GuitarDistortedRiff
To Live Is to Die Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
ESP MX-220 (black finish)
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1988. Rhythm guitar for 'To Live Is to Die' riff section. Layered tracks with Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ as the core amp, likely with Aphex EQF-2 EQs and Aphex CX-1 Compressor/Expander in effects loop. Marshall JCM800 and other amps possibly used for overdubs, but Mark IIC++ is primary for rhythm. No evidence of pedal use for rhythm section; distortion from amp. Album: ...And Justice for All.
Amp Settings
Mids1.5
Bass3.5
Gain9
Reverb0
Treble6
Presence4.5
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- aggressive palm muting
- high-gain saturation
- razor-sharp attack
- dry, compressed rhythm tone
- articulate chugging
- layered rhythm guitars
- minimal ambience
- clear note separation