Tone library / Metallica / Seek and destroy

Seek and destroy amp settings — Marshall DSL40CR

The Metallica guitar tone for “Seek and destroy”, dialed in for a Marshall DSL40CR with a Jackson Pro Series Rhoads. Studio version, Kill 'Em All (1983)

Original rig

Marshall JCM800 2203/2210 head, 1981 Gibson Flying V with bridge humbucker, Pro Co Rat or MXR Distortion+ in front of amp

Tight and percussive, scooped mids, aggressive palm muting, high-gain saturation, razor-sharp pick attack, dry with no ambience

Amp settings — Marshall DSL40CR

CHANNELUltra Gain (Lead)BRIGHToffBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	6
Mid	3
Treble	7
Presence	6
Reverb	0
Master	5

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

Your DSL40CR's Ultra Gain channel has more gain on tap than the original JCM800, so gain 7 matches the saturation Hetfield got with a Rat pushing his amp. The DSL is slightly less scooped than an 800, so mid 3 achieves the same 80s thrash scoop. Treble 7 instead of 8 because the DSL's EQ is voiced brighter in the upper mids.

PRO TIPPalm mute directly over the bridge pickup for that tight, percussive chunk — any further toward the neck loosens the attack and kills the Kill 'Em All snap.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Marshall DSL40CR. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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More tones for the Marshall DSL40CR

One Last BreathCreed ThunderstruckAC/DC Crazy trainOzzy Osbourne Scar TissueRed Hot Chili Peppers Seek & DestroyMetallica Beat itMichael jackson

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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.