Boss GX-1 settings
Enter Sandman settings for Boss GX-1
Metallica · adapted 9 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Enter Sandman" riff tone on a Boss GX-1, use the MESA/BOOGIE amp model on the lead channel, then set Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 4.5, Treble 7, Presence 4.5. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Yamaha Pacifica 012 · updated 2026-10-16
- Amp model
- MESA/BOOGIE
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- Marshall 4x12 cabinet
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Amp block
- Drive
- 8
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 4.5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 4.5
Effects chain
- 1distortionMetal DistortionGain 8 · Tone 6 · Level 7
- 2noise gateNoise SuppressorRelease 3 · Threshold 5
- 3overdriveBoostGain 3 · Tone 5 · Level 7
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting for chugging riffs.
- Use aggressive picking for articulate attack.
- Maintain consistent dynamics to ensure clarity in note separation.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Boss GX-1 actually has.
- Guitar
- ESP MX-220 (black finish)
- Amp
- Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++
- Gain
- 8
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 4.5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 4.5
- Reverb
- 0
Different guitar or pedals? Get Enter Sandman 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 amp model should I use on the Boss GX-1 for Enter Sandman?
Use the MESA/BOOGIE (lead channel) with Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 4.5, Treble 7, Presence 4.5, followed by Metal Distortion, Noise Suppressor, Boost.
Which pickup should I use for Enter Sandman?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 10 and volume at 10.
What gear did Metallica use on Enter Sandman?
Guitar: ESP MX-220 (black finish). Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++.
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Yamaha Pacifica 012. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Enter Sandman on other amps
- Enter Sandman on Fender Mustang LT25 · 644
- Enter Sandman on Boss Katana · 470
- Enter Sandman on Fender Frontman 10G · 238
- Enter Sandman on Line 6 Helix Floor / LT / Rack · 168
- Enter Sandman on Boss GT-1000 · 121
- Enter Sandman on Fender Frontman 15G · 118
- Enter Sandman on Fender Champion 20 · 114
- Enter Sandman on Neural DSP Quad Cortex · 94
Popular songs on the Boss GX-1
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Heart-Shaped Box · Nirvana
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
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.