How to Dial In "Holy War" by Manowar - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Holy War"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Fighting the World (1987). Fighting the World is the fifth album by the American heavy metal band Manowar, released in February 1987 by ATCO Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Gibson Flying V through a Marshall JCM800 2203, the rig we use for Manowar's other songs from Fighting the World, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Holy War" Tone
What guitar did Manowar use on "Holy War"?
The guitar on "Holy War" (released 1987) isn't documented; the Gibson Flying V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Holy War" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 8. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Holy War" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Holy War" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Holy War" by Manowar are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.