Tone library / Metallica / One

One amp settings — Marshall DSL40CR

The Metallica guitar tone for “One”, dialed in for a Marshall DSL40CR with a Jackson Pro Series Soloist. Studio version, ...And Justice for All (1988) — Heavy riff section

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head, ESP MX-220 with EMG 81 bridge pickup, no pedals on rhythm tone

Tight, scooped thrash rhythm with surgical precision and aggressive pick attack
Amp settings — Marshall DSL40CR
CHANNELUltra Gain (Red)BRIGHToffBOOSToff
GAIN 6 BASS 6 MID 2 TREBLE 7 PRESENCE 5 REVERB 0 MASTER 4
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain6
Bass6
Mid2
Treble7
Presence5
Reverb0
Master4
Don’t have a Marshall DSL40CR? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →
Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10
Why these settings

The original Mark IIC+ is tighter in the low end and more surgical than the DSL's British voicing. Dropped mid from the original 3.5 to 2 because the DSL's mids are already more prominent and honky — this achieves the signature AJFA scoop. Pulled gain back from 8.5 to 6 because the DSL's Ultra Gain channel saturates faster than the Mark IIC+'s lead channel. Presence reduced by half a point to avoid the DSL's tendency toward fizz at high gain.

PRO TIPHetfield's tone on this track comes from relentless downpicking with tight palm muting right against the bridge saddles — the amp settings mean nothing if you alternate pick or mute loosely. Practice the main riff at 60% tempo with strict downstrokes until it's automatic.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Marshall DSL40CR. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

Get ToneAdapt on Google Play
More tones for the Marshall DSL40CR
One Last BreathCreedThunderstruckAC/DCCrazy trainOzzy OsbourneScar TissueRed Hot Chili PeppersSeek & DestroyMetallicaBeat itMichael jackson
Find your amp
Browse
Marshall DSL40CR settingsALL SONGS FOR THIS AMP One on other ampsSAME SONG, YOUR AMP Metallica tonesALL SONGS Metallica on the Marshall DSL40CRSAME ARTIST, SAME AMP Jackson Pro Series Soloist tonesSAME GUITAR Tone libraryEVERYTHING

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.

Get ToneAdapt — first match free