Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 settings
Holy Wars settings for Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3
Megadeth · adapted 4 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Megadeth "Holy Wars" riff tone on a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3, select the OD 1 preset, then set Gain 7.5, Volume 7, Isf 8, Dly level 0, Mod level 0, Rev level 0. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Ibanez GRG170DX · updated 2026-11-05
- Preset / mode
- OD 1
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 knobs
- Gain
- 7.5
- Volume
- 7
- Isf
- 8
- Dly level
- 0
- Mod level
- 0
- Rev level
- 0
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting for a percussive attack.
- Use aggressive picking to enhance articulation.
- Practice fast, staccato riffing to match the original intensity.
The original rig
What Megadeth used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 actually has.
- Guitar
- Jackson KV Pro Dave Mustaine Signature (likely with Bill Lawrence L-500XL bridge pickup)
- Amp
- Marshall JCM800 2203 head into DeCuir 4x12 cabinet with Celestion speakers
- Gain
- 7.5
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 5.5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 6.5
- Reverb
- 0
Different guitar or pedals? Get Holy Wars adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Megadeth's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What preset should I use on the Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 for Holy Wars?
Start from the OD 1 preset, then set Gain 7.5, Volume 7, Isf 8, Dly level 0, Mod level 0, Rev level 0.
Which pickup should I use for Holy Wars?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 10 and volume at 10.
What gear did Megadeth use on Holy Wars?
Guitar: Jackson KV Pro Dave Mustaine Signature (likely with Bill Lawrence L-500XL bridge pickup). Amp: Marshall JCM800 2203 head into DeCuir 4x12 cabinet with Celestion speakers.
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Ibanez GRG170DX. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Holy Wars on other amps
Popular songs on the Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- 1979 · The Smashing Pumpkins
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
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.