Raining Blood amp settings — Marshall Code 25
The Slayer guitar tone for “Raining Blood”, dialed in for a Marshall Code 25 with a Jackson CWJ1941012. Studio version, Reign in Blood (1986)
BC Rich Warlock with DiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge) → Boss GE-7 (mid-boosted inverted V) → Marshall JCM800 2203 100W head into Marshall 4x12 cabs. No reverb.
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 8 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
01Boss GE-7 or similar Graphic EQ
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. This is the secret weapon: inverted V shape boosting mids, level above unity to slam the amp's front end harder. A Boss GE-7 or Behringer EQ700 clone ($30) gets you 80% of Kerry King's tone. Run BEFORE the amp input.
02Noise Gate
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Essential for thrash at this gain level. Boss NS-2 or Donner Noise Killer. Tight decay keeps palm mutes percussive. Place after EQ, before amp.
Your Code 25's JCM800 model is the correct voicing—select it directly. The Jackson's bridge humbucker approximates the Super Distortion output well. Key delta: the original's mid-heavy attack came from the Boss EQ slamming the amp input, not from scooped settings. Without the EQ pedal, I've pushed amp mids to 8 (vs typical 'metal' scooped settings) and kept bass restrained at 5 to prevent mud. Reverb is 0—this is non-negotiable for authentic Reign in Blood aggression.
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These settings are for a Marshall Code 25. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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