Nothing Else Matters amp settings — Marshall JCM900
The Metallica guitar tone for “Nothing Else Matters”, dialed in for a Marshall JCM900 with a Jackson X Series Kelly KEXT. Studio version, Metallica 'Black Album' (1991), One on One Recording Studios, LA
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (clean channel) + Tom Anderson ProAM (single coils, neck pickup) + MXR DynaComp (direct signal blended) — fingerpicked, no pick
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 2 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 6 |
| Treble | 5 |
| Presence | 4 |
| Reverb | 4 |
| Master | 5 |
01Chorus (RECOMMENDED — not currently owned)
RECOMMENDED — The JC-120's built-in stereo chorus is THE defining element of this tone. A Boss CE-2/CE-5 or MXR Analog Chorus gets you there. Without chorus, you lose 40% of the sound.
02Compressor (RECOMMENDED — not currently owned)
RECOMMENDED — MXR DynaComp or similar. Evens out fingerpicked dynamics and adds sustain. Place before chorus.
The JCM900 is a mid-forward, gain-hungry amp—opposite of the glassy JC-120. Gain at 2 keeps it pristine; treble dropped to 5 (vs JC-120's 6-7) because the Marshall's EQ bites harder. Mid pushed to 6 compensates for your Jackson's EMG-style hot pickups which can sound thin on cleans. Your bridge humbucker is too aggressive—neck position with tone rolled to 7 warms it closer to the Tom Anderson's neck single coil.
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These settings are for a Marshall JCM900. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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