Metallica amp settings — Fender Blues Junior IV
The James hedfield guitar tone for “Metallica”, dialed in for a Fender Blues Junior IV with a İbanez Gio grx 20 bkn. Studio version, Enter Sandman / The Black Album (1991), main rhythm riff
ESP MX-220 (EMG 81 bridge) into Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ (scooped 5-band graphic EQ) blended with Bob Rock's Jose-modded Marshall SLP/JCM800 and Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabs
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 9 |
| Bass | 7 |
| Mid | 3 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 3 |
01Mesa/Boogie Throttle Box (or Boss MT-2 / high-gain distortion)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned
The Blues Junior IV is a naturally bright, mid-scooped clean-to-crunch tube platform that physically lacks modern high-gain preamp saturation. To get as close as possible on the amp alone today, the 'FAT' boost is engaged with Gain pushed to 9 and mids pulled down to 3 to simulate Hetfield's classic Mesa graphic EQ scoop. A dedicated high-gain distortion pedal is strongly recommended to achieve the true percussive chug of the record; with that pedal, disengage the FAT switch and set amp Gain down to 2-3. Clean intro: pick lightly near the neck pickup with guitar volume rolled back to 6.
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These settings are for a Fender Blues Junior IV. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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