Blackened amp settings — Boss GT-1
The Metallica guitar tone for “Blackened”, dialed in for a Boss GT-1 with a Fender Player Stratocaster. Main riff and rhythm tracks, Studio version (...And Justice for All, 1988)
Mesa Boogie Mark IIC++ / Quad Preamp slaved into Marshall power amps, Mesa 4x12 cabs, ESP MX-220 / Gibson Explorer with EMG 81 pickups, outboard parametric EQ for severe mid-scoop
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 2 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
01FX1 Block: Graphic EQ
Post-amp V-curve graphic EQ shaping to replicate the Mesa 5-band slider and outboard parametric scoop
02OD/DS Block: T-SCREAM
Used purely as a clean boost ahead of the preamp to tighten the low-end attack
The BG LEAD preamp model replicates the cascading gain structure of the Mark IIC+, while pulling the onboard mids down and pushing the Graphic EQ block creates the signature 'V-curve' scoop. Because the Fender Player Stratocaster has brighter, lower-output single coils than Hetfield's active EMG 81 humbuckers, treble is tamed slightly and the T-SCREAM block tightens the front-end transient attack. Clean intro: bypass the OD/DS block, switch the amp model to CLEAN TWIN, and engage the chorus effect.
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These settings are for a Boss GT-1. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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