Neural DSP Quad Cortex settings
Holy Wars settings for Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Megadeth · adapted 90 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Megadeth "Holy Wars" riff tone on a Neural DSP Quad Cortex, use the Brit 2203 (Marshall JCM800) amp model on the lead channel, then set Drive 8, 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
Adapted for a Ibanez Iceman · updated 2026-11-09
- Amp model
- Brit 2203 (Marshall JCM800)
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- 4x12 cabinet with Celestion speakers
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Amp block
- Drive
- 8
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 6
Effects chain
- 1distortionRodent Drive (ProCo Rat)Volume 8 · Filter 5 · Distortion 7
- 2noise gateAdaptive Gate
- 3boostExotic Z Boost (Xotic RC Booster)Gain 5 · Bass 5 · Treble 5 · Level 8
Playing tips
- Utilize tight palm muting for a percussive attack.
- Focus on staccato playing to achieve razor-sharp articulation.
- Ensure aggressive pick attack to maintain clarity in fast riffs.
The original rig
What Megadeth used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Neural DSP Quad 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 Quad Cortex for Holy Wars?
Use the Brit 2203 (Marshall JCM800) (lead channel) with Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 6, followed by Rodent Drive (ProCo Rat), Adaptive Gate, Exotic Z Boost (Xotic RC Booster).
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 Ibanez Iceman. 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 Quad Cortex
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Walk · Pantera
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Mr. Brightside · The Killers
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.