GuitarDistortedRiff
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
Mids1.5
Bass4
Gain8.5
Reverb0
Treble6
Presence5
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