M-VAVE MK-20 settings
Holy Wars settings for M-VAVE MK-20
Megadeth · adapted 3 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Megadeth "Holy Wars" riff tone on a M-VAVE MK-20, use the 120 ANN Amp Models amp model on the lead channel, then set Drive 7, 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 Les Paul · updated 2026-11-10
- Amp model
- 120 ANN Amp Models
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- 4x12 cabinet
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Amp block
- Drive
- 7
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 6
Effects chain
- 1distortionDistortionGain 8 · Tone 6 · Level 7
- 2noise gateNoise GateRelease 3 · Threshold 5
- 3overdriveOverdriveGain 4 · Tone 6 · Level 8
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting to achieve a percussive attack.
- Use aggressive pick attack for clarity and articulation in fast riffs.
- Maintain a staccato feel in your playing to match the original riff's intensity.
The original rig
What Megadeth used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your M-VAVE MK-20 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 M-VAVE MK-20 for Holy Wars?
Use the 120 ANN Amp Models (lead channel) with Drive 7, Master 7, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 6, followed by Distortion, Noise Gate, Overdrive.
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 Les Paul. 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 M-VAVE MK-20
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Walk · Pantera
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Wonderwall · Oasis
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Killing in the Name · Rage Against the Machine
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
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.