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Sad But True — Metallica1 / 2
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Sad But True Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica

Metallica · 1990s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
ESP MX-220 (black finish)
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1991, rhythm riff section. Multiple amp layers were used, but the core tone is the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ with Aphex EQF-2 EQs and Aphex CX-1 Compressor/Expander in the effects loop. Marshall JCM800 and Mesa/Boogie Mark IV were also used for overdubs, but the main riff is the Mark IIC++. D standard tuning. No evidence of live rig or other guitars for this section.

Amp Settings

Mids
1.5
Bass
4
Gain
8.5
Reverb
0
Treble
6
Presence
5

Effects Chain

  • Aphex EQF-2 Parametric EQ · eq
  • Aphex CX-1 Compressor/Expander · compression

ESP MX-220 (bridge EMG 81) → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ → [Effects Loop: Aphex EQF-2 EQ → Aphex CX-1 Compressor] → Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinets

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • extremely scooped mids
  • aggressive palm muting
  • massive low-end punch
  • crushing, saturated distortion
  • clear, articulate attack
  • dry, unprocessed sound
  • high-output, active pickup clarity
  • studio multi-tracked thickness
  • modern metal rhythm focus

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️Amp settings are sourced directly from Guitar World for the Mark IIC++. No numeric settings for the Marshall JCM800 or Mark IV, but these were used for overdubs, not the core riff tone.
  • ⚠️No evidence of pedals or time-based/modulation effects used on the riff section; all EQ and compression are rack/studio units.
  • ⚠️Reverb is set to 0; the tone is dry and tight, as confirmed by sources and by listening.
  • ⚠️EQ is heavily scooped via amp's graphic EQ and outboard Aphex EQs, but only amp knob settings are listed above.
  • ⚠️No chorus, delay, flanger, or other modulation/time-based effects are audible or cited for the riff section.
  • ⚠️Estimated guitar knob settings (volume/tone at 10) based on typical Hetfield setup for maximum output and clarity.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Sad But True features a thick, scooped, high-gain tone characteristic of Metallica's Black Album era, using Mesa/Boogie amps with mids dialed back, tight but not boomy bass, aggressive treble and presence for clarity, and a very dry, in-your-face production with no audible reverb.

Sources