Tone library / Metallica / Master of Puppets

Master of Puppets amp settings — Cort CM15R

The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of Puppets”, dialed in for a Cort CM15R with a Epiphone SG Standard. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) — main rhythm riff

Original rig

Jackson Custom Shop King V (Seymour Duncan Invader) -> Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (slaved into Marshall JCM800 power amp) with graphic EQ V-curve

Aggressive, tight, scooped thrash rhythm with crushing low-end chunk and sharp attack

Amp settings — Cort CM15R

CHANNELOverdrive Channel (Channel Select switch ON)

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	8
Bass	6
Mid	3
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	5

Don’t have a Cort CM15R? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01ProCo Rat 2 or Boss MT-2 Metal Zone

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; adds the razor-sharp high-gain saturation of a cranked Mark IIC+

Distortion 7 · Filter / Tone 5 · Volume 7

Why these settings

The Cort CM15R lacks the cascaded tube gain and graphic EQ of a Mesa Mark IIC+, so engage its Overdrive channel and push gain to 8 for maximum saturation without turning muddy. Scoop the mid knob to 3 while elevating treble and bass to emulate the iconic Mark IIC+ V-curve on the 8-inch speaker. Clean interlude: switch to the Clean channel with guitar volume rolled back to 7.

PRO TIPStrict all-downstroke palm-muting right against the bridge saddles is essential to get the razor-tight percussive attack of Hetfield's rhythm track.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Cort CM15R. 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.