Tone library / Metallica / Whiskey In the Jar

Whiskey In the Jar amp settings — marshall MG15

The Metallica guitar tone for “Whiskey In the Jar”, dialed in for a marshall MG15 with a Mooer MCS10 Pro Sunburst. Studio version, Garage Inc. (1998)

Original rig

ESP LTD Iron Cross (bridge humbucker) → Ibanez Tube Screamer TS-9 → Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ (Lead channel)

Tight, aggressive mid-forward crunch with controlled low-end and cutting presence — classic Hetfield chug

Amp settings — marshall MG15

CHANNELOD1 (Overdrive 1)

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

Don’t have a marshall MG15? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Ibanez Tube Screamer TS-9

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. This is essential to the tone; it tightens the low-end and adds midrange push. A Joyo Vintage Overdrive or Boss SD-1 are budget alternatives that achieve the same effect.

Drive 3 · Tone 6 · Level 7

Why these settings

The MG15 is a solid-state Marshall with a fizzy high-end compared to the original Mesa's thick tube compression. Mid pushed to 7 compensates for the MG's natural mid-scoop; bass dropped to 4 prevents mud since the MG15 lacks the Mesa's tight low-end response. Without a Tube Screamer, you will get close but the tone will lack the focused punch Hetfield's rhythm sound is known for — the TS is doing critical work on this recording.

PRO TIPTune to E♭ Standard before dialing in. Hetfield's picking attack is critical — aggressive downstrokes with the pick angled slightly, striking near the bridge. Palm-mute pressure is light-to-medium, never choked; let the notes breathe with controlled thump.

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