Tone library / Metallica / For Whom the Bell Tolls

For Whom the Bell Tolls amp settings — nux mighty 20 mk II

The Metallica guitar tone for “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, dialed in for a nux mighty 20 mk II with a cort cr 250. Studio version, Ride the Lightning (1984)

Original rig

Gibson Flying V → Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer → Marshall JCM800 2203

Heavy, tight palm-muted thrash with pronounced midrange attack and aggressive pick definition

Amp settings — nux mighty 20 mk II

CHANNELCrunch or Lead amp model (Marshall-voiced)BRIGHToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	5
Mid	6
Treble	7
Presence	6
Reverb	0
Master	5

Don’t have a nux mighty 20 mk II? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Tube Screamer / OD (use NUX built-in Overdrive if available)

RECOMMENDED — The TS9 boost is critical to the Metallica 80s tone. If your NUX has a built-in OD/boost effect, use it with low gain and high output. Otherwise, a basic TS9 clone (~$30) is essential for this tone.

Drive 2 · Tone 6 · Level 8

Why these settings

The NUX Mighty 20 MK II's Marshall-style voiced models get you in the ballpark, but you lack the TS9 boost that defines this tone's tight low-end and mid-push. I pulled gain back to 7 (vs original 8-9) because your Cort CR250's humbuckers run hotter than Hetfield's Flying V, and the NUX's digital gain can get fizzy past 7. Bass dropped to 5 (vs original 4-10 depending on source) because small solid-state speakers get muddy with high bass on palm mutes.

PRO TIPLock your picking hand into a strict down-stroke gallop anchored near the bridge—the attack consistency is 70% of this tone. Tune to Eb standard before dialing in; this song is half-step down.

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These settings are for a nux mighty 20 mk II. 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.