Zoom GFX-5 settings
Holy Wars settings for Zoom GFX-5
Megadeth · adapted 4 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Megadeth "Holy Wars" riff tone on a Zoom GFX-5, use the HI-GAIN amp model on the lead channel, then set Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 5, Mid 4, Treble 7, Presence 6. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Schecter Synyster Gates Custom · updated 2026-09-12
- Amp model
- HI-GAIN
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- 4x12
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Amp block
- Drive
- 8
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 4
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 6
Effects chain
- 1noise gateZOOM Noise ReductionRelease 5 · Threshold 5
- 2distortionDistortionGain 8 · Tone 7 · Level 7
- 3overdriveOverdriveGain 4 · Tone 6 · Level 8
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting to achieve a percussive attack.
- Use aggressive picking for a sharp articulation on the notes.
- Maintain a staccato feel in your riffing to match the original tone.
The original rig
What Megadeth used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Zoom GFX-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 Zoom GFX-5 for Holy Wars?
Use the HI-GAIN (lead channel) with Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 5, Mid 4, Treble 7, Presence 6, followed by ZOOM Noise Reduction, Distortion, Overdrive.
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 Schecter Synyster Gates Custom. 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 Zoom GFX-5
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Do I Wanna Know? · Arctic Monkeys
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Take Me Out · Franz Ferdinand
- Walk · Pantera
- Crossroads · Cream
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
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.