Seek & Destroy by Metallica — Amp Settings & Guitar Tone
Reference tone dialed on a Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster into a Fender Mustang LT25. Settings below are cited from real sources; open the page in a browser for the interactive version, or get this tone dialed for your exact gear.
To recreate the raw, aggressive tone of 'Seek & Destroy', we'll use the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s and the Fender Mustang LT25. The Strat's single-coils will be a compromise for the humbucker sound, while the Mustang's modeling capabilities will approximate the Marshall Plexi character with a mid-forward EQ.
Signal chain settings
Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s — rhythm guitar
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup Selector | Bridge Pickup | Select the bridge pickup for a sharper, more aggressive tone that cuts through the mix. |
| Master Volume | 7 | Set to 7 to maintain clarity and avoid overdriving the amp input too much. |
| Tone 1 | 10 | Tone wide open — roll it down to soften the high end. |
| Tone 2 | 5 | Set to 5 to balance brightness and avoid harshness from the single-coils. |
Fender Mustang LT25 — rhythm guitar amplification
| Control | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Preset Select | 04 CLASSIC ROCK | Closest starting point for the Marshall Plexi character with a mid-forward EQ. |
| Gain | 7 | Increase from the preset to achieve the saturated tube crunch needed for the song. |
| Volume | 5 | Set to 5 to maintain a balanced output without overpowering the mix. |
| Treble | 6.5 | Boost to add brightness and articulation, compensating for the Strat's natural voicing. |
| Bass | 4.5 | Slightly scooped to avoid muddiness and keep the tone tight and aggressive. |
| Master | 7 | Set to 7 to ensure the amp's full dynamic range and natural compression are utilized. |
| Cabinet build | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
| Amp Models | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
| Effects | Not used | Not needed for this tone — leave it off. |
Section guide — how the tone changes through the song
Intro/Main Riff
The tone is heavily distorted with a thick, aggressive sound, emulating the Mesa/Boogie amplifier used on the recording.
- the pedal: Gain → 8
What Metallica actually used
Recorded in May 1983 at Music America Studios in Rochester, New York, 'Seek & Destroy' features James Hetfield on rhythm guitar and Kirk Hammett on lead guitar. Hetfield used his white Flying V guitar through a modified Marshall amplifier, while Hammett utilized Hetfield's modified Marshall for his lead parts. The album was produced by Paul Curcio.
- White Flying V — rhythm guitar. Standard tuning
- Modified Marshall Amplifier — rhythm guitar amplification. Hot-rodded by the same technician who modified Eddie Van Halen's Marshalls
- Gibson Flying V — lead guitar. Standard tuning
- Modified Marshall Amplifier — lead guitar amplification. Used James Hetfield's modified Marshall for lead parts
Tuning: Standard
Sources
- https://www.fender.com/en-US/squier-electric-guitars/stratocaster/classic-vibe-stratocaster-60s/0303010500.html
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1547905/Fender-Mustang-Lt25.html
- https://www.fender.com/en-US/guitar-amplifiers/contemporary-digital/mustang-lt25/2311100000.html
- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3126493/Fender-Mustang-Lt25.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btJpzhk2ygk
- https://www.guitarworld.com/magazine/prime-cuts-metallicas-james-hetfield-and-kirk-hammett-critique-key-songs-band-s-harsh-noble-history
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kill_%27Em_All