Tone library / Metallica / Master of puppets

Master of puppets amp settings — Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+

The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of puppets”, dialed in for a Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ with a Ibanez RG550. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) — signature main riff

Original rig

Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ (slaved into Marshall power section/cabs, graphic EQ 'V' scoop) + Jackson King V with Seymour Duncan Invader (James) / Jackson RR with EMG 81 (Kirk)

Aggressive, tight high-gain thrash rhythm with scooped 750Hz mids and sharp top-end bite

Amp settings — Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+

CHANNELLead (Lead Drive pulled, Lead Master engaged)BRIGHToffBOOSTon

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	8
Bass	2
Mid	4
Treble	7
Presence	3
Reverb	0
Master	4

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

You own the authentic record amp: engage the Lead channel with Lead Drive pulled and dial the rotary Bass low (around 2) to keep the low end tight before distortion. The hallmark Master of Puppets scoop comes entirely from the onboard 5-band Graphic EQ set into a classic 'V' shape (boost 80Hz and 6600Hz, moderately boost 240Hz and 2200Hz, and deeply scoop 750Hz). Clean interlude: switch to the Rhythm channel with the graphic EQ bypassed and toggle to neck pickup.

PRO TIPPick exclusively with aggressive, percussive downstrokes right next to the bridge saddles to get the sharp, immediate transient attack heard on the album tracks.

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These settings are for a Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+. 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.