Tone library / Metallica / Master of puppets

Master of puppets amp settings — Riley XL3OR

The Metallica guitar tone for “Master of puppets”, dialed in for a Riley XL3OR with a Gibson The paul 2. Studio version, Master of Puppets album (1986), rhythm guitar tone

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ preamp slaved into Marshall JCM800 power amp, Marshall 4x12 cabs with G12T-75s, Gibson Explorer with EMG 81 bridge pickup

Tight, aggressive thrash rhythm with scooped mids, pronounced low-end thump, and cutting high-frequency presence

Amp settings — Riley XL3OR

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

Don’t have a Riley XL3OR? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Boss GE-7 Equalizer

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. This is essential for the V-shaped EQ curve that defines the Master of Puppets tone. Place in FX loop if available, otherwise before amp input.

100Hz 8 · 200Hz 3 · 400Hz 2 · 800Hz 2 · 1.6kHz 3 · 3.2kHz 7 · 6.4kHz 8 · Level 5

Why these settings

Your Gibson The Paul 2 has passive humbuckers vs the original's hot EMG 81 actives — gain is pushed to 8 to compensate for lower output. The Riley XL3OR is an unknown amp model with no documented voicing characteristics, so settings are based on neutral assumptions. Without a graphic EQ pedal, you cannot fully replicate the signature V-curve scoop; the mid at 3 and boosted bass/treble approximate it, but a GE-7 or similar 7-band EQ is strongly recommended to nail the tone.

PRO TIPPalm mute directly over the bridge saddles with the meaty part of your picking hand for that tight, percussive 'chunk' — Hetfield's right-hand placement is as critical to this tone as any amp setting.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Riley XL3OR. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

Get ToneAdapt on Google Play

Find your amp

Browse

Master of puppets on other ampsSAME SONG, YOUR AMP Metallica tonesALL SONGS Tone libraryEVERYTHING

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.