Tone library / Metallica / Master of puppets

Master of puppets amp settings — NUX NUX MIGHTY40BT

The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of puppets”, dialed in for a NUX NUX MIGHTY40BT with a Spira guitars Spira X-400 MWH. Studio version, Master of Puppets album (1986)

Original rig

Jackson King V 'Kill Bon Jovi' with Seymour Duncan Invaders → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) → Marshall JCM800 (power amp) → Marshall 4x12

Tight, aggressive, scooped-mid thrash rhythm with razor-sharp pick attack and crushing low end

Amp settings — NUX NUX MIGHTY40BT

CHANNELHi-Gain or Metal amp model (closest to Mesa Mark IIC+ voicing)BRIGHToffBOOSTon

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

Don’t have a NUX NUX MIGHTY40BT? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The NUX Mighty40BT is a modeling amp — select its highest-gain amp model (Metal or Hi-Gain channel) to approximate the Mark IIC+ saturation. The Spira X-400 has passive humbuckers vs the original's hot Invaders, so gain stays at 7 rather than dropping lower. Mids at 3 replicates the classic V-curve scoop; if your NUX has a built-in EQ or app control, cut 750Hz further for extra authenticity.

PRO TIPHetfield's tone is 50% technique: strict downpicking with the pick angled slightly, palm muting right at the bridge saddles, and a death grip on the pick for maximum attack. No alternate picking on the main riff — all downstrokes, all day.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a NUX NUX MIGHTY40BT. 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.