Tone library / Metallica / Creeping death

Creeping death amp settings — Behringer V-Tone GMX212

The Metallica guitar tone for “Creeping death”, dialed in for a Behringer V-Tone GMX212 with a Schecter Hellraiser C-7. Studio version, Ride the Lightning (1984)

Original rig

Marshall JCM800 2203 (Jose Arredondo mod) → Marshall 4x12, 1984 Gibson Explorer with stock bridge humbucker, no pedals

Tight, aggressive thrash rhythm — scooped mids, biting treble, percussive low-end, bone dry

Amp settings — Behringer V-Tone GMX212

CHANNELOD2 (high-gain channel)

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	5
Mid	2
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	5

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The GMX212's OD2 channel is a Marshall-voiced high-gain model, making it a direct match for the JCM800 origin. Your Schecter's EMG 81 bridge pickup is hotter and tighter than Hetfield's passive Explorer humbucker, so gain drops from the original 8-8.5 to 7 to avoid fizzy compression. Mids are scooped further (2 vs original 3) because the active EMGs push upper-mids harder; this keeps the tone from sounding honky. The GMX212 lacks a dedicated presence knob — its treble circuit covers that range, so treble at 7 handles the bite.

PRO TIPDownpick every note relentlessly — Hetfield's attack is the secret weapon. Loose alternate picking will sound weak even with perfect settings. Palm-mute tight against the bridge saddles, not floating above them.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Behringer V-Tone GMX212. 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.