Solo 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

PickupsSeymour Duncan Invader (SH-8) humbucker (bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain9

bass6

mid3

treble7.5

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1985-1986. The solo section was played by Kirk Hammett using his ESP guitar with a Seymour Duncan Invader in the bridge. Amp setup was the Mark IIC+ preamp into a Marshall JCM800 power section, as confirmed by multiple sources. No confirmed use of overdrive/distortion pedals; all gain from amp. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in the solo section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationarticulate lead linessinging sustaincrisp attackchunky low endcutting trebleminimal ambience

Difficulty

The solo is technically demanding due to its fast tempo, intricate picking patterns, and expressive phrasing, requiring advanced control of palm muting and lead techniques.

Sources

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

This tone has been researched 54 times by the community

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