Heavy Metal1991Metallica (The Black Album)

Sad But True Amp Settings

by Metallica

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Original Recording Settings

VerifiedResearched tone data for "Sad But True" by Metallica

Original Gear

Guitar: ESP MX-220 'So Fucking What' (black finish)
Pickups: EMG 81 (bridge) / EMG 60 (neck) (bridge (EMG 81 primary))
Amplifier: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++
Channel: Lead channel (pull lead engaged)
Tuning: D standard (D-G-C-F-A-D)
Pickup Selector: bridge

Additional amps: Modified Marshall JCM800 (Jose-modded, Bob Rock's unit), Mesa Mark IV, ADA MP-1 preamp. Power amp: Mesa Strategy 400. Cabinets: Mesa 4×12 with Celestion Vintage 30s, enclosed in foam/blankets for isolation.

Amp Settings

Gain

6.0

Bass

2.0

Mid

0.0

Treble

5.0

Presence

3.0

Master Volume

4.0

Volume

10.0

Effects Chain

No effects - straight into the amp

Playing Technique

Multiple layered rhythm tracks blended with Jason Newsted's bass in unison. The Jerry Jones baritone overdub an octave lower was critical to the enormous low-end. Extremely tight palm muting with heavy pick attack; wide, slower riff pacing emphasizes low-string authority.

Sources+

Guitar World 'Secrets Behind Metallica's Sad But True' (primary — documented amp settings with exact knob positions).
MusicRadar (Bob Rock interview): D Standard tuning confirmation — 'I told them that on Mötley Crüe's Dr. Feelgood, which I produced and Metallica loved, the band had tuned down to D.'
MetallicaGearHistory.com: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ and Jose-modded Marshall documentation.
Reverb.com (Bob Rock retrospective): Danelectro baritone and layered amp approach.