Blackstar ID:Core 40 V4 settings
Nothing Else Matters settings for Blackstar ID:Core 40 V4
Metallica · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Nothing Else Matters" solo tone on a Blackstar ID:Core 40 V4, set Gain 7, Reverb 0.5, ISF 5, Voice 5, Tap Tempo 0, Effects Level 0. Use the neck pickup with your guitar's tone on 8 and volume on 8-9.
Solo settings
Adapted for a Fender Stratocaster · updated 2026-05-04
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 8 · Volume 8-9
Blackstar ID:Core 40 V4 knobs
- Gain
- 7
- Reverb
- 0.5
- ISF
- 5
- Voice
- 5
- Tap Tempo
- 0
- Effects Level
- 0
- Manual Button
- 0
- Power Reduction
- 1
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (spring) · 4
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in reverb set to a moderate level to recreate the spacious feel of the original tone.
- Focus on smooth, melodic phrases to capture the essence of the solo.
- Experiment with fingerstyle techniques for a warmer, more expressive sound.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Fender Stratocaster · updated 2026-04-12
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 8-9 · Volume 8-9
Blackstar ID:Core 40 V4 knobs
- Gain
- 1.5
- Reverb
- 3
- ISF
- 5
- Voice
- 0
- Tap Tempo
- 0
- Effects Level
- 5
- Manual Button
- 0
- Power Reduction
- 1
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (spring) · 4.5
Playing tips
- Use your amp's built-in reverb to recreate the spacious feel of the original tone.
- Set the effects level to around 5 for a subtle modulation effect that enhances the clean tone.
- Play with a soft attack to maintain the clean and articulate nature of the riff.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Blackstar ID:Core 40 V4 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 ID:Core 40 V4 settings for Nothing Else Matters?
Set Gain 7, Reverb 0.5, ISF 5, Voice 5, Tap Tempo 0, Effects Level 0.
Which pickup should I use for Nothing Else Matters?
Neck pickup, with the guitar's tone at 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 ID:Core 40 V4
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Plug In Baby · Muse
- Walk · Pantera
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Do I Wanna Know? · Arctic Monkeys
- Where Is My Mind? (2007 Remaster) · Pixies
- Holy Wars...The Punishment Due (2004 Remix) · Megadeth
- 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.