VOX VT20X settings
Master of Puppets settings for VOX VT20X
Metallica · adapted 33 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Master of Puppets" riff tone on a VOX VT20X, select the BRIT 64 RHYTHM preset, then set Gain 9, Bass 5, Mid 2, Treble 7, Reverb 0.5. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Squier Stratocaster · updated 2026-11-13
- Preset / mode
- BRIT 64 RHYTHM
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
VOX VT20X knobs
- Gain
- 9
- Bass
- 5
- Mid
- 2
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 0.5
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (Spring) · 0.5
Playing tips
- Use tight palm muting for chugging rhythms.
- Focus on fast alternate picking for articulation.
- Keep the attack aggressive to maintain clarity in the riff.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your VOX VT20X 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 preset should I use on the VOX VT20X for Master of Puppets?
Start from the BRIT 64 RHYTHM preset, then set Gain 9, Bass 5, Mid 2, Treble 7, Reverb 0.5.
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 Squier Stratocaster. 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 VOX VT20X
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Walk · Pantera
- Iron Man · Black Sabbath
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- 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.