Tone library / Metallica / Enter Sandman

Enter Sandman amp settings — First Act M2A110

The Metallica guitar tone for “Enter Sandman”, dialed in for a First Act M2A110 with a RHYTHM Stratocaster. Studio album cut, Metallica (The Black Album, 1991) - Main rhythm riff

Original rig

ESP MX-250 (EMG 81 bridge) into Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ blended with Jose-modded Marshall JCM800, ADA MP-1 preamp, Aphex/API outboard EQ, 4x12 cabs

Thick, punchy high-gain metal rhythm with aggressively scooped mids, tight low-end chug, and crisp top-end bite

Amp settings — First Act M2A110

CHANNELOverdrive (OD switch ON)

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

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01ProCo Rat 2 or Boss MT-2 Metal Zone

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned

Distortion 7 · Filter 4 · Volume 6

Why these settings

The First Act M2A110 is a small practice amp with an aggressive basic drive channel, so engage the OD switch and run gain at 8 to simulate the saturated Mesa/Marshall rhythm wall. Compensate for the Stratocaster's low-output single coils by keeping the tone wide open and scooping the mid knob to 2 to replicate the signature Black Album 1.2kHz notch. Adding a dedicated high-gain distortion pedal will dramatically improve low-end punch and tightness over the amp's built-in drive.

PRO TIPAnchor your palm firmly against the bridge saddles and execute aggressive, all-downstroke palm mutes right near the bridge to maximize low-end percussive snap on single-coil pickups.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a First Act M2A110. 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.