Tone library / Metalica / Master of puppets

Master of puppets amp settings — Marshal Mg30fx

The Metalica guitar tone for “Master of puppets”, dialed in for a Marshal Mg30fx with a Gibson Les Paul Modern. Studio version, Master of Puppets album (1986) — main rhythm riff tone

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ preamp into modified Marshall JCM800 power amp, Jackson King V with EMG 81 bridge pickup, no pedals — all gain from amp, quad-tracked

Tight, aggressive thrash rhythm with massive low end, deeply scooped mids, and cutting treble attack — dry and punishing

Amp settings — Marshal Mg30fx

CHANNELOD2 (highest gain channel)BOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	8
Bass	7
Mid	3
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	5

Don’t have a Marshal Mg30fx? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The MG30FX lacks the tight low-end authority of a Mesa, so bass is pulled back from the original's 8 to 7 to prevent flabbiness through the small speaker. Mid stays at 3 to replicate the signature Hetfield scoop. Treble dropped from 8 to 7 because the MG's solid-state treble can get harsh where a tube amp stays smooth. The MG30FX has no presence control — that knob does not exist on this amp.

PRO TIPDownpick every single note — this is non-negotiable for the MOP attack. Palm mute tight against the bridge, and focus on making each muted note sound like a percussive punch. The tone is 50% gear, 50% Hetfield's right hand.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Marshal Mg30fx. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.