Tone library / Metallica / The unforgiven 2

The unforgiven 2 amp settings — Marshall JCM800 2203

The Metallica guitar tone for “The unforgiven 2”, dialed in for a Marshall JCM800 2203 with a Washburn X30. Studio version, Reload (1997)

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, ESP Explorer/KH-2 with EMG 81/60, no notable pedals on main rhythm tone

Warm, articulate clean arpeggios transitioning to thick, mid-scooped heavy distortion with tight low-end

Amp settings — Marshall JCM800 2203

CHANNELHigh InputBRIGHToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	5
Mid	4
Treble	7
Presence	6
Reverb	0
Master	5

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Guitar

PICKUPneck TONE7 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The JCM800 is inherently more mid-forward than the scooped Dual Rectifier, so mids are set lower at 4 rather than the Recto's typical 6-7 to approximate that scooped character. Your Washburn's passive humbuckers have lower output than Hetfield's active EMGs, requiring slightly higher gain (7 vs ~6) to achieve similar saturation. Treble pushed to 7 compensates for the 800's darker preamp compared to the Recto's aggressive high-end.

PRO TIPThe iconic clean arpeggio intro uses the neck pickup with the tone rolled back to 5-6 and volume at 7 for a darker, more vocal quality—switch to bridge with full volume and tone when the heavy section kicks in.

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These settings are for a Marshall JCM800 2203. 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.