Tone library / Metallica / Enter sandman

Enter sandman amp settings — Blackstar Id core stereo 40

The Metallica guitar tone for “Enter sandman”, dialed in for a Blackstar Id core stereo 40 with a Jackson Kelly js32t. Studio version, Metallica (Black Album) 1991

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head, ESP MX-250 'EET FUK' Explorer with EMG 81 bridge pickup, Aphex Parametric EQ in effects loop

Tight, percussive rhythm with scooped mids, aggressive high treble bite, controlled low end thump

Amp settings — Blackstar Id core stereo 40

CHANNELOD2 (Super Crunch voice), ISF at 2 o'clock (British voicing)BOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	5
Mid	3
Treble	8
Presence	6
Reverb	0
Master	6

Don’t have a Blackstar Id core stereo 40? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Angry Driver (JB2) - BD-2 side as boost

Set to BD-2 mode (switch left). Low gain, high level — tightens low end and adds presence like the Aphex EQ did on the original. Run into amp input.

Level 7 · Tone 6 · Gain 2 · Mode 0

02Wah

For Kirk's solo sections only. Keep off for Hetfield rhythm parts.

Why these settings

Your Jackson's passive humbuckers have less output and compression than Hetfield's EMG 81s, so gain is set to 7 instead of the original's ~6 to compensate. The Blackstar's ISF is pushed British (2 o'clock) to get closer to the Mesa's aggressive high-mid attack. Mids are at 3 — the ID Core's mid control is broader than a Mesa graphic EQ, so a full scoop would lose definition. The JB2 on BD-2 mode acts as the tightening boost the Aphex provided.

PRO TIPHetfield's secret is ALL DOWNSTROKES with extremely precise palm muting — mute harder than you think, pick closer to the bridge, and lock your wrist. The tone is 50% technique; without the downstroke discipline, even perfect settings will sound loose.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Blackstar Id core stereo 40. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.