Blackstar ID:Core V4 settings
Master of Puppets settings for Blackstar ID:Core V4
Metallica · adapted 6 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Master of Puppets" riff tone on a Blackstar ID:Core V4, set Gain 9, Volume 8, Reverb 0.5, Isf 5, Power reduction 0. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Ibanez GRG121DX · updated 2026-11-10
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Blackstar ID:Core V4 knobs
- Gain
- 9
- Volume
- 8
- Reverb
- 0.5
- Isf
- 5
- Power reduction
- 0
Built-in effects
- Reverb on · 0.5
Playing tips
- Use tight palm muting for chugging rhythms.
- Incorporate fast alternate picking to achieve a sharp attack.
- Maintain a consistent picking hand position for percussive rhythm.
Solo settings
Adapted for a Ibanez GRG121DX · updated 2026-11-10
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 8-10 · Volume 10
Blackstar ID:Core V4 knobs
- Gain
- 9
- Volume
- 8
- Reverb
- 0.5
- Isf
- 5
- Power reduction
- 0
Built-in effects
- Reverb on · 0.5
Playing tips
- Use aggressive palm muting to achieve a tight and percussive rhythm.
- Focus on articulate lead lines to enhance the singing sustain in the solo.
- Maintain a crisp attack on the notes to cut through the mix.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Blackstar ID:Core V4 actually has.
- Guitar
- ESP MX220 (custom, aka 'Eet Fuk')
- Amp
- Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall JCM800 (power amp section), Mesa 4x12 cabinet
- Gain
- 9
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 3
- Treble
- 7.5
- Presence
- 6.5
- Reverb
- 1
Different guitar or pedals? Get Master of Puppets adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Metallica's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Blackstar ID:Core V4 settings for Master of Puppets?
Set Gain 9, Volume 8, Reverb 0.5, Isf 5, Power reduction 0.
Which pickup should I use for Master of Puppets?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 10 and volume at 10.
What gear did Metallica use on Master of Puppets?
Guitar: ESP MX220 (custom, aka 'Eet Fuk'). Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall JCM800 (power amp section), Mesa 4x12 cabinet.
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Ibanez GRG121DX. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Master of Puppets on other amps
- Master of Puppets on Fender Mustang LT25 · 1,425
- Master of Puppets on Boss Katana · 926
- Master of Puppets on Fender Frontman 10G · 434
- Master of Puppets on Line 6 Helix Floor / LT / Rack · 280
- Master of Puppets on Fender Champion 20 · 218
- Master of Puppets on Fender Frontman 15G · 207
- Master of Puppets on Neural DSP Quad Cortex · 193
- Master of Puppets on Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 · 182
Popular songs on the Blackstar ID:Core V4
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Walk · Pantera
- Welcome To The Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Do I Wanna Know? · Arctic Monkeys
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- War Pigs · Black Sabbath
- Layla · Derek and the Dominos
Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.