How to Dial In "Mama Said" by Metallica - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Mama Said"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Load (1996). Load is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica, released on June 4, 1996, through Elektra Records in the United States and Vertigo Records internationally. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield through a Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ Reissue, the rig we use for Metallica's other songs from Load, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in E♭ standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), a half step below standard.
Common Questions About the "Mama Said" Tone
What guitar did Metallica use on "Mama Said"?
The guitar on "Mama Said" (released 1996) isn't documented; the ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in E♭ Standard (E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ B♭ E♭), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Mama Said" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Mama Said" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Mama Said" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Mama Said" by Metallica are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.