Hail to the King by Avenged Sevenfold — Amp Settings & Guitar Tone
Reference tone dialed on a Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster into a Fender Mustang LT25. Settings below are cited from real sources; open the page in a browser for the interactive version, or get this tone dialed for your exact gear.
To recreate the heavy metal tone of 'Hail to the King,' we'll use the Fender Mustang LT25's modeling capabilities to approximate a high-gain amp sound. The Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s will stand in for Synyster Gates' signature guitar, focusing on the bridge pickup for a bright, cutting tone. We'll utilize the 'SUPER ROCK' preset on the Mustang LT25 to achieve the necessary crunch and mid-forward character.
Signal chain settings
Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s — rhythm guitar
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup Selector | Bridge Pickup | Select the bridge pickup for a bright, cutting tone that stands out in the mix. |
| Master Volume | 8 | Set high for maximum output and sustain. |
| Tone 1 | Leave at default | Not used for the bridge pickup. |
| Tone 2 | 6 | Roll back slightly to tame any harshness from the single-coil pickup. |
Fender Mustang LT25 — amplification
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Preset | [22] SUPER ROCK | Closest starting point for a high-gain, mid-forward tone with tight distortion. |
| Gain | 7 | Increase from the preset's default to achieve the saturated tube crunch needed for the song. |
| Volume | 6 | Set to balance with the band mix while maintaining clarity. |
| Treble | 6 | Ensure brightness without harshness, compensating for the single-coil pickup. |
| Bass | 5 | Keep balanced to avoid muddiness, allowing the midrange to cut through. |
| Master | Leave at default | Adjust as needed for overall volume control. |
| Cabinet build | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
| Amp Models | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
| Effects | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
Section guide — how the tone changes through the song
Intro
The intro features a heavily distorted, thick sound. Increase gain for a more powerful impact.
- the pedal: Gain → 8
What Avenged Sevenfold actually used
Avenged Sevenfold's 'Hail to the King' features Synyster Gates on lead guitar and Zacky Vengeance on rhythm guitar, both using their signature Schecter models. Amplification was achieved through Marshall JCM800 and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amps. The recording and mixing process utilized Pro Tools software. The album was produced by Mike Elizondo and recorded at Can-Am and Capitol Studios in 2013.
- Schecter Synyster Gates Custom — lead guitar
- Schecter Zacky Vengeance Signature — rhythm guitar
- Marshall JCM800 — amplification
- Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier — amplification
- Pro Tools — recording and mixing
Tuning: Eb standard
Sources
- https://www.fender.com/en-US/squier-electric-guitars/stratocaster/classic-vibe-stratocaster-60s/0303010500.html
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1547905/Fender-Mustang-Lt25.html
- https://www.fender.com/en-US/guitar-amplifiers/contemporary-digital/mustang-lt25/2311100000.html
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3126493/Fender-Mustang-Lt25.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hail_to_the_King_(Avenged_Sevenfold_album)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenged_Sevenfold