Lux Æterna Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 2010s+ · metal
studio
Original Recording
Studio recording for 'Lux Æterna' (2022/2023, 72 Seasons album). Kirk Hammett used his ESP KH-2 with EMG Bone Breaker pickups. Amps included Friedman BE100 (HBE channel), Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, and Marshall JMP 100W, often blended. The SoloDallas Schaffer Replica EX Tower (preamp/compression) was used as a key part of the tone. Settings estimated based on genre, amp type, and era due to lack of explicit knob values.
Amp Settings
Effects Chain
- SoloDallas Schaffer Replica EX Tower · compression
ESP KH-2 (EMG Bone Breaker bridge) → SoloDallas Schaffer Replica EX Tower → Friedman BE100 (HBE channel) / Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier / Marshall JMP 100W (blended) → minimal amp reverb
Tone Matcher
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- aggressive palm muting
- modern high-gain saturation
- articulate pick attack
- scooped but present mids
- crisp, defined low end
- minimal ambience/reverb
- dynamic, compressed punch
- clear note separation under gain
- fast, chugging riff clarity
Notes & Caveats
- No explicit amp knob settings for 'Lux Æterna' riff found in sources; settings estimated based on amp models (Friedman BE100, Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, Marshall JMP), genre (modern metal), and Hammett's typical approach.
- Pedal/effects information for the riff section is limited; Schaffer Replica EX Tower (preamp/compression) is confirmed, but no evidence of time-based or modulation effects in the riff section.
- All effects and settings are for the studio recording of the riff section only; solo section may use different gear/effects.
- No evidence of delay, chorus, flanger, or wah in the riff section; only high-gain amp and preamp coloration.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Lux Æterna uses a modern take on Metallica's classic scooped rhythm tone: high gain, tight low end, very scooped mids, and bright, aggressive treble/presence for clarity. The tone is dry and punchy with no audible reverb, matching their typical amp settings for thrash riffing.