GuitarDistortedRiff
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
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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
Sources
Tone Story / Why This Tone Works
studio