rhythm guitar from “creeping death” by metallica | ToneDB
creeping death
metallica
rhythm guitar
Tone Profile
Aggressive and tight high-gain rhythm tone with a slightly scooped midrange, providing a powerful and articulate sound ideal for thrash metal riffing. The tone is characterized by its clarity and punchiness, cutting through the mix with precision.
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The Story
James Hetfield recorded the rhythm guitars for "Creeping Death" at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen with producer Flemming Rasmussen, using his ESP Explorer through a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier. An Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer was used to tighten the low end and boost the signal into the already high-gain amp. The guitars were captured with a Shure SM57 microphone and multiple rhythm tracks were layered to create the massive, wall-of-sound effect that became a hallmark of Metallica's "Ride the Lightning" album.
Production Credits
Producer: Flemming Rasmussen
Engineer: Flemming Rasmussen
Recorded at: Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen
Signal Chain
Instrument: ESP ExplorerShop on Reverb
Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+Shop on Reverb
Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb
Processing: Ibanez TS808 Tube ScreamerShop on Reverb
Recreation Tips
- Use an ESP Explorer or similar guitar with high-output humbucker pickups.
- Dial in a high-gain tone on a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ or similar amp, focusing on a slightly scooped midrange for clarity.
- Use an Ibanez Tube Screamer with the drive set low to tighten the low end and boost the signal without adding too much distortion.
- Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot that captures the amp's aggression and clarity.
- Double-track the rhythm guitar parts to create a thicker, more powerful sound.
Original Gear
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Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+
The Mark VII includes the IIC+ mode that faithfully recreates the original Mark IIC+ circuit and tone that defined Metallica's sound
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+
Features accurate modeling of the Mark IIC+ amp with cabinet simulation, perfect for capturing that aggressive thrash metal rhythm tone
Alternative to: Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer
Exact reissue of the original circuit used on the recording, providing the same mid-boost and low-end tightening effect
Alternative to: ESP Explorer
Modern ESP Explorer with EMG or high-output passive pickups that deliver the aggressive, high-output signal needed for this tone
Alternative to: Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer
Budget alternative that provides similar mid-boost and signal tightening characteristics when used as a boost pedal
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+
Mark series-inspired high-gain amp with tight low end and aggressive midrange that works well for thrash metal rhythm tones
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