Tone library / Iron Maiden / The Trooper

The Trooper amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3

The Iron Maiden guitar tone for “The Trooper”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 with a RockJAM Stratocaster. Studio version, Piece of Mind (1983)

Original rig

Fender Stratocaster (hot-rodded DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge pickup) → Marshall JCM800 2203

Bright, aggressive crunch with strong mids for cutting twin-guitar harmonies — not heavily distorted, clarity essential for galloping triplet patterns

Amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3

CHANNELOD1 (Crunch) with ISF at 2 o'clock (British voicing)BOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	6
Bass	4
Mid	7
Treble	7
Presence	0
Reverb	0
Master	7

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The ID:Core's ISF control is your secret weapon — set it to 2 o'clock to get the Marshall-style British mid-forward voicing Murray used. OD1 channel gives the JCM800-style crunch without excessive saturation. Bass dropped from original 5 to 4 because the RockJAM's ceramic pickups can get muddy in the low end compared to Murray's hot DiMarzio. Mid pushed to 7 to maintain the harmonic clarity essential for Maiden's twin-guitar attack.

PRO TIPThe gallop is all in strict alternate picking on the low E string — palm mute lightly right at the bridge saddles, not further back. Murray keeps his pick attack aggressive and consistent; any sloppiness in muting destroys the rhythmic definition that makes this tone work.

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These settings are for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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