Enter sandman amp settings — Marshall MG30CFX
The Metallica guitar tone for “Enter sandman”, dialed in for a Marshall MG30CFX with a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster. Studio version, Metallica / The Black Album (1991) — iconic heavy rhythm riff
ESP MX-250 Explorer (EMG 81 bridge) into blended Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ (scooped graphic EQ) and Jose-modded Marshall JCM800 2203 with Aphex parametric EQ
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 8 |
| Mid | 3 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 1 |
| Master | 5 |
01Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive
Used as a clean boost into the OD2 channel to tighten the low end and mimic active EMG 81 attack
The MG30CFX lacks a physical presence control, so push treble to 7 and drop mid to 3 to recreate the signature Mesa Mark IIC+ 'V-curve' graphic EQ scoop. Because the Squier Strat's single-coil bridge pickup lacks the heavy output and thick mids of James Hetfield's active EMG 81 humbucker, run the Boss SD-1 as a tight boost (Drive at 1, Level at 8) into the OD2 channel rather than relying on amp gain alone. Clean intro note: switch the amp to the Clean channel and bypass the SD-1.
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These settings are for a Marshall MG30CFX. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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