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For Whom the Bell Tolls — Metallica1 / 2
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For Whom the Bell Tolls Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica

Metallica · 1980s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Gibson Explorer (likely 1984 model, stock pickups at time of recording)
Pickups
Gibson Dirty Fingers humbuckers (stock, passive)
Amp
Marshall JMP 2203 (modified, 100W head, used in studio for Ride the Lightning 1984)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1984. James Hetfield used a Gibson Explorer with stock Dirty Fingers pickups into a Marshall JMP 2203 head, likely with a Marshall 4x12 cabinet. No evidence of pedals or effects used for the riff section. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and amp model. No evidence of live/touring gear or later amp models being used on this recording.

Amp Settings

Mids
4.5
Bass
6
Gain
7.5
Reverb
0
Treble
7
Presence
6

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • aggressive palm muting
  • scooped mids
  • crisp attack
  • chunky, saturated distortion
  • articulate note separation
  • minimal ambience
  • classic 80s thrash metal
  • focused low end
  • slightly cold, icy character

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source provides exact amp knob settings for the studio recording; settings estimated based on typical Marshall JMP 2203 usage for 80s thrash metal.
  • ⚠️No evidence of pedals or effects used for the riff section; distortion is from the amp.
  • ⚠️Pickup model inferred from era and known stock configuration; later EMG pickups were not used until after Master of Puppets.
  • ⚠️All sources agree on amp and guitar model for this era, but no studio photos or interviews specify knob positions.
  • ⚠️No reverb or time-based effects audible or documented for the riff section; dry, direct amp tone.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. For 'For Whom the Bell Tolls,' Metallica used a scooped mid, high-gain tone typical of early 80s thrash, likely with a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ or Marshall, with tight bass, pronounced treble, and little to no reverb for a dry, aggressive sound. These settings reflect the era's production, Hetfield's known preferences, and the song's distinctive cutting, metallic crunch.

Sources