Tone library / Metallica / Creeping Death

Creeping Death amp settings — vox vt20+

The Metallica guitar tone for “Creeping Death”, dialed in for a vox vt20+ with a cort x6. Studio version, Ride the Lightning (1984)

Original rig

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

Tight, aggressive thrash rhythm with scooped mids, bright attack, and dry palm-muted chunk

Amp settings — vox vt20+

CHANNELUK MODERN (Nu Metal preset base)BOOSToff

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

Don’t have a vox vt20+? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The VT20+ UK Modern model approximates the JCM800's tight midrange bark. Your Cort X6's humbuckers are hotter than Hetfield's passive Explorer pickups, so gain is dropped from the original's estimated 8 to 7 to prevent mud. Mids stay scooped at 3 to nail the thrash scoop, but the Vox modeling is slightly darker than a real Marshall, so treble holds at 7 rather than cutting further.

PRO TIPPalm-mute directly over the bridge saddles with the heel of your hand barely touching the strings — too far forward kills the attack that defines this tone.

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These settings are for a vox vt20+. 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.