Marshall DSL100HR settings
The Shortest Straw settings for Marshall DSL100HR
Metallica · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "The Shortest Straw" riff tone on a Marshall DSL100HR, set Gain 8.5, Bass 6, Mid 3.5, Treble 7.5, Presence 6, Resonance 6. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Epiphone Explorer 80s EMG · updated 2026-10-15
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Marshall DSL100HR knobs
- Gain
- 8.5
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 3.5
- Treble
- 7.5
- Presence
- 6
- Resonance
- 6
- Reverb
- 0
- Low power
- 0
- Tone shift
- 1
- Master volume II
- 0
Playing tips
- Use aggressive palm muting for tight chugs.
- Focus on precise pick attack for articulation.
- Maintain a steady rhythm to enhance percussive elements.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Marshall DSL100HR actually has.
- Guitar
- ESP MX220 'EET FUK' (custom Explorer-style, 1987-88)
- Amp
- Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (used as preamp) into Marshall JCM800 100W power amp and Mesa 4x12 cabinets
- Gain
- 8.5
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 3.5
- Treble
- 7.5
- Presence
- 6
- Reverb
- 0
Different guitar or pedals? Get The Shortest Straw 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 are the best Marshall DSL100HR settings for The Shortest Straw?
Set Gain 8.5, Bass 6, Mid 3.5, Treble 7.5, Presence 6, Resonance 6.
Which pickup should I use for The Shortest Straw?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 10 and volume at 10.
What gear did Metallica use on The Shortest Straw?
Guitar: ESP MX220 'EET FUK' (custom Explorer-style, 1987-88). Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (used as preamp) into Marshall JCM800 100W power amp and Mesa 4x12 cabinets.
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Epiphone Explorer 80s EMG. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
The Shortest Straw on other amps
More Metallica on the Marshall DSL100HR
All Metallica tones →Popular songs on the Marshall DSL100HR
- Walk · Pantera
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- You Give Love a Bad Name · Bon Jovi
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Smoke on the Water · Deep Purple
- Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love · Van Halen
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.