Tone library / Pantera / Cowboys from hell

Cowboys from hell amp settings — Marshall MG30FX

The Pantera guitar tone for “Cowboys from hell”, dialed in for a Marshall MG30FX with a Dean Ml 79 floyd. Studio album cut, Cowboys from Hell (1990)

Original rig

Randall RG100H solid-state head, Furman PQ-3/PQ-4 parametric EQ, MXR 6-Band Graphic EQ, 1981 Dean From Hell (Bill Lawrence L500XL bridge pickup)

Ultra-tight, abrasive solid-state scoop with razor-sharp high-end attack and massive low-end chunk
Amp settings — Marshall MG30FX
CHANNELCleanBOOSToff
GAIN 2 BASS 7 MID 2 TREBLE 8 REVERB 0 MASTER 4
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain2
Bass7
Mid2
Treble8
Reverb0
Master4
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01MXR 6-band EQ

Set in front of the drive to replicate Dime's pre-distortion parametric EQ curve

100Hz 8 · 200Hz 6 · 400Hz 3 · 800Hz 2 · 1.6kHz 7 · 3.2kHz 9

02Boss OS-2

Color tilted heavily toward Distortion (DS) mode to provide the sharp, solid-state clipping Dimebag used

Level 7 · Tone 7 · Drive 8 · Color 8
Why these settings

Because the OS-2 is acting as the primary distortion source to replicate the harsh solid-state clipping of Dime's Randall RG100, the Marshall MG30FX must be set to its Clean channel with gain low to avoid muddy double-clipping. Dime's signature tone relies heavily on the MXR 6-band EQ sculpting the curve before the gain stage by scooping around 400Hz-800Hz and spiking upper-mids/highs for pick attack. The MG30FX lacks a physical presence control, so the amp's Treble is pushed high alongside the MXR's top sliders to deliver the necessary razor-sharp bite.

PRO TIPDimebag used an aggressive, angled pick attack with heavy gauge picks right against the bridge saddles; tune down approximately 1/4 step (about 425–430 Hz) rather than standard 440 Hz concert pitch to match the album track.

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These settings are for a Marshall MG30FX. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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