).
What gear did Metallica use on For Whom the Bell Tolls?
Bass: Gibson Explorer (likely 1984 model, stock pickups at time of recording). Amp: Marshall JMP 2203 (modified, 100W head, used in studio for Ride the Lightning 1984).
Will these settings work with my bass?
These settings were adapted for a Fender Precision Bass. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact bass, pickups, amp and pedals.
For Whom the Bell Tolls on other amps
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on Fender Rumble 25 · 54
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on 15W Bass Combo Amplifier by Gear4music · 39
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on Fender Rumble 15 · 37
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on Fender Rumble 40 · 35
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on Fender Rumble 100 · 21
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on Fender Mustang LT25 · 16
- For Whom the Bell Tolls on Fender Rumble LT25 · 12
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Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.