Marshall DSL20CR settings
The Shortest Straw settings for Marshall DSL20CR
Metallica · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "The Shortest Straw" solo tone on a Marshall DSL20CR, set Gain 8, Bass 5, Mid 3, Treble 8, Presence 6, Resonance 6. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Solo settings
Adapted for a Epiphone Explorer 80s EMG · updated 2026-08-03
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Marshall DSL20CR knobs
- Gain
- 8
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 3
- Treble
- 8
- Presence
- 6
- Resonance
- 6
- Reverb
- 0.5
- Tone shift
- 1
- Output mode
- 2
- Ultra gain volume
- 7
- Classic gain volume
- 0
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (spring) · 2
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in reverb set to a low level for slight ambiance.
- Incorporate a wah pedal for expressive sweeps during the solo.
- Focus on tight, staccato alternate picking for clarity in fast runs.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Epiphone Explorer 80s EMG · updated 2026-08-03
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Marshall DSL20CR knobs
- Gain
- 8.5
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 3.5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 6
- Resonance
- 6
- Tone shift
- 0
- Output mode
- 2
- Ultra gain volume
- 7
- Classic gain volume
- 5
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting for chugging riffs.
- Use aggressive pick attack to enhance articulation.
- Maintain a steady rhythm to keep the percussive quality.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Marshall DSL20CR 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 DSL20CR settings for The Shortest Straw?
Set Gain 8, Bass 5, Mid 3, Treble 8, 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 DSL20CR
All Metallica tones →Popular songs on the Marshall DSL20CR
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Walk · Pantera
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Layla · Derek and the Dominos
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Crossroads · Cream
- Heart-Shaped Box · Nirvana
- No More Tears · Ozzy Osbourne
- Paranoid · Black Sabbath
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
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.