HeadRush Prime settings
Nothing Else Matters settings for HeadRush Prime
Metallica · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Nothing Else Matters" solo tone on a HeadRush Prime, use the 98 JCM2000 ULTRALEAD amp model on the lead channel, then set Gain 4.5, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 5. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 8 and volume on 8-9.
Solo settings
Adapted for a PRS US Tremonti · updated 2026-10-05
- Amp model
- 98 JCM2000 ULTRALEAD
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- 4x12 Closed Back
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 8 · Volume 8-9
HeadRush Prime 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
- 1noise gateDefault Gate
- 2distortionBlackOp DistortionGain 7 · Tone 6 · Level 8
- 3overdriveGreen JRC OverdriveGain 3 · Tone 5 · Level 8
- 4reverbBlackpanel Spring ReverbMix 3 · Decay 4
- 5compressionGray CompLevel 6 · Ratio 4 · Attack 5 · Release 5
Playing tips
- Focus on smooth, melodic phrases to emulate the singing sustain of the original solo.
- Utilize finger vibrato for expressive note bending and sustain.
- Experiment with slight palm muting on lower notes to maintain articulation while playing lead lines.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your HeadRush Prime 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 HeadRush Prime for Nothing Else Matters?
Use the 98 JCM2000 ULTRALEAD (lead channel) with Drive 7, Master 7, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 7, Presence 6, followed by Default Gate, BlackOp Distortion, Green JRC Overdrive, Blackpanel Spring Reverb, Gray Comp.
Which pickup should I use for Nothing Else Matters?
Bridge 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 PRS US Tremonti. 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 HeadRush Prime
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Alive · Pearl Jam
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Smoke on the Water · Deep Purple
- What If · Creed
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Comfortably Numb · Pink Floyd
- Creep · Radiohead
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.