Tone library / Metallica / Enter Sandman

Enter Sandman amp settings — Blackstar Fly 3

The Metallica guitar tone for “Enter Sandman”, dialed in for a Blackstar Fly 3 with a Ibanez GIO GRG170DX. Studio version, Metallica (Black Album), 1991

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (Lead channel, graphic EQ V-curve), ESP MX-250 Explorer with EMG 81 bridge pickup, Aphex Aural Exciter in loop

Tight, scooped-mid thrash rhythm with percussive low end and cutting high treble

Amp settings — Blackstar Fly 3

CHANNELOD channel (ISF fully clockwise toward British voicing)

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	8
Bass	4
Mid	2
Treble	7
Presence	0
Reverb	0
Master	6

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE8 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Boss MT-2 Metal Zone or Behringer HM300 Heavy Metal

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. The Fly 3's OD channel lacks the saturation and tight low-end needed for this tone. A metal distortion pedal is essential. Budget option: Behringer HM300 (~$25) or Joyo JF-17 Extreme Metal.

Level 6 · Low 5 · High 7 · Mid Freq 3 · Mid 2 · Dist 7

Why these settings

The Blackstar Fly 3 is a 3-watt practice amp with limited gain and no parametric EQ—it cannot replicate the Mark IIC+'s crushing high-gain saturation or signature V-curve mid-scoop. ISF set fully British adds midrange bite closer to the Mesa's character. Mid dropped to 2 to approximate the scoop; treble raised to 7 for cut. Without a distortion pedal, this tone is unachievable—the amp's OD tops out at hard rock levels, not thrash metal.

PRO TIPHetfield's tone relies on aggressive, consistent downpicking with palm mutes anchored close to the bridge. Pick hard and keep your muting hand locked in place—the attack and tightness come from technique, not just gain.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Blackstar Fly 3. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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