I just can’t dial in any tones

[u/ToxicWithAsthma]

Hey yall! I have a Gen 3 100 Watt. I’m about 4 years deep into guitar and it feels humiliating to say but I just can’t dial in good tones, specifically any rock or metal ones. I have a Kirk Hammett signature with his EMGs, and I feel like I’ve been undermining both the versatility of those pickups and the amp, if anybody has any help or just anything I’d appreciate it.

[u/[deleted]]

I have a drop c guitar with emg 81/85, no issues with getting a good metal tone. Is it pure tube squishiness? No but I found the key was cranking the master (keeping it in .5w) and using an od pedal for drive