Tone library / Metallica / Creeping death

Creeping death amp settings — NUX MG-30

The Metallica guitar tone for “Creeping death”, dialed in for a NUX MG-30 with a Gibson Flying V. Studio version, Ride the Lightning (1984) - James Hetfield rhythm track

Original rig

Jose Arredondo modded Marshall JCM800 2203, Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer, Gibson Flying V with Seymour Duncan Invader humbucker

Aggressive, mid-scooped 80s thrash rhythm with sharp top-end bite and tight low-end chug

Amp settings — NUX MG-30

CHANNELBrit 800 (Marshall JCM800 model) + 1960A 4x12 IRBRIGHToffBOOSToff

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

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Screamer (TS9 block)

Clean boost into the Brit 800 block to tighten low-end palm mutes and add upper-mid bite

Drive 0 · Tone 6 · Level 9

Why these settings

The NUX MG-30 Brit 800 amp block accurately models the JCM800, but Hetfield's Jose mod added cascading gain and a tight front-end that requires the onboard Screamer block running zero gain and high output. Mids are scooped down to 3 while keeping bass and treble prominent to replicate the aggressive 'Ride the Lightning' EQ scoop. The recording is completely dry on rhythm tracks, so keep all reverb bypassed.

PRO TIPAnchor your palm firmly against the bridge saddles and execute aggressive downstrokes exclusively; the percussive attack of a heavy pick (1.0mm+) hitting the wound strings at a slight angle is essential to get Hetfield's signature mechanical chug.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a NUX MG-30. 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.