Tone library / metallica / ride the lightning

ride the lightning amp settings — Marshall Code 50

The metallica guitar tone for “ride the lightning”, dialed in for a Marshall Code 50 with a Ibanez SR500E. Studio version, Ride the Lightning (1984) — Cliff Burton bass tone

Original rig

Rickenbacker 4001 bass, Ampeg SVT head, 8x10 cab, Morley Power Wah Boost, fingers (not pick), roundwound strings

Aggressive midrange growl with distorted upper harmonics and thick low-end foundation

Amp settings — Marshall Code 50

CHANNELJCM800 model (or 'Classic Marshall' preset) — this gets closest to the SVT grind characterBRIGHToffBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	6
Bass	7
Mid	5
Treble	6
Presence	4
Reverb	0
Master	5

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE7 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The Code 50's JCM800 model provides the grinding midrange Cliff Burton achieved with his overdriven SVT. Gain is set at 6 rather than maxed because the SR500E's active Bartolini pickups are hotter than Burton's passive Rickenbacker — more gain would mud out. Mids stay at 5 (not scooped) because bass needs midrange presence to cut through Hetfield's wall of guitars. Reverb is 0; the original recording is bone dry.

PRO TIPCliff played with his fingers aggressively near the bridge for that clanky attack — dig in hard and let the notes bloom into distortion rather than plucking gently. Roll your tone knob down to 5-6 for the verses to thicken up, then open it for the instrumental breaks.

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These settings are for a Marshall Code 50. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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