Tone library / Metallica / Master of Puppets

Master of Puppets amp settings — Cheri CG-10

The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of Puppets”, dialed in for a Cheri CG-10 with a Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) - Main Rhythm Track

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ preamp slaved into Marshall JCM800 2203 power amp, Jackson King V with Seymour Duncan Invader humbuckers, Marshall 4x12 cab

Aggressive, tight high-gain thrash crunch with a deep V-scooped midrange and biting attack
Amp settings — Cheri CG-10
CHANNELOverdrive / Boost Switch OnBOOSTon
GAIN 8 BASS 6 MID 2 TREBLE 8 REVERB 0 MASTER 5
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain8
Bass6
Mid2
Treble8
Reverb0
Master5
Don’t have a Cheri CG-10? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →
Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01ProCo Rat 2 or Boss DS-1

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; switch amp to clean channel with gain at 2 once acquired

Distortion 7 · Filter 5 · Volume 6
Why these settings

The Cheri CG-10 is a basic solid-state practice amp with an 8-inch speaker that lacks the massive low-end punch of a Mesa Mark IIC+ through a 4x12 cab. We engage the built-in overdrive switch and push gain to 8 with a hard midrange cut to replicate the iconic 750Hz Mesa graphic EQ 'V-curve'. Treble is pushed to 8 to match the bright pick attack of Hetfield's downpicking, while bass is kept at 6 to prevent the small practice speaker from farting out.

PRO TIPStrict, aggressive downpicking with the palm lightly muting right at the bridge saddles is essential to get the signature percussive chug of this track.

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These settings are for a Cheri CG-10. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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