GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
The Thing That Should Not Be Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
ESP MX-220 (black finish)
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1985-1986, Master of Puppets sessions. Settings and gear confirmed for studio use on this album. Rhythm guitar for the riff section. Jerry Jones baritone used for overdubs, but main riff is ESP MX-220 with EMG 81. No evidence of pedals except EQ/compression in effects loop.
Amp Settings
Mids1.5
Bass3.5
Gain7
Reverb0
Treble6
Presence4.5
Effects Chain
- Aphex EQF-2 EQ · eq
- Aphex CX-1 Compressor/Expander · compression
ESP MX-220 (EMG 81 bridge) → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ → (effects loop: Aphex EQF-2 EQ → Aphex CX-1 Compressor/Expander) → Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
Adapt to MY Gear →7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- aggressive palm muting
- high-gain saturation
- articulate low end
- compressed and punchy
- clear note separation
- slightly dark and menacing
- massive, heavy riff sound
- sharp pick attack
Notes & Caveats
- Amp settings are from Guitar World for the Mark IIC++ used on Master of Puppets sessions, which matches the era and studio context.
- No evidence of distortion/overdrive pedals used for the main riff; all gain from amp and pickups.
- No evidence of time-based or modulation effects (delay, chorus, flanger, phaser) on the riff section; tone is dry and direct.
- EQ and compression were used in the effects loop (Aphex EQF-2, CX-1), but not as pedals in the main signal chain.
- Settings are for studio recording, not live.
- No reverb used on amp or in effects loop for the riff section.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. This song features the classic mid-scooped, high-gain Metallica tone from the 'Master of Puppets' era, using Mesa/Boogie amps with tight bass, scooped mids, aggressive treble, and little to no reverb for a dry, crushing metal sound.