GuitarCleanRiff
To Live Is to Die Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
ESP MX-220 (black finish, 1987, with EMG 81 bridge and EMG 60 neck pickups)
Pickups
EMG 60 (neck, active humbucker)
Amp
Clean channel of Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1988)
Pickup Position
Neck pickup (EMG 60)
Studio recording, 1988. Clean section likely used the EMG 60 neck pickup for warmth and clarity. No evidence of chorus or heavy modulation; reverb likely from amp or studio. No pedal effects confirmed for clean section.
Amp Settings
Mids4
Bass6
Gain0
Reverb1
Treble7
Presence5
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- crystal-clear and pristine
- warm and rounded neck pickup sound
- slightly compressed dynamics
- subtle amp reverb for depth
- articulate note separation
- no audible breakup or edge
- studio-polished clarity
- no palm muting
- gentle pick attack
- even sustain without harshness