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HeadRush Pedalboard settings

Master of Puppets settings for HeadRush Pedalboard

Metallica · adapted 9 times on ToneAdapt

To get the Metallica "Master of Puppets" riff tone on a HeadRush Pedalboard, use the 82 LEAD 800 100W amp model on the lead channel, then set Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 6, Mid 2, Treble 7, Presence 6. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.

Riff settings

updated 2026-10-07

Amp model
82 LEAD 800 100W
Channel
Lead
Cab
4x12 cabinet
Pickup
Bridge pickup
Guitar knobs
Tone 10 · Volume 10

Amp block

Drive
8
Master
7
Bass
6
Mid
2
Treble
7
Presence
6

Effects chain

  1. 1noise gateNoise Gate
  2. 2distortionDC DISTORT DistortionGain 8 · Tone 7 · Level 7
  3. 3overdriveGREEN JRC OverdriveGain 3 · Tone 6 · Level 8
  4. 4reverbBLACKPANEL SPRING REVERBMix 2 · Decay 2

Playing tips

  • Focus on tight palm muting for chugging rhythms.
  • Use fast alternate picking to maintain aggression.
  • Ensure your picking hand is precise to achieve razor-sharp articulation.

The original rig

What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your HeadRush Pedalboard 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
Full Master of Puppets tone breakdown, effects and sources →

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 HeadRush Pedalboard for Master of Puppets?

Use the 82 LEAD 800 100W (lead channel) with Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 6, Mid 2, Treble 7, Presence 6, followed by Noise Gate, DC DISTORT Distortion, GREEN JRC Overdrive, BLACKPANEL SPRING REVERB.

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?

Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.

Popular songs on the HeadRush Pedalboard

All 25 songs for the HeadRush Pedalboard →

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.