Tone library / Metallica / Creeping Death

Creeping Death amp settings — Vox VT40X

The Metallica guitar tone for “Creeping Death”, dialed in for a Vox VT40X with a Ltd Snakebyte. Studio version, Ride the Lightning (1984)

Original rig

Marshall JCM800 (modified), Gibson Explorer with humbuckers, no pedals for rhythm (Hetfield); Boss distortion + TC EQ for leads (Hammett)

Bright, mid-scooped thrash rhythm with tight chunky lows and aggressive high-end bite

Amp settings — Vox VT40X

CHANNELUK Modern (NU-MTL) or UK Rock for closest JCM800-style voicingBOOSToff

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

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The VT40X's UK Modern/NU-MTL model approximates the JCM800 high-gain character. Dropped presence from 6 to 5 because the Vox modeling can get fizzy in the high frequencies. Your Snakebyte's EMG 81 is hotter than Hetfield's passive humbuckers, so gain stays at 7 rather than 8 to prevent mud—the active pickups provide the extra push.

PRO TIPPalm mute directly over the bridge saddles, not further up the strings—this is critical for the tight, percussive 'chunk' on the main riff. Loose palm muting kills the Metallica attack.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Vox VT40X. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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