Tone library / Metallica / Enter Sandman

Enter Sandman amp settings — JHS SB-BB10

The Metallica guitar tone for “Enter Sandman”, dialed in for a JHS SB-BB10 with a Jhs SquarePants SBG78. Studio version, Metallica (The Black Album), 1991

Original rig

ESP MX-220/250 with EMG 81 bridge pickup → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ → Mesa 4x12 with Celestion V30s. Heavy mid-scoop via API 550A outboard EQ, quad-tracked.

Massively heavy, tight, percussive rhythm with signature scooped mids, aggressive palm-mute attack, polished high-gain clarity

Amp settings — JHS SB-BB10

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

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The JHS SB-BB10 is a small practice amp with limited gain staging compared to a Mesa Mark IIC++. Gain pushed to 8 to compensate for lower output from single-coil-style pickups on the SpongeBob guitar vs Hetfield's hot EMG 81s. Mids scooped to 3 to achieve the signature Black Album 'V-curve' EQ. Bass and treble both at 7 for the tight low-end thump and pick attack clarity. This amp cannot fully replicate the tight, compressed high-gain of a Mesa—the tone will be thinner and less saturated, but the EQ shape will be correct.

PRO TIPThe Enter Sandman riff lives and dies on aggressive, consistent downpicking with palm mutes positioned close to the bridge saddles—move your picking hand closer to the bridge than you think for that percussive 'chunk' attack Hetfield is known for.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a JHS SB-BB10. 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.