Tone library / Metallica / Ride the lightning

Ride the lightning amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3

The Metallica guitar tone for “Ride the lightning”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 with a Ibanez GIO GRG170DX. Studio version, Ride the Lightning album (1984), main rhythm riff

Original rig

Gibson Flying V → Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer → Marshall JCM800 2203

Tight, aggressive thrash rhythm with scooped mids, bright attack, dry and punchy

Amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3

CHANNELOD2BOOSToff

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

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE8 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Tube Screamer style overdrive (e.g. Boss SD-1, Ibanez TS9, or TC Electronic Cinders)

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Run into amp input. Use as a tightener with low drive and high level to push the front end, not as primary gain source. The TS tightens the low end and adds mid presence critical to this tone.

Drive 2 · Tone 6 · Level 7

Why these settings

The ID:Core's OD2 voice is the closest to a pushed JCM800 — use ISF at full clockwise (British) to match the Marshall's mid character. Your GRG170DX's Infinity R humbuckers are hotter and brighter than a vintage Flying V PAF, so treble stays at 7 rather than the original 7.5, and mids drop to 3 to achieve the classic Metallica scoop. Without a Tube Screamer to tighten the low end, the tone will be looser and less defined — the pedal recommendation is not optional for accuracy.

PRO TIPTune down a half step to Eb standard — the open low Eb string drone is fundamental to this riff's sound. Palm mute directly over the bridge saddles with the heel of your picking hand for maximum tightness; any drift toward the neck loosens the attack and loses the percussive thrash snap.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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