Sad But True amp settings — Line Line6 Spider v20

The Metallica guitar tone for “Sad But True”, dialed in for a Line Line6 Spider v20 with a Ibanez Grg121Sp-Bmc. Studio version, Metallica (Black Album, 1991)

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head, ESP Explorer with EMG 81 bridge pickup, Eb Standard tuning

Tight, scooped high-gain rhythm with crushing low-end and aggressive pick attack

Amp settings — Line Line6 Spider v20

CHANNELInsane

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	7
Mid	3
Treble	6
Presence	5
Reverb	0
Master	5

Don’t have a Line Line6 Spider v20? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The Spider V's 'Insane' channel approximates high-gain Mesa voicing. Mids scooped to 3 replicates Hetfield's classic V-curve EQ. Your GRG121's Infinity R humbucker is hot enough to drive this channel hard without pedals—bass pushed to 7 compensates for the Spider's thinner low-end compared to a real tube rectifier.

PRO TIPTune to Eb Standard (half-step down) and use aggressive downpicking with your palm muting right at the bridge saddles—Hetfield's tone is 50% right-hand technique. Dig in hard and keep every note short and percussive.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Line Line6 Spider v20. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Sad But True on other ampsSAME SONG, YOUR AMP Metallica tonesALL SONGS Ibanez Grg121Sp-Bmc 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.