Line 6 POD HD500X settings
Holy Wars settings for Line 6 POD HD500X
Megadeth · adapted 10 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Megadeth "Holy Wars" riff tone on a Line 6 POD HD500X, use the Brit J-800 (based on '87 Marshall JCM-800) 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
Adapted for a Ibanez S670QM · updated 2026-10-12
- Amp model
- Brit J-800 (based on '87 Marshall JCM-800)
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- 4x12 cabinet
- 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
- 1overdriveScreamerGain 3 · Tone 5 · Level 7
- 2noise gateNoise GateRelease 5 · Threshold 5
- 3distortionHeavy DistGain 8 · Tone 6 · Level 7
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting to achieve a percussive attack.
- Use aggressive picking to enhance articulation and clarity.
- Maintain a fast, staccato playing style for the riff.
The original rig
What Megadeth used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Line 6 POD HD500X 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 Line 6 POD HD500X for Holy Wars?
Use the Brit J-800 (based on '87 Marshall JCM-800) (lead channel) with Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 6, followed by Screamer, Noise Gate, Heavy Dist.
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 S670QM. 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 Line 6 POD HD500X
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Walk · Pantera
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Do I Wanna Know? · Arctic Monkeys
- Mr. Brightside · The Killers
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Whole Lotta Love · 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.