TONEDB

rhythm guitar from “master of puppets” by metallica | ToneDB

master of puppets

metallica

rhythm guitar

95% ai confidence

Tone Profile

An iconic, aggressive thrash metal tone characterized by its tight low-end, heavily scooped midrange, and sharp, percussive attack. It's a wall of sound that remains articulate despite its immense gain.

Signal Chain

Instrument: ESP MX-220 'Eet Fuk' (EMG 81 pickups) / 1984 Gibson Explorer 'So What' (EMG 81 pickups)

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (as boost: Drive 0, Level 10, Tone to taste)

Other: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Graphic EQ set to 'V' shape. Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12T-75 or G12-65 speakers. Close mic placement, slightly off-axis. Quad-tracked rhythm parts. Further EQ (e.g., Pultec EQP-1A for mid-scoop) and Aphex Aural Exciter applied during mixing.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen, Denmark, with producer Flemming Rasmussen from September to December 1985.
  • James Hetfield's rhythm parts were meticulously quad-tracked (two distinct guitar parts, each doubled) for a massive stereo spread and sonic weight.
  • Kirk Hammett also contributed rhythm tracks, often using similar gear but sometimes with slight variations to add texture.
  • EMG 81 active pickups were crucial for their high output, low noise, and tight percussive response needed for the fast riffs.
  • The famous mid-scoop was achieved both at the amp (Mesa/Boogie graphic EQ) and with outboard EQs (like Pultec EQP-1A) during mixing.
  • The studio's Trident A-Range console preamps contributed to the overall clarity and punch of the guitars.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a guitar with high-output active humbuckers (e.g., EMG 81).
  • Employ a high-gain amp, ideally a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ or a modern equivalent/modeler. Engage the amp's graphic EQ in a 'V' shape if available.
  • Boost the amp's input with an Ibanez TS9 or similar overdrive (Gain 0, Level 10, Tone to taste) to tighten the low-end and add attack.
  • If your amp doesn't achieve enough mid-scoop, use a parametric EQ pedal or plugin to cut frequencies around 400-800Hz.
  • Focus on extremely tight, precise, and aggressive down-picked rhythm playing.
  • Record at least two separate rhythm guitar takes and pan them hard left and right. For the full 'Master of Puppets' weight, quad-track if possible (two distinct performances, each double-tracked).
  • Use a close-mic technique with an SM57 on a Celestion-loaded 4x12 cabinet (e.g., G12T-75, V30s).

Sources