Tornado of Souls by Megadeth — 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 capture the aggressive and articulate tone of 'Tornado of Souls,' we will use the Fender Mustang LT25's modeling capabilities to emulate a Marshall JCM800. The Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s will be used with its bridge pickup to approximate the humbucker sound. The LT25's 'Thrash Overkill' preset provides a high-gain foundation, with adjustments to EQ and effects to match the recording's clarity and depth.
Signal chain settings
Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s — Main guitar
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup Selector | Bridge Pickup | Select the bridge pickup for a sharper, more aggressive tone that cuts through the mix. |
| Master Volume | 8 | Set high to ensure strong signal into the amp for saturation. |
| Tone 1 | Leave at default | Not used for the bridge pickup. |
| Tone 2 | 7 | Roll back slightly to avoid harsh highs from the single-coil pickup. |
Fender Mustang LT25 — Amp modeling
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Preset | [14] THRASH OVERKILL | This preset provides the high-gain character needed for the song, emulating a Marshall JCM800. |
| Gain | 8 | Increase from preset to achieve the saturated tube crunch with tight articulation. |
| Volume | 5 | Balance output level to match band dynamics without overpowering. |
| Treble | 6 | Boost slightly to emphasize the bright, cutting edge of the tone. |
| Bass | 4 | Keep low to maintain tightness and avoid muddying the sound. |
| Master | 6 | Output level — set to the volume you're playing at; this sets loudness, not tone. |
| 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. |
What Megadeth actually used
The recording of 'Tornado of Souls' featured Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman on guitars, with production by Dave Mustaine and Mike Clink at Rumbo Recorders. While exact gear details are not documented, the equipment listed reflects the band's typical setup during the 'Rust in Peace' era.
- Jackson King V — main rhythm
- Ibanez RG550 — lead
- Marshall JCM800 — amplification
- Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive — overdrive
- Lexicon PCM70 — reverb
Tuning: 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://musicbrainz.org/release/6265c8d5-02be-428b-a2e3-e0d3f2590021
- https://www.musicradar.com/news/dave-mustaine-handshake-tornado-of-souls-marty-friedman