Tone library / Metallica / For Whom the Bell Tolls

For Whom the Bell Tolls amp settings — Boss Katana 100 MkII

The Metallica guitar tone for “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, dialed in for a Boss Katana 100 MkII with a Epiphone Les Paul Studio. Studio version, Ride the Lightning (1984)

Original rig

Gibson Flying V → Ibanez Tube Screamer TS-9 → Marshall JCM800 2203

Tight, aggressive thrash rhythm with scooped mids, heavy palm-mute definition, and cutting high-end bite

Amp settings — Boss Katana 100 MkII

CHANNELBrownBRIGHToffBOOSToff

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

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Katana Built-in Booster (TS/OD Mode)

Use the Katana's built-in Booster set to OD-1 or TS mode via Tone Studio — this replicates the TS-9's tightening effect on the low end. Low drive, high level is the key: the pedal isn't for extra dirt, it's for cutting bass flub and pushing the amp's front end.

Drive 2 · Tone 6 · Level 7

Why these settings

The Katana's Brown channel nails the JCM800 voicing. Your Epiphone's humbuckers are hotter than Hetfield's Flying V, so I dropped gain from the original's 8 to 7 to prevent mud. Bass stays slightly elevated because the Katana's Brown voice is tighter than a real JCM800's loose low end. The TS-style boost is non-negotiable for this tone — use the Katana's built-in Booster block.

PRO TIPTune to E♭ Standard. Lock your picking hand into strict downstrokes just behind the bridge pickup and dig in hard — the percussive attack of consistent downstrokes is 70% of this tone. Hetfield's right hand is a metronome on this track.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Boss Katana 100 MkII. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.