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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
Full Nothing Else Matters tone breakdown, effects and sources →

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.

Popular songs on the Blackstar Core

All 53 songs for the Blackstar Core →

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.