Motorbeath amp settings — Marshall Mg30fx
The Metallica guitar tone for “Motorbeath”, dialed in for a Marshall Mg30fx with a Esp ldt M-400. Studio version, Kill 'Em All (1983) — recorded at Music America Studios, Rochester NY
Marshall JMP/JCM800 (modified), Gibson Flying V with stock humbuckers, Electro-Harmonix Big Muff (occasional), no effects on this track
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01Joyo Extreme Metal
Engaged for lead sections and extra aggression on rhythm; amp gain provides base dirt, pedal stacks for intensity
The MG30FX's OD1 channel approximates JCM800 voicing but lacks the same low-mid punch and power-section sag. Mids dropped to 4 to replicate the slightly scooped thrash scoop Hetfield used. Your ESP's active-style hot humbuckers will push the front end harder than Hetfield's passive Flying V pickups, so gain stays at 7 rather than maxed. The Joyo Extreme adds the tight, aggressive saturation the MG's preamp alone cannot achieve.
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These settings are for a Marshall Mg30fx. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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