Tone library / Metallica / Seek & Destroy

Seek & Destroy amp settings — Boss GX-100

The Metallica guitar tone for “Seek & Destroy”, dialed in for a Boss GX-100 with a Fender American Ultra Stratocaster. Studio version, Kill 'Em All (1983) — main rhythm tone

Original rig

Jose Arredondo-modded Marshall JCM800/1959 Super Lead + Ibanez TS9 / ProCo Rat boost + Gibson Flying V (Seymour Duncan Invader humbucker)

Aggressive, raw early thrash bite with tight low end and sharp upper-mid punch
Amp settings — Boss GX-100
CHANNELBRIT STACK amp model (Marshall 1959/JCM800 style) + 4x12 Marshall cab IRBRIGHTonBOOSToff
GAIN 7 BASS 5 MID 7 TREBLE 7 PRESENCE 6 REVERB 0 MASTER 6
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain7
Bass5
Mid7
Treble7
Presence6
Reverb0
Master6
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01GX-100 OD/DS Block (T-SCREAM model)

In front of amp model as a clean tightening boost

Drive 1 · Tone 6 · Level 8

02GX-100 Noise Suppressor Block (NS)

Immediately after amp model

Threshold 6 · Release 3
Why these settings

To compensate for the lower output and brighter single-coil pickup on your Stratocaster compared to Hetfield's hot Invader humbucker, the TS block provides a front-end level bump while the amp gain is pushed slightly higher. Bass is kept at 5 and mids at 7 to capture the raw British mid bark without getting flubby. Reverb is kept off to maintain the bone-dry, razor-sharp attack of early thrash.

PRO TIPAnchor your palm firmly against the bridge saddles for strict, aggressive downpicked palm mutes to get the signature percussive 'chug' of the main riff.

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These settings are for a Boss GX-100. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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