Crate GX-15R settings
To Live Is to Die settings for Crate GX-15R
Metallica · adapted 3 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "To Live Is to Die" riff tone on a Crate GX-15R, set Gain 0, Bass 5, Mid 4, Treble 7, Reverb 1.5, Reverb Control 2. Use the neck pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a ESP MX-220 · updated 2026-06-25
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Crate GX-15R knobs
- Gain
- 0
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 4
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 1.5
- Reverb Control
- 2
- Level (Clean Channel)
- 6
- Gain (Overdrive Channel)
- 5
- Level (Overdrive Channel)
- 5
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (spring) · 2
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in reverb set to a low level to recreate the subtle ambiance of the original tone.
- Maintain a gentle attack with the pick to preserve the articulate note separation.
- Ensure the neck pickup is selected for warmth and clarity, as it contributes to the clean tone.
Solo settings
Adapted for a ESP MX-220 · updated 2026-06-25
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Crate GX-15R knobs
- Gain
- 7.5
- Bass
- 3
- Mid
- 4
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 0.5
- Reverb Control
- 3
- Level (Clean Channel)
- 0
- Gain (Overdrive Channel)
- 8
- Level (Overdrive Channel)
- 6
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (plate) · 3
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in reverb set to a moderate level to recreate the spacious feel of the original tone.
- Ensure your picking attack is smooth for a liquid lead tone.
- Experiment with the neck pickup volume to find the right balance of saturation and clarity.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Crate GX-15R actually has.
- Guitar
- ESP MX-220 (black finish)
- Amp
- Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++
- Gain
- 9
- Bass
- 3.5
- Mid
- 1.5
- Treble
- 6
- Presence
- 4.5
- Reverb
- 0
Different guitar or pedals? Get To Live Is to Die adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Metallica's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Crate GX-15R settings for To Live Is to Die?
Set Gain 0, Bass 5, Mid 4, Treble 7, Reverb 1.5, Reverb Control 2.
Which pickup should I use for To Live Is to Die?
Neck pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did Metallica use on To Live Is to Die?
Guitar: ESP MX-220 (black finish). Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++.
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a ESP MX-220. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
To Live Is to Die on other amps
More Metallica on the Crate GX-15R
All Metallica tones →Popular songs on the Crate GX-15R
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Floods · Pantera
- This Love · Pantera
- Wheels of Confusion / The Straightener · Black Sabbath
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Papercut · LINKIN PARK
- From the Inside · LINKIN PARK
- 115 · Kevin Sherwood & Elena Siegman
- Pull the Plug · Death
- Genetic Reconstruction · Death
- Thick and Thin · Avenged Sevenfold
- Lithium · Nirvana
Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.