Seek & Destroy amp settings — Blackstar ID:30TVP
The Metallica guitar tone for “Seek & Destroy”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID:30TVP with a Ibanez GIO GRG170DX. Studio version, Kill 'Em All (1983)
Gibson Flying V (bridge humbucker) → Boss DS-1 (boost) → Marshall JMP 2203/JCM800 100W head
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 6 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
The original Marshall JCM800 is mid-forward with aggressive highs around 2-3kHz. Your Blackstar's ISF knob is the key — set it toward the British side (2 o'clock) to match that Marshall voicing. I've raised mid +1 from the original's scooped 5 because the ID:30TVP's OD2 channel is slightly darker than a real JCM800. The original used a DS-1 as a boost, but your amp's gain structure can achieve similar saturation without one — if you find it too smooth, a TS-style pedal in front would tighten it up.
Get this tone on your amp
These settings are for a Blackstar ID:30TVP. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
Get ToneAdapt on Google PlaySong, 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.