Tone library / Metallica / Fade to black

Fade to black amp settings — Marshal Code 25

The Metallica guitar tone for “Fade to black”, dialed in for a Marshal Code 25 with a Strinberg Lps 230. Studio version, Ride the Lightning (1984) — main heavy rhythm/solo sections

Original rig

Gibson Flying V → Marshall JCM800 2203, Boss DS-1 for boost; Hammett used Cry Baby wah for solos

Tight, aggressive mid-forward crunch with cutting high-end bite — early thrash tone before the scooped Mesa era

Amp settings — Marshal Code 25

CHANNELJCM800 2203 model (or 'Silver Jubilee' / 'JCM800' preset)BOOSToff

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

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Distortion (CODE built-in 'GUV' or 'DS-1' model)

Use the CODE's built-in GUV distortion or classic distortion model to emulate the DS-1 boost Hetfield used — this tightens the low end and adds aggression

Drive 8 · Tone 6 · Level 9

Why these settings

Your CODE 25 has authentic JCM800 modeling, so select that amp type directly. Your Strinberg LPS 230 has humbuckers like the original Flying V, so no pickup compensation needed. Mid pushed +1 from the original 5 to 6 because the CODE's digital voicing can sound slightly thinner than a real JCM800 — this adds body. The recording is bone dry, hence reverb 0.

PRO TIPTune to E♭ Standard (half-step down) — the entire Ride the Lightning album is in E♭, and the riff tension relies on it. Palm-mute right at the bridge saddles for that tight 'chug' attack Hetfield is known for.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Marshal Code 25. 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.