Tone library / Metallica / Master of puppets

Master of puppets amp settings — Peavey Vypyr x3

The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of puppets”, dialed in for a Peavey Vypyr x3 with a Ibanez GIO GRX70QA. Studio version, Master of Puppets (1986) - Main iconic rhythm track

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (V-curve EQ) slaved into Marshall JCM800 2203 power amp, Marshall 4x12 cab, Jackson King V / Gibson Explorer with high-output humbuckers

Aggressive, tight, high-gain thrash rhythm with deeply scooped mids and punchy low-end

Amp settings — Peavey Vypyr x3

CHANNEL6505 (Red channel / High Gain)BOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	8
Mid	2
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	5

Don’t have a Peavey Vypyr x3? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The Vypyr X3's 6505 Red channel delivers the tight, aggressive high-gain saturation required without needing external drive pedals. Mid is cut hard to 2 to replicate the iconic Mesa Mark IIC+ graphic EQ V-curve, while bass at 8 and treble at 7 provide the thumping low-end and biting pick attack. Clean interlude: switch to the Classic 30 clean model with chorus enabled.

PRO TIPStrict downpicking with heavy palm-muting right against the bridge saddles is essential to get the percussive, mechanical chug of the main riff.

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These settings are for a Peavey Vypyr x3. 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.