Tone library / Metallica / Creeping Death

Creeping Death amp settings — Marshall MG30CFX

The Metallica guitar tone for “Creeping Death”, dialed in for a Marshall MG30CFX with a Jackson Pro Series King V. Studio version, Ride the Lightning (1984)

Original rig

1984 Gibson Explorer (stock Dirty Fingers humbucker) -> late-70s Jose Arredondo-modified Marshall Super Lead 1959 / JCM800 -> Marshall 4x12 cab

Aggressive, tight thrash rhythm with biting treble, scooped mids, and punchy low-end

Amp settings — Marshall MG30CFX

CHANNELOD-2

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	6
Mid	3
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	5

Don’t have a Marshall MG30CFX? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The Marshall MG30CFX lacks a presence control and runs brighter and sharper in the high-mids than a Jose-modded tube Marshall. Set the amp to OD-2 for the required high-gain thrash saturation, scoop mids to 3 to replicate the classic Ride the Lightning rhythm cut, and pull treble slightly back to 7 so the solid-state top end does not turn fizzy. Your Jackson King V's hot bridge humbucker pushes the preamp nicely, so gain at 7 provides tight palm-muted tracking without turning muddy.

PRO TIPLock in aggressive, strict downpicking on the galloping rhythms and anchor your palm edge right against the bridge saddles to keep the low E string chugs punchy, percussive, and tight.

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These settings are for a Marshall MG30CFX. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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