Thrash Metal1984Ride the Lightning

For Whom the Bell Tolls Amp Settings

by Metallica

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Original Recording Settings

EstimatedResearched tone data for "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Metallica

Original Gear

Guitar: Gibson Explorer (Hetfield; album-era) + black Gibson Flying V (Hammett)
Pickups: Not specified (not specified)
Amplifier: Marshall amps (Ride the Lightning tracking described as Marshall-based)
Channel: High Treble input (cranked Marshall)
Tuning: standard
Pickup Selector: not specified

Ride the Lightning-era tracking described as revolving around Marshall stacks; this entry focuses on the primary guitar rhythm tone (not the bass ‘bell’ effect).

Amp Settings

Gain

8.0

Bass

4.0

Mid

6.0

Treble

6.0

Presence

6.0

Volume

8.0

No exact knob positions for the track were retrieved; values estimated for album-era Marshall thrash rhythm punch.

Effects Chain

No effects - straight into the amp

Playing Technique

Strong, steady downpicked accents with controlled palm muting; sustained power-chord sections require consistent right-hand force and tight timing.

Sources+

MusicRadar (Flemming Rasmussen feature; published May 1, 2025): Ride the Lightning session context and Marshall stack auditioning.
Guitar World (Prime Cuts; published online Aug 3, 2020): Ride the Lightning era gear context (Explorer era; Marshall tracking references).