Tone library / Metallica / Creeping death

Creeping death amp settings — Boss Katana 50 MkII

The Metallica guitar tone for “Creeping death”, dialed in for a Boss Katana 50 MkII with a Gibson Les Paul Classic. Studio version, Ride the Lightning (1984)

Original rig

Modified Marshall JCM800 2203 + Ibanez TS9 / ProCo Rat boost + Gibson Flying V (Duncan Invader) / Jackson RR Custom (EMG 81)

Aggressive, scooped, high-gain thrash rhythm with sharp top-end bite and tight palm-muted low end

Amp settings — Boss Katana 50 MkII

CHANNELBrown amp typeBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	7
Mid	3
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	5

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The Brown amp type delivers the hot-rodded Marshall crunch essential for early Metallica rhythm. Mid is pulled down to 3 to achieve the iconic Ride the Lightning scoop while keeping treble high at 7 for razor-sharp pick attack. The Katana 50 MkII lacks a physical presence knob, so all high-end bite is shaped directly via the treble control.

PRO TIPUse strict, aggressive downpicking with heavy palm muting right against the bridge saddles to get the percussive, mechanical chug of the main riff.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Boss Katana 50 MkII. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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