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Master of Puppets Guitar Tone — Metallica

Exact amp settings for every part of “Master of Puppets”, a metal 1980s track by Metallica.

Master of Puppets by Metallica has 2 distinct guitar parts documented here, built around the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall JCM800 (power amp section). Pick the section you’re learning below for its gain and EQ, then open the full page to see the complete rig, pickup and pedal chain — and adapt every knob to your own amp and guitar for free.

Riff · Distorted

Master of Puppets — Riff · Distorted

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall JCM800 (power amp section)
Gain 9Bass 6Mid 3Treble 7.5Presence 6.5Reverb 1
Full settings, gear & signal chain →
Solo · Distorted

Master of Puppets — Solo · Distorted

Amp: Marshall JCM800 / Mesa Boogie
Gain 8Bass 6Mid 5Treble 7Presence 6Reverb 2
Full settings, gear & signal chain →

Match Master of Puppets on your own gear

ToneAdapt translates these settings to your exact amp, guitar and pedals — free.

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Master of Puppets guitar tone — FAQ

What amp settings do I need for Master of Puppets by Metallica?

The main part uses gain 9, bass 6, mid 3, treble 7.5, presence 6.5, reverb 1 (out of 10) on the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall JCM800 (power amp section). Master of Puppets has 2 documented parts (Riff · Distorted, Solo · Distorted) — open each below for its exact gain and EQ, then adapt them to your own amp free.

What amp is used in Master of Puppets?

These tones were built around Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall JCM800 (power amp section), Marshall JCM800 / Mesa Boogie. You don’t need the same amp, though — GuitarToneAdapt re-dials the Master of Puppets tone for whatever amp and guitar you already own, free in the browser.

How many guitar tones are in Master of Puppets?

Master of Puppets by Metallica has 2 distinct guitar parts documented here: Riff · Distorted, Solo · Distorted. Each has its own amp settings and signal chain.

How do I get the Master of Puppets guitar tone on my own amp?

Start from the settings for the part you’re learning above, then let GuitarToneAdapt compensate for your specific amp, guitar and pedals so it sits like the record — no new gear needed, free.