Blackstar Core settings
Nothing Else Matters settings for Blackstar Core
Metallica · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Nothing Else Matters" riff tone on a Blackstar Core, set Gain 1.5, Volume 5, Reverb 1.5, Isf 5. Use the neck pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Fender Stratocaster · updated 2026-10-20
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Blackstar Core knobs
- Gain
- 1.5
- Volume
- 5
- Reverb
- 1.5
- Isf
- 5
Built-in effects
- Chorus on
- Reverb on · 1.5
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in chorus set to moderate level to recreate the subtle modulation effect.
- Set your amp's reverb to a moderate level to add depth to the clean tone.
- Play with a gentle touch to maintain the warm and full-bodied sound characteristic of the original tone.
Solo settings
Adapted for a Epiphone Les Paul · updated 2026-02-23
- Preset / mode
- Lead
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Blackstar Core knobs
- Gain
- 6
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 6
- Reverb
- 1.5
Built-in effects
- Delay on
- Reverb on (spring) · 4.5
Playing tips
- Focus on expressive bends to achieve a vocal-like tone.
- Use smooth finger transitions for sustained notes.
- Incorporate slight vibrato for added expressiveness.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Blackstar Core actually has.
- Guitar
- ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett Signature, 1991 era)
- Amp
- Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1991)
- Gain
- 6.5
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 5.5
- Treble
- 7.5
- Presence
- 6.5
- Reverb
- 2.5
Different guitar or pedals? Get Nothing Else Matters adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Metallica's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Blackstar Core settings for Nothing Else Matters?
Set Gain 1.5, Volume 5, Reverb 1.5, Isf 5.
Which pickup should I use for Nothing Else Matters?
Neck pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did Metallica use on Nothing Else Matters?
Guitar: ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett Signature, 1991 era). Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1991).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Fender Stratocaster. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Nothing Else Matters on other amps
- Nothing Else Matters on Fender Mustang LT25 · 13
- Nothing Else Matters on Boss Katana · 6
- Nothing Else Matters on Marshall CODE 25 · 5
- Nothing Else Matters on Harley Benton HB-20MFX · 4
- Nothing Else Matters on Roland Jazz Chorus JC-40 · 4
- Nothing Else Matters on Fender Frontman 10G · 3
- Nothing Else Matters on Yamaha THR30II Wireless · 3
- Nothing Else Matters on AmpliTube 5 MAX · 3
Popular songs on the Blackstar Core
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Walk · Pantera
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.