Tone library / Metallica / Enter Sandman

Enter Sandman amp settings — Storm 17

The Metallica guitar tone for “Enter Sandman”, dialed in for a Storm 17 with a Fender Player 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, outboard API/Aphex EQ (1.2kHz scoop), 4x12 cabs

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

Amp settings — Storm 17

CHANNELCleanBRIGHToffBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	2
Bass	5
Treble	5
Reverb	0
Master	6

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01MXR Fullbore Metal

Engage the built-in Noise Gate switch. Freq knob dialed around 1-1.2kHz to match the Black Album studio mid-scoop.

Volume 6 · Gain 7 · Low 7 · Mid 2 · Freq 6 · High 6 · Gate 7

Why these settings

The Storm 17 is an unrecognized solid-state practice amp with minimal controls, so it is set as a clean platform at gain 2 with flat EQ to avoid double-gain mush. The owned MXR Fullbore Metal provides the entire cascading high-gain saturation and tight 'V-curve' EQ scoop characteristic of James Hetfield's Mesa Mark IIC++ tone. Because the Player Strat has lower-output single coils compared to Hetfield's active EMG 81, the pedal's Gain and Low controls are pushed slightly higher to restore fundamental low-end punch.

PRO TIPAggressive, strict down-picking with the palm positioned precisely where the strings meet the bridge saddles is crucial to getting the signature percussive 'thwack' on the low E string chugs.

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These settings are for a Storm 17. 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.