What amp did Metallica use on Enter Sandman?

James Hetfield used a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier for the rhythm guitar parts on "Enter Sandman." This amp was known for its tight, aggressive high-gain tone and became a staple of 1990s metal production.

How to get James Hetfield's Enter Sandman guitar tone?

Use a guitar with high-output humbuckers through a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ or similar high-gain amp with scooped mids. Add an Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer as a clean boost to tighten the low end, and double-track the rhythm parts for thickness.

What guitar did James Hetfield use on Enter Sandman?

James Hetfield used his ESP Explorer guitar on "Enter Sandman." The Explorer's mahogany body and high-output pickups contributed to the song's heavy, aggressive rhythm guitar sound.

Did Metallica use a Tube Screamer on Enter Sandman?

Yes, an Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer was used during the recording of "Enter Sandman." It was set up as a clean boost rather than for overdrive, helping to tighten the low end and add sustain to the high-gain amp tone.

What microphone was used to record Enter Sandman guitars?

The guitar cabinets on "Enter Sandman" were recorded using Shure SM57 microphones. The SM57 is a standard choice for recording guitar amplifiers due to its ability to handle high sound pressure levels and midrange clarity.

Who produced Enter Sandman by Metallica?

"Enter Sandman" was produced by Bob Rock and engineered by Randy Staub at One on One Recording Studios in Los Angeles. Bob Rock's production style helped Metallica achieve their most commercially successful sound on the Black Album.

rhythm guitar from "enter sandman" by metallica

enter sandman

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rhythm guitar

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Tone Profile

A high-gain, tight, and aggressive rhythm guitar tone with a scooped midrange, providing a powerful and clear sound, perfect for driving heavy riffs.

Shop This Rig

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ESP Explorer(instrument)
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+(amp)
Shure SM57(microphone)
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808(processing)

The Story

"Enter Sandman" was recorded at One on One Recording Studios in Los Angeles with producer Bob Rock and engineer Randy Staub. James Hetfield used his ESP Explorer guitar through a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier, with an Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer used as a clean boost to tighten the low end. The guitar cabinet was close-miked with a Shure SM57, and the rhythm guitars were double-tracked to create the song's massive, aggressive sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Bob Rock

Engineer: Randy Staub

Recorded at: One on One Recording Studios, Los Angeles

Signal Chain

Instrument: ESP ExplorerShop on Reverb

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+Shop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Processing: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Use an ESP Explorer or similar guitar with high-output humbuckers.
Dial in a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ or similar amp with high gain, scooping the midrange for a modern metal sound.
Use an Ibanez Tube Screamer with the drive set low as a clean boost to tighten the tone.
Experiment with microphone placement on the cabinet to find the sweet spot.
Double-track the guitar parts to add thickness and width.

Original Gear

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ESP ExplorerShop on Reverb(guitar)
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+Shop on Reverb(amp)
Shure SM57Shop on Reverb(mic)
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808Shop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Mesa/Boogie Mark V:35Shop on Reverb$1,800-$2,200

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Includes the Mark IIC+ mode that captures the original's tight, scooped high-gain character

Neural DSP Fortin Cali SuitePlugin Boutique$100-$130

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Digital recreation of the Mark IIC+ with built-in Tube Screamer modeling for the complete signal chain

ESP LTD EX-401Shop on Reverb$600-$800

Alternative to: ESP Explorer

Affordable version of Hetfield's Explorer with high-output EMG-style pickups for aggressive metal tones

Boss SD-1 Super OverdriveShop on Reverb$50-$70

Alternative to: Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer

Budget alternative that provides similar midrange boost and low-end tightening when used as a clean boost

Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer ReissueShop on Reverb$180-$220

Alternative to: Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer

Exact reissue of the original pedal used on the recording for authentic boost characteristics

ESP E-II ExplorerShop on Reverb$1,400-$1,800