Tone library / Metallica / Whisky in the jar

Whisky in the jar amp settings — Marshall Code 50

The Metallica guitar tone for “Whisky in the jar”, dialed in for a Marshall Code 50 with a Epiphone SG Standard. Studio version, Garage Inc. (1998) — D Standard tuning (whole step down)

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, Gibson Les Paul/ESP Explorer with EMG pickups, Octave pedal on lead melody, recorded in D Standard tuning

Thick modern high-gain crunch with tight low-end, scooped mids, and aggressive pick attack — less saturated than typical Metallica, more rock-oriented

Amp settings — Marshall Code 50

CHANNELModern high-gain amp model (Recto or American High Gain)BRIGHToffBOOSToff

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

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE8 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The Code 50's Rectifier-style model captures the scooped modern gain character of the original. Gain at 7 (not maxed) keeps note definition — the original recording uses less distortion than live performances. Mids at 4 give the signature scoop without disappearing. Your SG's Alnico humbuckers are warmer than Hetfield's EMGs, so treble stays at 6 to preserve attack.

PRO TIPTune your guitar down a whole step to D Standard (D-G-C-F-A-D) — this tuning is essential to the song's heavy low-end character and lets you play the riffs in position. Palm mute tightly on the chugging sections and let the open power chords ring for contrast.

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These settings are for a Marshall Code 50. 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.