Blackstar Core settings
One settings for Blackstar Core
Metallica · adapted 3 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "One" riff tone on a Blackstar Core, set Gain 8, Volume 7, Reverb 0.5, Isf 8. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Fender Stratocaster · updated 2026-10-09
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 8-9
Blackstar Core knobs
- Gain
- 8
- Volume
- 7
- Reverb
- 0.5
- Isf
- 8
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (spring) · 2
Playing tips
- Use tight palm muting for chugging riffs to achieve that percussive attack.
- Focus on fast alternate picking to maintain clarity in the riff.
- Adjust your picking hand position to emphasize the lower strings for a chunkier sound.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Blackstar Core actually has.
- Guitar
- ESP MX-220 (black finish, custom, 1987-1988 era)
- Amp
- Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main rhythm amp for '...And Justice for All' era)
- Gain
- 8.5
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 3.5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 4.5
- Reverb
- 1
Different guitar or pedals? Get One 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 One?
Set Gain 8, Volume 7, Reverb 0.5, Isf 8.
Which pickup should I use for One?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 10 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did Metallica use on One?
Guitar: ESP MX-220 (black finish, custom, 1987-1988 era). Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main rhythm amp for '...And Justice for All' era).
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.
One on other amps
More Metallica on the Blackstar Core
All Metallica tones →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.