Tone library / Metallica / Seek and destroy

Seek and destroy amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3

The Metallica guitar tone for “Seek and destroy”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 with a Harley benton Explorer 84. Studio version, Kill 'Em All (1983) — Main riff and rhythm tone

Original rig

Marshall 1959 Super Lead (Jose Arredondo mod) + ProCo Rat + Electra Flying V (Seymour Duncan Invader bridge humbucker)

Aggressive, raw early-thrash bite with tight low-end crunch and prominent upper-mid rasp

Amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3

CHANNELOD1 (Voice selector) — set ISF fully clockwise to 10 (British/Marshall)BOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Reverb	0
Master	7

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The ID:Core 20 V3 uses a single ISF EQ knob rather than individual Bass/Mid/Treble controls, so turning ISF clockwise to 10 delivers the necessary Marshall-style mid rasp of the Jose-modded Super Lead. OD1 provides the tight, raw 'Kill 'Em All' saturation without turning muddy, while keeping active-style humbuckers focused on the aggressive palm-muted attack. Built-in reverb and modulation should remain completely bypassed for a dry, upfront studio presence.

PRO TIPAnchor the meat of your palm right over the bridge saddles and execute heavy, rhythmic downstrokes to replicate James Hetfield's percussive 1983 crunch without choking the string resonance.

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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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