Stop Chasing Lead Tones -- Build One That Actually Works

This video breaks down the Lead Tone from my ConTONEuum preset for the Axe-Fx III, FM9, and FM3. Starting with the Crunch tone from the previous episode, I show exactly what changed to push it into lead territory — more sustain, more cut, and better feel — without reinventing the amp or the rig. We walk through the relevant amp tabs and parameters, compare them directly to the Crunch tone, and focus on the decisions that actually matter. Both the Crunch and Lead presets used here are available for free on my website, along with the full ConTONEuum preset if you want everything in one place. 👉 https://theguitarnerd.com Check out Leon Todd's Blocks Library https://leontodd.gumroad.com My Affiliate Links - If you purchase from Sweetwater after clicking one of my links this helps me to keep this channel going as I get a small commission. Thank you! Sweetwater https://sweetwater.sjv.io/POA72N 00:00 Lead Tone Demo 1:04 Crunch → Lead: What Changed 1:40 Cab Block Recap & IR Update 2:56 FX Explained 3:30 Amp Block Overview 5:05 Midrange & Tone Shaping 7:24 Preamp 7:55 Power Tubes, Bias & Cathode Follower 10:40 EQ & Dynamics 15:39 Crunch vs Lead in Context 17:07 Wrap Up & What’s Next #Guitars #Rock #Metal