Before we get into scales and technique, I want to make sure you've got the right sound. In this lesson I'll walk you through how I set up my metal tone — from finding that sweet spot on the amp's gain control to stacking a distortion pedal for when you want a bit more. Too much gain can actually work against you when you're learning, so I'll show you how to keep it simple and controlled without losing that essential metal edge.

What You'll Learn

•       How to set your amp gain for metal lead playing

•       The difference between a practice tone and a full performance sound

•       How to use a distortion pedal (like my RAT) stacked in front of your amp

•       Simple EQ tips to get a usable metal tone quickly

•       How to use your guitar's volume knob to shape your gain on the fly

In Detail

How to set your amp gain for metal lead playing

I'll show you what a good metal lead tone actually sounds like — beefy enough to sustain bends and let your lead lines ring out, but not so extreme that it becomes noisy and uncontrollable. I'm using my Marshall DSL 40 as a reference point, but the principles apply to any amp.

These settings can be replicated across many amps that generally have a similar 'rock' or 'metal' sound. The main takeaway is the 'Gain' that can be brought to a manageable amount for practise.

The difference between a practice tone and a full performance sound

High gain is great when you're jamming over a track or having fun with songs, but when you're mapping out new shapes it can be distracting and tiring on the ears. I'll show you how I knock the gain back to a cleaner practice setting so I can hear my technique clearly, then bring it back up when I want the full metal experience.

How to use a distortion pedal (like my RAT) stacked in front of your amp

The RAT pedal is one of my favourites for metal lead playing. By placing it in front of the amp, I get an easy on/off option for boosted gain without having to touch my amp settings, perfect for switching between drilling scales and playing flat out over a jam track.

Simple EQ tips to get a usable metal tone quickly

I keep it simple: treble and mids around noon, with the bass rolled back slightly to keep things focused in the room. No reverb. Use your ears rather than chasing specific numbers, you're looking for something clear, punchy, and comfortable to practise with at whatever volume you're playing.

How to use your guitar's volume knob to shape your gain on the fly

Even without a pedal, your guitar's volume knob is a powerful tool. Rolling it back slightly takes the edge off the gain and gives you a softer, more workable tone without touching the amp, a useful trick for moving between techniques mid-session.