Master of Puppets
Metallica
Master of Puppets (1986)
Cliff Burton, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett +1
Listen to the Song
At a glance
- Key
- E Minor
- Time signature
- 4/4
- Main progression
- i–VII–VI–III–V
- Chords used
- Em · D · C · Am · B · E5 · D5 · C5 · A5 · B5 · F#5 · G5
Summary
Widely regarded as the pinnacle of thrash metal, this track showcases Metallica's technical precision and progressive songwriting. It balances aggressive down-picked riffs with a melodic mid-section, solidifying its place as one of the most influential songs in heavy metal history.
Chord Sheet
Chords Used
Progression by Section
Clean interlude
Chorus
Verse
Chord Diagrams
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Musical Analysis
Master of Puppets is a masterclass in 'Metal Harmony.' It blends strict functional harmony (especially in the clean interlude and chorus) with highly dissonant, chromatic riffing in the verses. The song uses the E low-string as a constant tonal center (pedal p…
History
The song was written by the entire band—James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Cliff Burton, and Kirk Hammett—making it the only track on the album to credit all four members. It was developed during rehearsals in the band's garage in El Cerrito, California, before they…
“James Hetfield played all of the rhythm guitar tracks on the song to ensure the tightest possible synchronization.”
Full musical analysis
Master of Puppets is a masterclass in 'Metal Harmony.' It blends strict functional harmony (especially in the clean interlude and chorus) with highly dissonant, chromatic riffing in the verses. The song uses the E low-string as a constant tonal center (pedal point), while the upper voices move through Phrygian and Locrian intervals. The transition from the aggressive, chromatic verse to the melodic, Aeolian chorus provides the structural tension and release that defines the genre.
The song was written by the entire band—James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Cliff Burton, and Kirk Hammett—making it the only track on the album to credit all four members. It was developed during rehearsals in the band's garage in El Cerrito, California, before they flew to Denmark to record.
Widely regarded as the pinnacle of thrash metal, this track showcases Metallica's technical precision and progressive songwriting. It balances aggressive down-picked riffs with a melodic mid-section, solidifying its place as one of the most influential songs in heavy metal history.
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Song DNA
Genre
Metal
Era
80s
Mood
Aggressive
Tempo
Fast
Key
Minor
Texture
Layered
Sound
Guitar-driven
Feel
Straight
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Statistics
16.8M
Plays
1.7M
Listeners
1.1M
Genius Views
19
Annotations
100%
Popularity
17:41
Duration
4/4
Time
Credits
Written by
Produced by
From the album Master of Puppets
Original release
- Load1996
Live albums
- Escape From the Park1995