Boss GX-1 settings
Master of Puppets settings for Boss GX-1
Metallica · adapted 17 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Master of Puppets" riff tone on a Boss GX-1, use the X-HI GAIN amp model on the lead channel, then set Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 6, Mid 2, Treble 8, Presence 6. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
Adapted for a PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin · updated 2026-11-13
- Amp model
- X-HI GAIN
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- Mesa 4x12
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Amp block
- Drive
- 8
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 2
- Treble
- 8
- Presence
- 6
- Original drive
- 8
Effects chain
- 1overdriveTube ScreamerGain 7 · Tone 6 · Level 8
- 2noise gateNoise SuppressorRelease 5 · Threshold 5
- 3reverbSpringMix 2 · Decay 2
- 4overdriveBoostGain 3 · Level 8
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting for chugging riffs.
- Use fast alternate picking to achieve the aggressive attack.
- Maintain a consistent rhythm to emphasize the percussive nature of the riff.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Boss GX-1 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 amp model should I use on the Boss GX-1 for Master of Puppets?
Use the X-HI GAIN (lead channel) with Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 6, Mid 2, Treble 8, Presence 6, followed by Tube Screamer, Noise Suppressor, Spring, Boost.
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 PRS SE CE 24 Standard Satin. 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 Boss GX-1
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Heart-Shaped Box · Nirvana
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
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.