Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X settings
Holy Wars settings for Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X
Megadeth · adapted 3 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Megadeth "Holy Wars" riff tone on a Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X, select the AMP 2: CRUNCH preset, then set Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, Reverb 0, Octaver 0. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
Adapted for a ESP LTD EC-1000 Deluxe · updated 2026-10-08
- Preset / mode
- AMP 2: CRUNCH
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X knobs
- Gain
- 7
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 0
- Octaver
- 0
- Transpose
- 0
- Compressor
- 0
Playing tips
- Use tight palm muting for a percussive attack.
- Focus on crisp pick attack to enhance articulation.
- Maintain a fast, staccato picking style for riff clarity.
The original rig
What Megadeth used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X 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 preset should I use on the Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X for Holy Wars?
Start from the AMP 2: CRUNCH preset, then set Gain 7, Bass 5, Mid 6.5, Treble 7, Reverb 0, Octaver 0.
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 ESP LTD EC-1000 Deluxe. 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 Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Final Masquerade · LINKIN PARK
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Mr. Brightside · The Killers
- Twilight of the Machines (feat. Austere) · Heretoir
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Hypnotize · System Of A Down
- Dizzy On the Comedown · Turnover
- Cemetery Gates (Live from Foundations Forum Metal Convention, 1990) · Pantera
- A Line In the Sand · LINKIN PARK
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.