DriveHow much overdrive/clipping is added. Low = clean boost, high = singing lead grit.
ToneTreble tilt. Up = brighter and more cutting, down = warmer and rounder.
LevelOverall output volume. Above unity it also pushes your amp harder.
Tips
As a tightener into a high-gain amp: Drive low (2–3), Level high (7–8), Tone to taste — it focuses the low end and adds mid bite without much of its own gain.
As a standalone blues drive: Drive 5–6, Level at unity, Tone 5 — dig in and it opens up.
Famous uses
Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, countless metal rhythm rigs (as an amp tightener).
A reliable starting point is Drive around 3, Tone 5, Level 6–7. Used as a boost into an already-dirty amp keep the Drive low and the Level high; as a standalone blues drive push the Drive to 5–6.
How do I use a Tube Screamer for metal?
Run it in front of a high-gain amp with Drive low (2–3), Level high (7–8) and Tone around 5–6. It tightens the low end and adds midrange cut — it is a tightener, not the main gain source.
Recommended starting points are community-researched estimates — every pedal, amp and guitar is different. Dial from here, then GuitarToneAdapt helps you match a target tone on your own rig. Pedal comparisons · Amp settings · All tones