One by Metallica — Amp Settings & Guitar Tone

Reference tone dialed on a Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster into a Fender Mustang LT25. Settings below are cited from real sources; open the page in a browser for the interactive version, or get this tone dialed for your exact gear.

To capture the dynamic tone of Metallica's 'One', we will use the Fender Mustang LT25 to emulate the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ high-gain sound. The Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s will substitute for the ESP guitars used in the recording. We'll focus on achieving a scooped midrange with pronounced bass and treble, using the amp's built-in effects for delay and reverb.

Signal chain settings

Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster '60s — Guitar for rhythm and lead

ControlSettingWhy
Pickup SelectorBridge PickupSelect the Bridge Pickup for a bright and articulate tone, similar to the EMG 81 pickups used by Metallica.
Master Volume7Set to 7 to maintain clarity and dynamics in both clean and distorted sections.
Tone 110Tone wide open — roll it down to soften the high end.
Tone 26Dial to 6 to enhance the brightness and cut through the mix, emulating the scooped mids of the recording.

Fender Mustang LT25 — Amp for rhythm and lead tones

ControlSettingWhy
Preset[14] THRASH OVERKILLThis preset is the best starting point for achieving the high-gain thrash metal tone of 'One'.
Gain8Set to 8 to achieve the saturated tube crunch in heavy sections.
Volume5Maintain at 5 for balanced output without overpowering the mix.
Treble7Increase to 7 to emphasize the bright and articulate character of the tone.
Bass6Set to 6 to support the scooped midrange and provide a solid low end.
Master6Output level — set to the volume you're playing at; this sets loudness, not tone.
EffectsDelay and ReverbEngage delay and reverb to add depth and ambient space, matching the recording's subtle use of these effects. Using the amp's Menu Button and Preset Select, open the effects list to reach it. Start around Time 300-400 ms, Feedback 3/10, Level 4/10 — match the repeats to the song's tempo. Press Save Button to keep it in this preset.
Cabinet buildNot usedNot needed for this tone — leave it off.
Amp ModelsNot usedNot needed for this tone — leave it off.

What Metallica actually used

Metallica recorded 'One' at One on One Recording Studios in Los Angeles in 1988. The track features James Hetfield on rhythm guitar and vocals, Kirk Hammett on lead guitar, Jason Newsted on bass, and Lars Ulrich on drums. The production was handled by Flemming Rasmussen, who had previously worked with the band on their earlier albums.

  • ESP 400 Series S-Type — lead guitar. Used by Kirk Hammett during the recording of 'One'.
  • ESP MX-220 — rhythm guitar. Used by James Hetfield during the recording of 'One'.
  • Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ — guitar amplification. Used for both rhythm and lead guitar tracks.
  • Dunlop Cry Baby Wah — lead guitar effect. Utilized by Kirk Hammett for the solo sections.
  • TC Electronic 2290 Digital Delay — lead guitar effect. Applied during mixing for lead guitar tracks.
  • Graphic EQ — tone shaping. Used to sculpt the guitar tones during mixing.

Tuning: Standard

Sources