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Solo Tone

Phantom Lord

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarElectra 2236 Flying Wedge
AmpMarshall JMP 2203 (100W head, 1979-1981 era, as used on Kill 'Em All)
PickupsStock Electra humbuckers (likely ceramic, high output)

Amp Settings

gain8
bass7
mid2.5
treble8.5
reverb0
presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1983. Guitar is confirmed for Kill 'Em All sessions; amp is widely documented for this album. No evidence of live rig or later gear for this recording.

Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationrazor-sharp attackcutting treble biteminimal ambiencefast alternate picking claritychunky rhythm under soloclassic early thrash metal lead tone

Difficulty

The solo requires fast alternate picking, tight palm muting, and rapid fretboard shifts typical of early thrash metal, making it challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

James Hetfield's Guitar Gear, Amps & Pedalboard | EquipboardMetallica Amp Settings - forum topic - Ultimate GuitarMetallica – Kill 'Em All (Remastered) - Gear & Equipment Used on ...Kirk Hammetts Kill em All Lead tone - forum topic - Ultimate Guitar

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Phantom Lord settings for your amp

Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.

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Phantom Lord by Metallica — Solo Tone Settings | ToneAdapt