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Hardwired…To Self-Destruct (Deluxe Edition) artwork

Moth Into Flame guitar tone

Metallica · Hardwired…To Self-Destruct (Deluxe Edition) · 2016 · Metal

High Gain

Main Riff

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
GuitarIbanez RG
PickupBridge humbucker
GAIN8
BASS5.5
MID4
TREBLE5.5
PRESENCE5
REVERB0

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer boost
    Drive 0.5 · Tone 4.5 · Level 8
    Nearly-clean boost that tightens the low end.
  2. Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor eq
    Threshold 4.5
    Keeps the palm-muted riffs tight and quiet.

Scooped mids sound huge alone — add mids back on stage to cut through.

Lead

Solo Boost

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
GuitarIbanez RG
PickupBridge humbucker
GAIN9
BASS5.5
MID4.5
TREBLE5.5
PRESENCE5
REVERB0

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer boost
    Drive 0.5 · Tone 4.5 · Level 8
    Nearly-clean boost that tightens the low end.
  2. Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor eq
    Threshold 4.5
    Keeps the palm-muted riffs tight and quiet.
  3. MXR Carbon Copy delay
    Time 3.5 · Repeats 3 · Mix 3
    Kicks in for the solo — repeats tucked under the dry signal.

Lead variant: extra gain and mids to cut through, delay for width. Pick nearer the bridge and let bends sustain.

These are starting points, not gospel. Every amp is a little different, so let your ears do the last 10%.

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