Boss GX-10 settings
Nothing Else Matters settings for Boss GX-10
Metallica · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Nothing Else Matters" riff tone on a Boss GX-10, use the JC Clean amp model on the clean channel, then set Gain 1.5, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 5. Use the neck pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a PRS SE Custom 24 · updated 2026-05-16
- Amp model
- JC Clean
- Channel
- Clean
- Cab
- Open back cabinet
- Pickup
- Neck pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Boss GX-10 knobs
- Gain
- 1.5
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 5
- Treble
- 5
Amp block
- Drive
- 2
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 4
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 5
Effects chain
- 1overdriveBoosterGain 3 · Level 7
- 2noise gateNoise SuppressorRelease 5 · Threshold 4
- 3reverbSpringMix 3 · Decay 4.5
- 4modulationChorusMix 3 · Rate 3 · Depth 4
Playing tips
- Use fingerstyle for a warmer, more rounded tone.
- Lightly palm mute for added control and depth in the riff.
- Focus on smooth dynamics to maintain the clean, full-bodied sound.
Solo settings
Adapted for a PRS SE Custom 24 · updated 2026-05-16
- Amp model
- X-Titan
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- 4x12 closed back
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 8 · Volume 8-9
Boss GX-10 knobs
- Gain
- 4.5
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 5
- Treble
- 5
Amp block
- Drive
- 7
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 6
- Original drive
- 7
Effects chain
- 1overdriveT-ScreamGain 5 · Tone 6 · Level 7
- 2noise gateNoise SuppressorRelease 6 · Threshold 4
- 3reverbSpringMix 3 · Decay 4
- 4distortionMetal CoreGain 7 · Tone 6 · Level 6
- 5compressionCompLevel 7 · Ratio 4 · Attack 5 · Release 6 · Threshold 5
Playing tips
- Focus on smooth, melodic phrasing to capture the essence of the solo.
- Use finger vibrato to enhance sustain and expressiveness.
- Employ subtle bends to add emotion to the notes.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Boss GX-10 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 amp model should I use on the Boss GX-10 for Nothing Else Matters?
Use the JC Clean (clean channel) with Drive 2, Master 7, Bass 6, Mid 4, Treble 7, Presence 5, followed by Booster, Noise Suppressor, Spring, Chorus.
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 PRS SE Custom 24. 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
More Metallica on the Boss GX-10
All Metallica tones →Popular songs on the Boss GX-10
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Welcome To The Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Mr. Brightside · The Killers
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Sultans of Swing · Dire Straits
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.