Riff Tone

Master of Puppets

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarESP MX220 (custom, aka 'Eet Fuk')

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall JCM800 (power amp section), Mesa 4x12 cabinet

PickupsEMG 81 active humbucker (bridge position, retrofitted post-album, but original recording likely with Gibson Dirty Fingers or stock passive humbuckers)

Amp Settings

gain9

bass6

mid3

treble7.5

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1985-1986. Rhythm tracks for 'Master of Puppets' riff section. No pedals used for distortion; all gain from amp. Pickup model debated, but most sources agree on passive humbuckers for original recording. No evidence of effects pedals in the rhythm section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationrazor-sharp articulationchunky low enddry, minimal ambiencefast alternate picking claritymetallic bitepowerful attack

Difficulty

The riff section of 'Master of Puppets' is renowned for its speed, tight palm muting, and relentless downpicking, requiring advanced stamina and precision.

Sources

What ampsettings could I use for a good Master of Puppets sound?What are the Amp settings for a Metallica sound : r/Guitar Anybody know how to get the guitar tone on Master of Puppets?Metallica – Master of Puppets (Remastered) - Equipboard

This tone has been researched 728 times by the community

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