Tone library / Metallica / Enter Sandman

Enter Sandman amp settings — Tank G

The Metallica guitar tone for “Enter Sandman”, dialed in for a Tank G with a Fender Player Stratocaster. Studio version, Metallica (Black Album, 1991)

Original rig

ESP MX-220 (EMG 81 bridge) → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ Lead channel → Marshall 4x12

Tight, percussive thrash rhythm with scooped mids, massive low-end thump, and cutting treble bite

Amp settings — Tank G

CHANNELMetal/High-Gain (Mesa IIC+ or Recto-style model if Tank G offers amp modeling)BRIGHToffBOOSToff

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

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

Strat single-coil vs active EMG 81: your bridge pickup has less output and more treble, so gain is pushed to 8 (from IIC++ Lead channel's 8-9 setting) and bass raised to 8 to compensate for thinner low-end. The critical 'Hetfield scoop' mid position (original 3-4 on Mesa) translates to 2 here—Tank G's voicing is likely more mid-forward than a scooped IIC++, so cutting harder prevents congestion. Treble at 8 matches the original's cutting high-end, presence at 6 tames digital fizz common in modeling amps.

PRO TIPPalm-mute aggressively with the heel of your picking hand resting directly on the bridge saddles—Hetfield's percussive attack comes from this muting technique combined with downstroke-only picking, not just the tone settings. Pick angle matters: attack the strings at a steep downward angle for maximum string snap.

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These settings are for a Tank G. 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.