Valeton GP-5 settings
Holy Wars settings for Valeton GP-5
Megadeth · adapted 5 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Megadeth "Holy Wars" riff tone on a Valeton GP-5, use the Marshall JCM800 2203 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
Adapted for a Squier Stratocaster · updated 2026-11-08
- Amp model
- Marshall JCM800 2203
- 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
- 1distortionHeavy MetalGain 8 · Tone 6 · Level 7
- 2noise gateGateRelease 3 · Threshold 5
- 3overdriveBoostGain 3 · Level 8
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting to achieve a percussive sound.
- Use aggressive pick attack for sharp articulation.
- Maintain a fast, staccato playing style to replicate the riff's intensity.
The original rig
What Megadeth used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Valeton GP-5 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 Valeton GP-5 for Holy Wars?
Use the Marshall JCM800 2203 (lead channel) with Drive 7, Master 7, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 7, Presence 6, followed by Heavy Metal, Gate, Boost.
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 Squier Stratocaster. 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 Valeton GP-5
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Walk · Pantera
- Creep · Radiohead
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
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.