TonesMatch
One — Metallica1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
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One Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica

Metallica · 1980s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
ESP MX220 (custom, black finish)
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge, active humbucker)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main), with Marshall JCM800 (modded) blended in
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1988. Rhythm/riff section tracked by James Hetfield using ESP MX220 with EMG 81 bridge pickup into Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head (primary), sometimes blended with a modded Marshall JCM800. No evidence of pedal distortion; all gain from amp. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and known amp use for 'One' riff section.

Amp Settings

Mids
3.5
Bass
6
Gain
8.5
Reverb
0
Treble
7.5
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • Noise gate (model unknown) · noise_gate

ESP MX220 (EMG 81 bridge) → Noise gate → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main) and/or Marshall JCM800 (modded) → Marshall 4x12 cabinet

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • scooped mids
  • aggressive palm muting
  • high-gain saturation
  • articulate pick attack
  • chunky low end
  • razor-sharp clarity
  • minimal ambience
  • focused, compressed sound
  • dry, immediate response

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source gives exact amp knob settings for 'One' riff section; settings estimated based on known use of Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and Marshall JCM800 for rhythm tones on ...And Justice For All.
  • ⚠️No evidence of pedal distortion or time-based/modulation effects on the riff section; all gain from amp.
  • ⚠️If more precise settings are found in future interviews or official rig rundowns, update accordingly.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The 'One' riff tone is classic late-80s Metallica: high gain, tight low end, heavily scooped mids, and bright, cutting treble, achieved with a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and EMG pickups. The production is dry with no audible reverb, and the presence is boosted for clarity in the mix.

Sources