Boss GX-10 settings
Master of Puppets settings for Boss GX-10
Metallica · adapted 15 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Master of Puppets" riff tone on a Boss GX-10, use the Extreme amp model on the lead channel, then set Drive 9, Master 7, Bass 6, Mid 3, Treble 7.5, Presence 6.5. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Jackson JS Series JS22-7 DKA HT · updated 2026-11-10
- Amp model
- Extreme
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- 4x12 cabinet
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Amp block
- Drive
- 9
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 3
- Treble
- 7.5
- Presence
- 6.5
Effects chain
- 1noise gateNoise SuppressorRelease 5 · Threshold 5
- 2overdriveBoosterGain 5 · Tone 5 · Level 8
- 3reverbSpringMix 2 · Decay 2
- 4distortionMetalGain 9 · Tone 7 · Level 8
- 5eqParametric EQQ 1
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting for chugging riffs.
- Use fast alternate picking to achieve the aggressive attack.
- Maintain a percussive rhythm to enhance the chunkiness of the tone.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Boss GX-10 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-10 for Master of Puppets?
Use the Extreme (lead channel) with Drive 9, Master 7, Bass 6, Mid 3, Treble 7.5, Presence 6.5, followed by Noise Suppressor, Booster, Spring, Metal, Parametric EQ.
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 Jackson JS Series JS22-7 DKA HT. 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
More Metallica on the Boss GX-10
All Metallica tones →Popular songs on the Boss GX-10
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Welcome To The Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Mr. Brightside · The Killers
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Sultans of Swing · Dire Straits
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.