VOX VT20X settings
One settings for VOX VT20X
Metallica · adapted 3 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "One" riff tone on a VOX VT20X, select the METAL LEAD preset, then set Gain 8.5, Bass 5, Mid 2.5, Treble 6, Reverb 0.5. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Fender Telecaster · updated 2026-11-07
- Preset / mode
- METAL LEAD
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 8-9
VOX VT20X knobs
- Gain
- 8.5
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 2.5
- Treble
- 6
- Reverb
- 0.5
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (Spring) · 0.5
Playing tips
- Use tight palm muting for chugging riffs to achieve the aggressive attack.
- Focus on fast alternate picking to maintain rhythm clarity.
- Incorporate muted string 'chuks' for added percussive effect.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your VOX VT20X actually has.
- Guitar
- ESP MX-220 (black finish, custom, 1987-1988 era)
- Amp
- Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main rhythm amp for '...And Justice for All' era)
- Gain
- 8.5
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 3.5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 4.5
- Reverb
- 1
Different guitar or pedals? Get One 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 VOX VT20X for One?
Start from the METAL LEAD preset, then set Gain 8.5, Bass 5, Mid 2.5, Treble 6, Reverb 0.5.
Which pickup should I use for One?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 10 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did Metallica use on One?
Guitar: ESP MX-220 (black finish, custom, 1987-1988 era). Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main rhythm amp for '...And Justice for All' era).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Fender Telecaster. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
One on other amps
Popular songs on the VOX VT20X
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Walk · Pantera
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Layla · Derek and the Dominos
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.