Blackstar ID:Core 10 V4 settings
If Darkness Had a Son settings for Blackstar ID:Core 10 V4
Metallica · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "If Darkness Had a Son" riff tone on a Blackstar ID:Core 10 V4, select the OD2 preset, then set Gain 0, Gain 9, Volume 7, Presence 6, Reverb 0.5, ISF 7. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22-7 · updated 2026-06-22
- Preset / mode
- OD2
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Blackstar ID:Core 10 V4 knobs
- Gain
- 0
- Gain
- 9
- Volume
- 7
- Presence
- 6
- Reverb
- 0.5
- ISF
- 7
- Voice
- 6
- Tap Tempo
- 0
- Effects Level
- 0
- Power Reduction
- 10
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (spring) · 2
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting for chugging riffs.
- Use aggressive pick attack to enhance articulation.
- Maintain a consistent percussive rhythm while playing.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Blackstar ID:Core 10 V4 actually has.
- Guitar
- ESP Snakebyte (James Hetfield signature, 2023 studio recording)
- Amp
- Marshall Super Lead 100-watt head (late-60s/early-70s, José Arredondo modded)
- Gain
- 9
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 3.5
- Treble
- 7.5
- Presence
- 6.5
- Reverb
- 1
Different guitar or pedals? Get If Darkness Had a Son 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 preset should I use on the Blackstar ID:Core 10 V4 for If Darkness Had a Son?
Start from the OD2 preset, then set Gain 0, Gain 9, Volume 7, Presence 6, Reverb 0.5, ISF 7.
Which pickup should I use for If Darkness Had a Son?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did Metallica use on If Darkness Had a Son?
Guitar: ESP Snakebyte (James Hetfield signature, 2023 studio recording). Amp: Marshall Super Lead 100-watt head (late-60s/early-70s, José Arredondo modded).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Jackson JS Series Dinky Arch Top JS22-7. 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 ID:Core 10 V4
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Walk · Pantera
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Do I Wanna Know? · Arctic Monkeys
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
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.