Neural DSP Nano Cortex settings
Holy Wars settings for Neural DSP Nano Cortex
Megadeth · adapted 9 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Megadeth "Holy Wars" riff tone on a Neural DSP Nano Cortex, use the Marshall® JCM800® 1987 Brit 2203 87 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
updated 2026-10-09
- Amp model
- Marshall® JCM800® 1987 Brit 2203 87
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- 4x12 cabinet with Celestion speakers
- 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
- 1distortionRodent DriveGain 7 · Tone 5 · Level 7
- 2noise gateAdaptive GateRelease 4 · Threshold 5
- 3overdriveGreen 808Gain 3 · Tone 5 · Level 7
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting for a percussive sound.
- Use aggressive pick attack to enhance articulation.
- Maintain a fast, staccato rhythm for clarity in the riff.
The original rig
What Megadeth used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Neural DSP Nano Cortex 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 Neural DSP Nano Cortex for Holy Wars?
Use the Marshall® JCM800® 1987 Brit 2203 87 (lead channel) with Drive 7, Master 7, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 6, followed by Rodent Drive, Adaptive Gate, Green 808.
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?
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 Nano Cortex
- Walk · Pantera
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Mr. Brightside · The Killers
- Rooster · 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.