Tone library / Metallica / Screaming Suicide

Screaming Suicide amp settings — Line 6 Flextone III

The Metallica guitar tone for “Screaming Suicide”, dialed in for a Line 6 Flextone III with a ESP LTD KH-202 Kirk Hammett. Studio version, 72 Seasons (2023)

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (Modern High Gain), ESP KH-2 with EMG 81 bridge, SoloDallas Schaffer Replica EX Tower, Dunlop KH95 Wah, Ibanez TS9 as boost

Tight, mid-forward high gain with clarity and sustain—aggressive but not scooped, cuts through Hetfield's rhythm wall

Amp settings — Line 6 Flextone III

CHANNELRectified (Mesa Dual Rectifier model) — select this amp model on the Flextone IIIBRIGHToff

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

Don’t have a Line 6 Flextone III? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Tube Screamer (TS9) — use Flextone III's built-in 'Tube Drive' or 'Screamer' effect model

Place BEFORE amp model in signal chain — used as a mid-boost, not for distortion; tightens low end and pushes mids forward for lead clarity

Drive 2 · Tone 6 · Level 7

Why these settings

The Flextone III's Rectified model nails the Dual Rec's tight modern voicing. Your KH-202's EMG 81 matches Hammett's signal perfectly—no compensation needed for output or EQ. Gain stays at 7 (not maxed) because Hammett prioritizes clarity over saturation; the TS model in front provides the mid-push that the Schaffer Replica gives him live. Mids at 7 ensures your leads cut through without the scooped 'Justice' harshness.

PRO TIPHammett picks closer to the neck pickup during solos for a fatter, more vocal sustain—the EMG 81's attack can get ice-picky at the bridge saddle, so shift your picking hand 2-3 inches toward the neck for that singing 72 Seasons lead tone.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Line 6 Flextone III. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

Get ToneAdapt on Google Play

Find your amp

Browse

Screaming Suicide on other ampsSAME SONG, YOUR AMP Metallica tonesALL SONGS ESP LTD KH-202 Kirk Hammett tonesSAME GUITAR Tone libraryEVERYTHING

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.