Marshall Code 50 settings
Fade to Black settings for Marshall Code 50
Metallica · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Fade to Black" solo tone on a Marshall Code 50, select the Brit Rock preset, then set Gain 8, Bass 6.5, Mid 6, Treble 7.5, Reverb 1.5. Use the neck pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Solo settings
updated 2026-06-02
- Preset / mode
- Brit Rock
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Marshall Code 50 knobs
- Gain
- 8
- Bass
- 6.5
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 7.5
- Reverb
- 1.5
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (spring) · 3
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in reverb set to a moderate level to recreate the spacious feel of the original tone.
- Consider using a wah pedal in a cocked position to emphasize midrange frequencies for a singing lead tone.
- Focus on smooth legato playing techniques to achieve the creamy sustain characteristic of the original solo.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Squier Stratocaster · updated 2026-04-04
- Preset / mode
- Metal Edge
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Marshall Code 50 knobs
- Gain
- 8
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 2
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 0.5
Built-in effects
- Reverb off
Playing tips
- Use aggressive palm muting to achieve a tight, percussive sound.
- Focus on crisp attack while picking for articulate chugging.
- Keep your picking hand close to the bridge for a sharper tone.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Marshall Code 50 actually has.
- Guitar
- Gibson Flying V (black, 1979 model, stock pickups)
- Amp
- Marshall JCM800 (likely 2203 or 2204 head, 1980s, with 4x12 cab)
- Gain
- 8
- Bass
- 6.5
- Mid
- 5
- Treble
- 7.5
- Presence
- 6
- Reverb
- 1.5
Different guitar or pedals? Get Fade to Black adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Metallica's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What preset should I use on the Marshall Code 50 for Fade to Black?
Start from the Brit Rock preset, then set Gain 8, Bass 6.5, Mid 6, Treble 7.5, Reverb 1.5.
Which pickup should I use for Fade to Black?
Neck pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did Metallica use on Fade to Black?
Guitar: Gibson Flying V (black, 1979 model, stock pickups). Amp: Marshall JCM800 (likely 2203 or 2204 head, 1980s, with 4x12 cab).
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.
Fade to Black on other amps
- Fade to Black on Fender Mustang LT25 · 24
- Fade to Black on Boss Katana · 22
- Fade to Black on Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 · 7
- Fade to Black on Marshall DSL40CR · 5
- Fade to Black on Fender Frontman 10G · 4
- Fade to Black on Fender Champion II 25 · 4
- Fade to Black on Fender Mustang LT50 · 4
- Fade to Black on Marshall MG30FX · 4
More Metallica on the Marshall Code 50
All Metallica tones →Popular songs on the Marshall Code 50
- Walk · Pantera
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Man in the Box · Alice in Chains
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.