Cowboys from Hell by Pantera — 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 scooped tone of 'Cowboys from Hell,' we'll use the Fender Mustang LT25's high-gain capabilities and the Squier Stratocaster's bridge pickup for brightness. The amp's built-in effects will help approximate the flanger used in the original recording.
Signal chain settings
Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s — Main rhythm guitar
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup Selector | Bridge Pickup | Select the bridge pickup for a bright, cutting tone that matches the aggressive edge of the original recording. |
| Master Volume | 8 | Set to 8 to ensure a strong output without losing clarity. |
| Tone 1 | 10 | Tone wide open — roll it down to soften the high end. |
| Tone 2 | 7 | Tone 2 controls the bridge pickup; set to 7 to maintain brightness without harshness. |
Fender Mustang LT25 — Main amplifier
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Preset | [11] METAL LEAD | Chosen for its high-gain structure, which is essential for replicating the aggressive tone of the original recording. |
| Gain | 8 | Set to 8 to achieve the tight, aggressive distortion characteristic of the song. |
| Volume | 6 | Volume at 6 ensures a strong output without overpowering the mix. |
| Treble | 7 | Treble at 7 enhances the bright attack needed for the song's sharp articulation. |
| Bass | 6 | Set to 6 to maintain the scooped-mid character while providing a solid low-end foundation. |
| Master | 6 | Output level — set to the volume you're playing at; this sets loudness, not tone. |
| Effects | Flanger | Engage the flanger effect to thicken the guitar tone, emulating the studio effect heard on the record. |
| Cabinet build | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
| Amp Models | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
What Pantera actually used
Dimebag Darrell's setup for 'Cowboys from Hell' featured his iconic Dean ML guitar, modified with specific pickups for a distinctive tone. His signal chain included EQ pedals for precise tone shaping, feeding into a Randall RG100ES amplifier. In the studio, an MXR Flanger/Doubler was utilized to enhance the guitar's presence. This combination contributed to the album's groundbreaking sound.
- 1981 Dean ML 'The Dean from Hell' — main. Equipped with a Bill Lawrence XL500 bridge pickup and a Seymour Duncan '59 neck pickup.
- MXR 6-Band Graphic EQ — tone shaping. Used to boost certain frequencies before the amplifier.
- Furman PQ-3 Parametric EQ — tone shaping. Employed for further tonal adjustments.
- Randall RG100ES — main amplifier. Solid-state amplifier known for its high gain and tight response.
- MXR Flanger/Doubler — studio effect. Used in 'doubler' mode to thicken the guitar tone during recording.
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://www.musicradar.com/news/ik-multimedia-captures-dimebag-darrells-iconic-cowboys-from-hell-tone-for-new-amplitube-collection
- https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/get-dimebag-darrells-tone-from-panteras-cowboys-from-hell-on-your-iphone-or-ipad-with-amplitube-for-ios
- https://www.musicradar.com/artists/no-pro-tools-no-tricks-or-whistles-we-as-a-band-helped-change-the-production-of-heavy-metal-records-with-one-song-pantera-reinvented-their-sound-to-become-one-of-the-most-influential-metal-bands-of-all-time