Master of Puppets amp settings — Marshall Mg15fx
The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of Puppets”, dialed in for a Marshall Mg15fx with a Ibanez Grx40. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) - Main iconic rhythm track
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp with V-curve graphic EQ) slaved into Marshall JCM800 2203 power amp, Jackson King V / Gibson Explorer with high-output humbuckers
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 8 |
| Mid | 3 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01Tube Screamer (TS9)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; tightens low-end flub on the MG series
The MG15FX lacks the massive tube headroom of a Mark IIC+ slaved to a JCM800, so OD-2 channel is required to provide the heavy thrash saturation directly from the amp. The mids are scooped down to 3 to simulate the iconic Mesa V-curve graphic EQ while keeping treble at 7 for pick attack definition. A high bass setting of 8 restores the low-end chunk without muddying the 8-inch speaker.
Get this tone on your amp
These settings are for a Marshall Mg15fx. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
Get ToneAdapt on Google PlaySong, 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.