Boss ME-90 settings
Holy Wars settings for Boss ME-90
Megadeth · adapted 8 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Megadeth "Holy Wars" riff tone on a Boss ME-90, use the Brit Stack (Marshall JCM800) amp model on the lead channel, then set Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 6. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
updated 2026-10-21
- Amp model
- Brit Stack (Marshall JCM800)
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- 4x12 cabinet with Celestion speakers
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Amp block
- Drive
- 8
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 6
Effects chain
- 1distortionMetal DSGain 8 · Tone 7 · Level 7
- 2noise gateNoise GateRelease 3 · Threshold 5
- 3overdriveTurbo ODGain 5 · Tone 6 · Level 7
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting to achieve a percussive attack.
- Use aggressive picking for clarity and articulation in fast riffs.
- Maintain a staccato feel to emphasize the rhythmic elements.
The original rig
What Megadeth used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Boss ME-90 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 amp model should I use on the Boss ME-90 for Holy Wars?
Use the Brit Stack (Marshall JCM800) (lead channel) with Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 6, followed by Metal DS, Noise Gate, Turbo OD.
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?
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 Boss ME-90
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Walk · Pantera
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Killing in the Name · Rage Against the Machine
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
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.