For Whom the Bell Tolls by Metallica — 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.
This setup aims to capture the mid-80s Metallica tone using the available gear. The Fender Mustang LT25's modeling capabilities allow us to approximate the Marshall JCM800's crunch, while the Squier Strat provides a bright, articulate response. We'll use the 'MYTHIC CRUNCH' preset as a starting point to achieve the British crunch character.
Signal chain settings
Squier Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster — Main rhythm tone
| 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 drive the amp model harder and achieve a saturated crunch. |
| Tone 1 | Leave at default | Not used for bridge pickup; focus on bridge tone. |
| Tone 2 | 5 | Neutral setting to maintain the natural brightness of the bridge pickup. |
Fender Mustang LT25 — Main rhythm tone
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Preset | [20] MYTHIC CRUNCH | This preset provides a British crunch character similar to the Marshall JCM800. |
| Gain | 7 | Increase to achieve the saturated tube crunch typical of the mid-80s metal sound. |
| Volume | 6 | Balanced to maintain clarity and avoid overpowering the mix. |
| Treble | 6 | Set to keep the highs crisp without becoming harsh. |
| Bass | 5 | Neutral setting to ensure a tight low end without muddiness. |
| Master | 5 | Moderate level to control overall output and maintain dynamics. |
| Cabinet build | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
| Amp Models | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
Section guide — how the tone changes through the song
Intro Riff
For the intro riff, the tone is heavier and more aggressive, emulating the Mesa/Boogie Mark I amp used in the recording.
- the pedal: Gain → 8
What Metallica actually used
Recorded at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark, 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' features Cliff Burton's iconic bass intro, achieved using distortion and wah effects. The bell sound at the beginning was created by Lars Ulrich striking an anvil with a metal hammer.
- Gibson Flying V — rhythm guitar
- Gibson Les Paul Standard — lead guitar
- Marshall JCM800 — guitar amplification
- Morley Power Wah Fuzz — bass effects
- Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi — bass distortion
- Mesa/Boogie D-180 — bass amplification
- Anvil struck with a metal hammer — bell sound effect
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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_Whom_the_Bell_Tolls_(Metallica_song)
- https://www.musicradar.com/artists/lars-and-i-saw-him-headbanging-at-the-whiskey-lets-get-that-guitar-player-oh-hes-playing-bass-this-skinny-dude-with-bell-bottoms-playing-a-wah-solo-wow-we-need-him-james-hetfield-on-the-life-and-death-of-metallica-legend-cliff-burton
- https://www.tonedb.co/tones/metallica/for-whom-the-bell-tolls/bass-guitar