Guitar tone · metal, Thrash metal / Heavy metal

Metallica guitar tone: gear & amp settings

The gear and amp settings behind 165 Metallica songs, researched from rig rundowns, interviews and gear forums. The rig that shows up most: ESP MX-220 (black finish) into Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++.

Guitars Metallica used

ESP MX-220 (black finish)11 songs
ESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk')7 songs
Aria Pro II SB-10007 songs
1981 Gibson Flying V5 songs
ESP MX-2504 songs
ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' Explorer4 songs
1984 Gibson Explorer4 songs
ESP KH-24 songs

Amps Metallica used

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++11 songs
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head10 songs
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+9 songs
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus8 songs
Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier8 songs
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1991)5 songs
Mesa/Boogie Mark IV5 songs
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1988)5 songs

309 Metallica tones

Song	Part	Guitar	Amp	Gain
Master of Puppets · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (custom, aka 'Eet Fuk')	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall JCM800 (power amp section), Mesa 4x12 cabinet	9
Enter Sandman · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++	8
Seek & Destroy · riff	Riff · distorted	1981 Gibson Flying V	Marshall JMP 2203 (modified, 100W head)	8.5
Creeping Death · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (custom Explorer-style, white finish, 1984)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio, 1984)	8
One · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (black finish, custom, 1987-1988 era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main rhythm amp for '...And Justice for All' era)	8.5
Fade to Black · solo	Solo · distorted	Gibson Flying V (black, 1979 model, stock pickups)	Marshall JCM800 (likely 2203 or 2204 head, 1980s, with 4x12 cab)	8
Ride the Lightning · riff	Riff · distorted	Gibson Flying V (early 80s, likely 1981-1982 model, used by James Hetfield for rhythm on studio recording)	Marshall JCM800 2203 (borrowed European model, studio recording, 1984)	7.5
Fade to black · riff	Riff · distorted	Gibson Explorer (1980s, stock pickups)	Marshall JCM800 2203 (borrowed European model, studio recording)	7.5
For Whom the Bell Tolls · riff	Riff · distorted	Gibson Explorer (likely 1984 model, stock pickups at time of recording)	Marshall JMP 2203 (modified, 100W head, used in studio for Ride the Lightning 1984)	7.5
One · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 (custom, black finish, 1987-88 era)	Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus	0
Nothing Else Matters · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett Signature, 1991 era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1991)	6.5
Master of Puppets · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP MX220 (custom, aka 'EET FUK')	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall JCM800 (power amp section), Mesa 4x12 cabinet	9
Blackened · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'EET FUK' Explorer	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head (studio recording, 1988)	8
Nothing Else Matters · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 (custom, black finish, likely with EMG 81 in bridge and EMG 60 in neck)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1990-1991 Black Album sessions)	0
Sad But True · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++	8.5
...And Justice for All · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'EET FUK' Explorer	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head (studio recording, 1988)	9
Wherever I May Roam · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (James Hetfield's main guitar for The Black Album sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Simulclass Head	8
Enter Sandman · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 (custom shop, early 1990s, black, loaded with EMG 81/60 pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1991)	7.5
Battery · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (custom Explorer-style, 1984-1986)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1985-1986)	8.5
Welcome Home (Sanitarium) · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 (custom Explorer-style, 1984-1986 era, likely with EMG 81/60 pickups)	Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (for clean tone, studio recording, 1985-1986)	0
One · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP MX-220 (custom Explorer-style, black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main), Marshall JCM800 (modded, blended in studio)	8
Orion · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (James Hetfield's main guitar for Master of Puppets era, likely used for rhythm on 'Orion')	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head	7.5
Am I Evil? · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (custom, black, 1980s, James Hetfield) or Gibson Explorer (Kirk Hammett, 1980s)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1984-1987 era)	8
Harvester of Sorrow · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk' Explorer, 1987-88 model)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (Simul-Class head, studio recording)	9
Master of Puppets · riff	Riff · clean	1984 Gibson Explorer	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+	0
Enter Sandman · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 (custom 'EET FUK' Explorer, 1989-1990 spec)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Mesa/Boogie 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1991)	0
The Unforgiven · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (James Hetfield's main rhythm guitar on The Black Album)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (primary rhythm amp for The Black Album sessions)	7.5
Disposable Heroes · riff	Riff · distorted	1984 Gibson Explorer (white, stock pickups at time of recording)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head (used as preamp) into Marshall JCM800 100-watt power amp, 4x12 Marshall cabinets	8.5
Fade to Black · riff	Riff · clean	Gibson 1969 Les Paul Custom (James Hetfield, studio recording)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1984)	0
The Four Horsemen · riff	Riff · distorted	1980 Gibson Flying V (white, used by James Hetfield)	Marshall JMP 2203 (modded, 100W head, used in studio for Kill 'Em All)	8
To Live Is to Die · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++	9
...And Justice for All · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 'EET FUK' Explorer	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head	0
Welcome Home (Sanitarium) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (custom Explorer-style, likely 1984-1986 model)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Marshall 1960B 4x12 cabinet	7.5
Of Wolf and Man · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (James Hetfield's main guitar for Black Album rhythm tracks)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Simul-Class Head	8
Ride the Lightning · solo	Solo · distorted	Gibson Flying V (early 80s, likely 1981-1982, used by Kirk Hammett for solos on Ride the Lightning)	Marshall JCM800 2203 (borrowed European model, studio recording, 1984)	8
Moth Into Flame · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP LTD Snakebyte (James Hetfield signature)	Mesa/Boogie Mini Rectifier Twenty-Five	8
The Shortest Straw · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'EET FUK' (custom Explorer-style, 1987-88)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (used as preamp) into Marshall JCM800 100W power amp and Mesa 4x12 cabinets	8.5
The Unforgiven · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' Explorer	Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus	0
The Unforgiven II · riff	Riff · distorted	Fender Telecaster B-Bender (mid-90s reissue of 1952, ash body, maple neck, custom B-Bender system)	Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 Stereo Power Amp (likely paired with Mesa/Boogie preamp, as per Reload era studio rig)	6.5
The God That Failed · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (James Hetfield's main guitar for The Black Album)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main rhythm amp for The Black Album studio recording)	7.5
The Thing That Should Not Be · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++	8.5
72 Seasons · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP Snakebyte (James Hetfield signature, likely custom shop, used for rhythm tracking on 72 Seasons)	Marshall Super Lead 100-Watt Head (late-60s/early-70s, José Arredondo-modded), blended with Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording)	8
For Whom the Bell Tolls · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Rickenbacker 4001 (modified with Gibson EB Mudbucker neck pickup and Seymour Duncan Jazz bridge pickup)	Mesa/Boogie D‑180 dual‑head setup (one clean, one distorted) with Mesa cabinets (4×12 and 1×15)	8
Jump In the Fire · riff	Riff · distorted	Gibson Flying V (1980s, likely 1981 model, stock pickups)	Marshall JCM800 2203 (borrowed European model, studio recording)	8.5
Leper Messiah · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (custom 'EET FUK' Explorer-style, 1984-1986)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head	8
Orion · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP MX220 (aka 'EET FUK' Explorer-style, likely with EMG 81 bridge pickup retrofit or stock passive pickups for 1986 recording)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1985-86)	7.5
The Frayed Ends of Sanity · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' Explorer	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head	8.5
The Unforgiven · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett signature, 1990s version)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, The Black Album era)	7.5
To Live Is to Die · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX-220 (black finish, 1987, with EMG 81 bridge and EMG 60 neck pickups)	Clean channel of Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1988)	0
Whiskey In the Jar · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 (James Hetfield's main rhythm guitar, 1998 Garage Inc. sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier	8.5
Creeping Death · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP M-II (early 1980s, custom, with Floyd Rose)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1984 Ride the Lightning era)	8.5
Fixxxer · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 Explorer	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier + Wizard Modern Classic (blended)	8
Frantic · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-120 'So What' (James Hetfield's main guitar for St. Anger era)	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier (studio recording, St. Anger era)	8.5
Halo On Fire · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature, used on Hardwired...To Self-Destruct sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Mark V (studio recording, Hardwired...To Self-Destruct era)	7
Holier Than Thou · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++	9
King Nothing (Remastered) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (Hetfield's 'Eet Fuk')	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (likely Rev F, studio version)	7.5
Master of Puppets · solo	Solo · clean	Jackson Custom Shop 'Kill Bon Jovi' King V	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head	0
Master of Puppets (Live) · riff	Riff · distorted	1984 Gibson Explorer (white, stock pickups for live 1986-87)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (live, 1986 era)	9
The Day That Never Comes · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP Flying V Korina (Kirk Hammett, rhythm section, studio recording, 2008)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and Marshall Superlead (Jose Arredondo modded), blended (studio recording, 2008)	7.5
Welcome Home (Sanitarium) · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP M-II 'Mummy' (early 80s, stock EMG pickups replaced with Seymour Duncan 59/JB set for Master of Puppets era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (with Marshall cabinets, studio setup)	8
Atlas, Rise! · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature, used on Hardwired... To Self-Destruct sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (primary rhythm amp for Hardwired... To Self-Destruct studio recording)	8
Blitzkrieg · riff	Riff · distorted	Gibson Les Paul Custom (likely 1973-1974, James Hetfield or Kirk Hammett's studio guitar for covers)	Marshall JMP 2203 (100W, early 1980s, studio recording amp for Kill 'Em All covers)	7.5
Fade to Black (Live) · riff	Riff · clean	Line 6 Variax 700 (custom 'Unforgiven' model, used by James Hetfield for live clean parts)	Fractal Audio Axe-Fx (amp modeling, Metallica live rig, clean patch for 'Fade to Black')	0
For Whom the Bell Tolls · solo	Solo · distorted	Gibson Flying V (early 1980s, likely stock, used by Kirk Hammett for solos on Ride the Lightning)	Marshall JCM800 2203 (borrowed European model, studio recording, 1984)	7.5
Hit the Lights · riff	Riff · distorted	Gibson Flying V (white, late 1970s, likely 1979 model)	Marshall JMP 2203 (100W, likely late 1970s/early 1980s, borrowed European Marshall head)	8
Metal Militia · riff	Riff · distorted	1981 Gibson Flying V	Marshall JCM800 2203 (likely modded, as used on Kill 'Em All)	9
One · solo	Solo · clean	ESP M1 (likely white 'Bowling Ball' finish, as seen in 1989 live footage and consistent with studio use on '...And Justice for All')	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1988)	0
Phantom Lord · riff	Riff · distorted	1984 Gibson Flying V	Marshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet	8
Sad But True · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP MX-220 (black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++	8.5
Seek & Destroy · solo	Solo · distorted	Gibson Flying V (1979, white, stock pickups, Kirk Hammett borrowing James Hetfield's guitar for solo)	Marshall Super Lead (modded, James Hetfield's amp, hot-rodded by L.A. tech, used by Kirk Hammett for solo)	7.5
Seek and destroy · riff	Riff · distorted	Gibson Flying V	Modified Marshall JCM800	9
Some Kind of Monster · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP LTD H-307	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier	8.5
That Was Just Your Life · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (Hetfield's custom model, black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio), Mesa/Boogie Mark IV (possible layering), Diezel VH4 (likely used on Death Magnetic era), Marshall JCM800 (possible layering)	8.5
Blackened · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP M-II (1987-88, custom, likely black finish, used by Kirk Hammett)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head	8
Creeping Death · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Aria Pro II (exact model unknown)	Mesa/Boogie D‑180 heads (pair), Sunn Beta Bass Amp and Peavey Mark IV early, Mesa cabinets (4×12 and 1×15)	7.5
Creeping Death · riff	Riff · clean	Gibson Flying V (early 1980s, stock pickups)	Marshall JCM800 2203 (borrowed European model, studio recording)	0
Dirty Window · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (James Hetfield's main guitar for St. Anger era)	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier (St. Anger studio sessions)	8.5
Enter Sandman · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Spector NS-2 (Kramer-era, 4-string)	Ampeg SVT (likely SVT-II or SVT-CL, classic tube head)	7
Eye of the Beholder · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (custom Explorer-style, black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1988)	8.5
Fight Fire with Fire · riff	Riff · distorted	1984 Gibson Explorer	Marshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet	8.5
Halo On Fire · riff	Riff · clean	Ken Lawrence Explorer	Roland JC-120 (studio clean blend, per Hetfield interview)	0
If Darkness Had a Son · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP Snakebyte (James Hetfield signature, 2023 studio recording)	Marshall Super Lead 100-watt head (late-60s/early-70s, José Arredondo modded)	9
Lux Æterna · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett Signature) with EMG Bone Breaker pickups	Friedman BE100 (HBE channel), Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, Marshall JMP 100W (combined in studio)	7.5
Master of Puppets · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Aria Pro II SB‑1000 (Black ’n Gold)	Mesa‑Boogie Mark IIC+ (used as preamp, likely into Mesa or Marshall power amp)	8.5
Motorbreath · riff	Riff · distorted	1984 Gibson Explorer (likely, as used by James Hetfield on Kill 'Em All)	Marshall JMP 2203 (100W, as used on Kill 'Em All sessions)	8
No Remorse · riff	Riff · distorted	1981 Gibson Flying V	Marshall JCM800 2203 (100W head, likely with Marshall 1960 4x12 cabinet, Celestion G12-65 speakers)	8.5
Nothing Else Matters · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (James Hetfield's main guitar for the Black Album sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording amp for heavy rhythm on Black Album)	6
Now That We're Dead · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP LTD Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature, likely custom shop version for studio)	Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II (Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ model used for rhythm tones)	7.5
Orion · clean	Clean · clean	Aria Pro II SB‑1000 (Cliff Burton signature SB Black ’n’ Gold)	Mesa/Boogie D‑180 tube amplifier (bi‑amp setup: one head clean, one with effects) into Mesa cabinets (4×12" + 1×15")	0
Phantom Lord · riff	Riff · clean	1981 Gibson Flying V	Marshall JMP 2203 (100W head, early 1980s, likely with Marshall 4x12 cab, no built-in reverb)	0
Room of Mirrors · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP LTD Snakebyte (James Hetfield signature, likely used on 72 Seasons recording)	Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III (amp modeling, likely Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ or Diezel VH4 model for rhythm)	8
Spit Out the Bone · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP James Hetfield Snakebyte (2016 studio model, likely custom shop)	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier (studio recording amp, 2016 era)	8.5
The Call of Ktulu · riff	Riff · clean	Gibson Explorer (1984, likely stock pickups)	Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus	0
The Memory Remains (Remastered) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP KH-2 (likely 1996-1997 model, custom shop, with EMG pickups)	Randall RM100KH Kirk Hammett Signature Head (studio, 1997 era)	7.5
The Unforgiven III · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2	Mesa/Boogie Mark IV	7.5
Trapped Under Ice · riff	Riff · distorted	1984 Gibson Explorer	Marshall JCM800 2203	8.5
Whiplash · riff	Riff · distorted	1980 Gibson Flying V	Marshall JCM800 2203 head (studio recording, 1983)	8.5
...And Justice for All · clean	Clean · clean	Wal Mk2 4-string	Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 power amp + ADA MP-1 preamp (studio); Ampeg SVT (live/tour)	0
...And Justice for All · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP M-II (custom, early 80s, likely black finish, with EMG pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1988)	8.5
...And Justice for All · solo	Solo · clean	ESP M-II Custom (Kirk Hammett's main guitar for clean sections, 1988 studio recording)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head	0
(Anesthesia)—Pulling Teeth · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Rickenbacker 4001 (modified with Gibson EB 'mudbucker' neck pickup, Seymour Duncan Stacked Jazz Bass bridge pickup, and a third Seymour Duncan Strat pickup)	Mesa/Boogie D‑180 heads (split clean and effects), paired with Mesa cabinets (4×12 and 1×15)	8
(Anesthesia)—Pulling Teeth · clean	Clean · clean	Rickenbacker 4001 (modded with Stratocaster pickup under bridge)	Mesa Boogie D-180 (all-tube bass amp, studio era), possibly Marshall JMP for some sections	0
(Anesthesia)—Pulling Teeth · riff	Riff · distorted	Rickenbacker 4001 Bass	Sunn Coliseum Lead head with Road Electronics 440-218 Cabinet	8
(Anesthesia)—Pulling Teeth (Rough Mix) · riff	Riff · distorted	Rickenbacker 4001 bass	Marshall JMP head with Marshall 4x12 cabinet	8
All Nightmare Long · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 (James Hetfield's main guitar for Death Magnetic era, used in studio recording)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (primary rhythm amp for Death Magnetic studio sessions)	8
All Within My Hands · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 (Hetfield's custom Explorer-style, likely with EMG 81/60 pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier Solo Head	8.5
Am I Evil? · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Aria Pro II SB-1000	Mesa Boogie D-180 (likely, Cliff Burton's main amp for Garage Days era, no direct source for this track but consistent with era)	7
Am I Evil? · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH Ouija	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head	7.5
Am I Savage? · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature, used in studio for Hardwired... To Self-Destruct era rhythm parts)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio, Hardwired... To Self-Destruct era)	8
Astronomy · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX-250 (James Hetfield's main guitar for Garage Inc. era)	Wizard Modern Classic (used by Hetfield for Garage Inc. sessions)	0
Astronomy · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 (James Hetfield's main guitar, 1998 Garage Inc. sessions)	Wizard Modern Classic (confirmed for Garage Inc. sessions)	7.5
Atlas, Rise! · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 Ouija (Kirk Hammett signature, used on Hardwired...To Self-Destruct solos)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio blend, likely with Diezel VH4 and Marshall JVM410H based on era and interviews)	8.5
Bad Seed · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 (James Hetfield's main guitar during Reload era, likely used for 'Bad Seed' riff)	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier (studio recording amp for Reload era rhythm tones)	7.5
Bad Seed · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett signature, 1990s spec)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (1990s revision, studio recording)	7.5
Battery · solo	Solo · distorted	Gibson Flying V (natural finish, neck pickup removed, bridge pickup only, modified controls)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head	8.5
Battery (Live) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (Hetfield, live 1986-1987 era, black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main live amp for Battery riff, 1986-1987 era)	8
Bitch (Ain't My Bitch" Original Ending Alternate Mix) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (James Hetfield's main guitar during Load era, likely used on studio recording)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (used by Hetfield for Load-era rhythm tracks)	7.5
Blackend · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (James Hetfield's main guitar on ...And Justice for All)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Mesa 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1988)	8.5
Blackened · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Wal Mk1 4-String	Ampeg SVT (likely SVT-II or SVT-CL, era-appropriate)	7
Blackened · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk') Explorer-style	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1988)	0
Blackened (Live at Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA - Dec. 7th, 1988) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (Hetfield) or ESP M-II (Hammett)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main rhythm amp, live 1988)	8
Blackened intro · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (James Hetfield's main guitar for ...And Justice for All era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1988)	9
Bleeding Me (Remastered) · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX-220 (James Hetfield's custom Explorer-style, 1996 studio version)	Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus	0
Bleeding Me (Remastered) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (James Hetfield's main guitar for Load era, likely used on Bleeding Me riff)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IV	7
Breadfan · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (James Hetfield's white 'Eet Fuk' Explorer-style guitar)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall power amp, Mesa/Boogie 4x12 cabinet	8.5
Broken, Beat & Scarred · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature, used on Death Magnetic sessions)	Diezel VH4 (primary rhythm amp for Death Magnetic era, studio recording)	8
Carpe Diem Baby · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier	7.5
Creeping Death · clean	Clean · clean	Aria Pro II SB-1000	Mesa Boogie D-180 (studio), likely Ampeg SVT for live	0
Creeping Death (Live at the Keystone, Palo Alto, CA – Oct. 31st, 1983) · clean	Clean · clean	Rickenbacker 4001 (modified with Gibson EB neck pickup, Seymour Duncan Stacked Jazz in bridge, Seymour Duncan Stacked Strat in bridge position)	Randall RB120 (300 watt head) into Randall 1x18 cab and Road 2x18 cab	0
Creeping Death (Live at the Keystone, Palo Alto, CA – Oct. 31st, 1983) · riff	Riff · distorted	Gibson Flying V (early 1980s, likely 1981-1982 model, stock pickups)	Marshall JCM800 2203 head (likely unmodded for this 1983 live show)	8
Creeping Death (Live at Tushino Airfield, Moscow, Russia, 09/28/91) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (black finish, likely with customizations for Hetfield, used live in 1991)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ head (main), with possible Jose-modded Marshall Super Lead blended in	8
Cure (Remastered) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording, Load era, 1996)	7.5
Cyanide · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP LTD Truckster (James Hetfield signature, used on Death Magnetic sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (primary rhythm amp for Death Magnetic studio recording)	9
Damage, Inc. (Live) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (James Hetfield's main live guitar, mid-late 1980s)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main live amp for Master of Puppets era), sometimes blended with Marshall JCM800	8.5
Damage, Inc. (October 1985, Work In Progress Rough Mix) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (custom, pre-signature, likely white finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+	8.5
dancing dead · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++	9
Devil's Dance · distorted	Distorted · distorted	ESP Custom Shop 5-string (likely MX-250 or similar, active EMG pickups, as used by Jason Newsted in late 1990s)	Ampeg SVT-2 Pro (rackmount tube head) into Ampeg SVT-810E cabinet	7
Devil's Dance · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX-250	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier	0
Devil's Dance · clean	Clean · clean	ESP Custom Shop 5-string (likely J-style, Jason Newsted signature or similar)	Ampeg SVT-2 Pro (rackmount tube head) into Ampeg SVT-810E cabinet	0
Devil's Dance · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (James Hetfield's main guitar during Reload era, studio recording)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording, Reload era)	7.5
Die, Die My Darling · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 (James Hetfield's main guitar during Garage Inc. era)	Diezel VH4 (studio recording, Garage Inc. era)	9
Disposable Heroes · solo	Solo · distorted	Jackson Randy Rhoads V	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head	8.5
Disposable Heroes (November 1985, Work In Progress Rough Mix) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk')	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+	7
Don't Tread On Me · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (James Hetfield's 'Eet Fuk' Explorer, 1989-1992 era, used on Black Album sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main rhythm amp for Black Album, studio recording)	8
Dream No More · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature, used on Hardwired... to Self-Destruct sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (primary for Hardwired... to Self-Destruct heavy rhythm), possible Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ blended in studio	8.5
Dyers Eve · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' Explorer	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+	8.5
Dyers Eve (1986 from James' Riff Tapes) · solo	Solo · distorted	Jackson King V (white, 1985-86, loaded with Seymour Duncan Invader humbuckers)	Marshall JCM800 2203 (likely modded, as per era and sources)	8.5
Dyers Eve (January 1988 Demo) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk')	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head	8.5
Dyers Eve (January 1988 Demo) · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP M-II (early 80s, likely stock for Kirk Hammett at the time)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio, 1988 demo session)	8
Dyers Eve (November 1987, Writing In Progress) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (early 'Eet Fuk' model, likely prototype or pre-production)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio head, likely no graphic EQ for 1987 demo)	8.5
Enter Sandman · clean	Clean · clean	Spector NS-2	Ampeg SVT (likely SVT-II or SVT-CL, Black Album era)	0
Enter Sandman · solo	Solo · clean	ESP M-II Custom (Kirk Hammett's main guitar for clean sections, 1991 studio recording)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1991)	0
Enter Sandman (Live at Tushino Airfield, Moscow, Russia, 09/28/91) · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX-220 (black finish, custom for Hetfield)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (live, 1991 era)	0
Enter Sandman (Live) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'EET FUK' Explorer (1989-1990 spec, live Black Album era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Mesa/Boogie 4x12 cabinet (live Black Album era)	8
Enter SandmanEnter Sandman · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++	8.5
Enter SandmanEnter SandmanMaster of Puppets · riff	Riff · distorted	Gibson Flying V (1980s, used by James Hetfield for rhythm on Master of Puppets recording)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Marshall 4x12 cabinets	7.5
Escape · riff	Riff · distorted	Gibson Explorer (1984, likely stock pickups for James Hetfield)	Marshall JCM800 2203 (borrowed European model, studio recording)	7.5
Eye of the Beholder · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Wal Mk1 4-String Bass	Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 power amp + ADA MP-1 preamp (studio); likely Mesa/Boogie or Ampeg SVT for live	7.5
Fade to Black · solo	Solo · clean	Gibson Flying V (black, 1979, stock pickups)	Marshall JCM800 2203 (studio, 1984 Ride the Lightning sessions)	0
Fade to Black · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Aria Pro II SB-1000	Mesa Boogie D-180 (studio), likely Ampeg SVT for live	7
Fade to Black · clean	Clean · clean	Aria Pro II SB-1000	Mesa Boogie D-180 (likely, based on era and Cliff Burton's known rig)	0
Fade to Black (Live at Rasputin Music, Berkeley, CA - Apr. 16th, 2016) · riff	Riff · clean	ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar	Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (for clean tone, as per Hetfield interview and typical live setup)	0
Fade to Black (Live at Rasputin Music, Berkeley, CA - Apr. 16th, 2016) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature 'Iron Cross' Electric Guitar	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier	8
Fight Fire with Fire · riff	Riff · clean	Gibson Les Paul Custom (likely 1973 model, black finish, James Hetfield's main guitar for clean intros on Ride the Lightning)	Marshall JCM800 2203 (borrowed European model, studio recording, 1984)	0
For Whom the Bell Tolls · clean	Clean · clean	Rickenbacker 4001 (modified with Gibson EB‑0 humbucker in neck, Seymour Duncan Stack Jazz in bridge, plus concealed Seymour Duncan Strat under bridge plate)	Mesa/Boogie D‑180 heads (dual‑amp setup: one clean, one distorted) with Mesa cabinets (4×12 and 1×15)	0
For Whom the Bell Tolls · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (likely Gibson Explorer copy, 1984 era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio, 1984 Ride the Lightning sessions)	0
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Live at Castle Donington, UK – Aug. 17th, 1985) · riff	Riff · distorted	Gibson Flying V (1979, white, used by James Hetfield live in 1985)	Marshall JCM800 2203 (100W head, live rig, 1985)	7.5
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Live at Rasputin Music, Berkeley, CA - Apr. 16th, 2016) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature, white finish, EMG pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (live rig, 2010s era)	7.5
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Live at the Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA – Mar. 10th, 1985) · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Aria Pro II SB-1000	Mesa Boogie D-180 (two heads, one clean, one for effects/distortion)	7
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Live at the Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA – Mar. 10th, 1985) · riff	Riff · distorted	1984 Gibson Explorer (white, stock pickups, as used by James Hetfield live in 1985)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main amp for Hetfield live in 1985, as documented for this era)	7.5
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Live) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk')	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (live rig, 1980s era)	7.5
Fuel (Demo) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (likely Rev F or G, as used on Load/Reload demos)	8.5
Fuel (Live at Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, Il - February 9th, 1997) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 (Hetfield's 'Eet Fuk' or 'So What' Explorer, 1996-1997 live era)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (live rig, 1997 era)	8.5
Fuel (Live) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 Electric Guitar (Hetfield, live, 1990s spec, likely with EMG 81/60 pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Triaxis Preamp → Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 Power Amp → Mesa/Boogie Rectifier 4x12 OS Straight Cab (Celestion Vintage 30 speakers)	8.5
Fuel (Riff) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 (James Hetfield's main guitar for Reload era)	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier (studio recording, Reload era)	8.5
Guitar Solo (Live Seattle '89) · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP M-II Custom (Kirk Hammett signature, 1980s, with EMG 81/60 pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (live, 1989 tour)	7.5
Hardwired (Live at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN - Aug. 20th, 2016) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP James Hetfield Vulture	Diezel VH4	8
Harvester of Sorrow · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP M-II Custom (Kirk Hammett's main solo guitar for ...And Justice for All sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording amp for solos on ...And Justice for All)	9
Harvester of Sorrow · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (custom Explorer-style, 1987-88, white finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (Simul-Class, rackmount, studio recording)	0
Harvester of Sorrow (Live at Arco Arena, Sacramento, CA, 01/11/92) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (James Hetfield, 1989-1992 live era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (live, 1992, likely with Mesa 4x12 cabinets)	8.5
Harvester of Sorrow (Live) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' Explorer	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head	8.5
Hero of the Day (Remastered) · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX-220 (Hetfield's custom Explorer-style, likely with EMG 81/60 pickups)	Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus	0
Hero of the Day (Remastered) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (Hetfield's main guitar during Load era, likely used for riff section)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IV	6
Hit the Lights · solo	Solo · distorted	Gibson Flying V (likely 1979 model, stock pickups, as used by Kirk Hammett on Kill 'Em All recording)	Marshall JMP 2203 (100W, modified, as used in studio for Kill 'Em All)	8
Hit the Lights · solo	Solo · clean	1980s Gibson Flying V	Marshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet	0
If Darkness Had a Son · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2	Diezel VH4 (likely with Mesa/Boogie Rectifier in blend, but Diezel is primary for solos on 72 Seasons era)	8.5
Inamorata · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP LTD Iron Cross (James Hetfield's main studio rhythm guitar for 72 Seasons era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ (primary), blended with Marshall Superlead modded by Jose Arredondo and Wizard Modern Classic 100 (Hetfield studio rhythm chain for 72 Seasons)	8
Justice Medley: Eye of the Beholder / Blackened / The Frayed Ends of Sanity / ...And Justice for All (Live) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (aka 'EET FUK') Explorer-style	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (modded), multiple heads in parallel	8
Killing in the Name · riff	Riff · distorted	—	—	4
King Nothing (Remastered) · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Spector NS-2 (likely, as used by Jason Newsted during Load era)	Ampeg SVT (classic tube head, studio use likely)	6.5
King Nothing (Remastered) · clean	Clean · clean	Spector NS-2 (early 90s, likely Euro or US model, as used by Jason Newsted on Load sessions)	Ampeg SVT (classic tube head, likely SVT-II or SVT-CL) with Ampeg 8x10 cab	0
laid to rest · riff	Riff · distorted	—	—	4
Last Caress (Live) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 (Hetfield's white 'Eet Fuk' Explorer-style guitar, typical for late 1990s live performances)	Wizard Modern Classic 100W head into Mesa/Boogie 4x12 cabinet (as used on Garage, Inc. and live in late 1990s)	8
Leper Messiah · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 (custom, 1986 era, likely with stock EMG pickups swapped in post-1987, but for Master of Puppets era likely stock pickups or Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1986)	8
Load (King Nothing" Original Arrangement Rough Mix) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (James Hetfield's main guitar during Load sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording, Load era)	7
Lux Æterna · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett Signature) or Gibson 'Greeny' 1959 Les Paul Standard	Marshall Super Lead 100-watt head (Jose Arredondo modded), possibly blended with Randall KH103 and/or Friedman and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier	7.5
ManUNkind · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP James Hetfield Iron Cross (EMG JH Set pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording, 2016)	8
Master of Puppets · clean	Clean · clean	Aria Pro II SB-1000 (Cliff Burton signature Black 'n' Gold)	Mesa/Boogie D-180 heads (bi-amped: clean + distorted) into Mesa cabinets (4×12 + 1×15)	0
Master of Puppets (Live) · riff	Riff · clean	Gibson Explorer (white, 1984-1986, stock pickups for live until 1987)	Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus	0
Master of Puppets (Live) · clean	Clean · clean	Aria Pro II SB-1000	Mesa Boogie D-180 (with Ampeg SVT cabs, likely Ampeg SVT-1540HE live)	0
Metal Militia · solo	Solo · distorted	1980s Gibson Flying V	Marshall JMP 1959 Mk II Super Lead 100w (1976-77)	8
Moth Into Flame · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP James Hetfield Snakebyte	Mesa/Boogie Mini Rectifier 25W Twenty Five	8.5
Motorbreath · solo	Solo · distorted	Gibson Flying V (1979, likely stock pickups)	Marshall JMP 1959 Mk II Super Lead 100w (1976-77)	8
Motorbreath · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Rickenbacker 4001	Marshall Super Bass (likely 100W, 1970s/early 80s model)	7
Murder One · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature, likely used on Hardwired... to Self-Destruct sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording, 2016 era)	8
My Apocalypse · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP KH-2	Mesa/Boogie Mark IV	8
My Friend of Misery · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Spector NS-2 (early 80s, Kramer-era, 4-string)	Ampeg SVT-II (tube head) with Ampeg 8x10 cabinet	7
My Friend of Misery · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP MX220 (James Hetfield's main guitar for the Black Album era)	Direct-in (DI) from distortion pedal, likely Boss DS-1 or MXR Distortion+ (no amp mic'd for solo section)	8
My Friend of Misery · solo	Solo · clean	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (Hetfield's main guitar for The Black Album sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1991 Black Album sessions)	0
My Friend of Misery · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (James Hetfield's custom Explorer-style guitar)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (main rhythm amp for Black Album era, studio recording)	8
My Friend of Misery · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 (James Hetfield's main guitar for The Black Album sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (primary clean amp for The Black Album), Marshall 4x12 cabinet	0
My Friend of Misery · clean	Clean · clean	Wal Mk1 4-string	Ampeg SVT (likely SVT-II or SVT-CL, Black Album sessions standard)	0
My Friend of Misery (June 2nd, 1991 Rough Mix) · clean	Clean · clean	Wal Mk1 4-String	Ampeg SVT-II (tube head) into Ampeg 8x10 cab	0
No Leaf Clover (Live with the SFSO) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 (James Hetfield's main guitar for S&M era live performances)	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier (live S&M era rig)	7.5
No Leaf Clover (Live with the SFSO) · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX-250 (James Hetfield's main guitar for S&M era, 1999 live)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (modeled in Fractal Axe-Fx II/III for S&M live shows)	0
No Remorse · solo	Solo · distorted	Gibson Flying V (1981, likely stock pickups)	Marshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio, 1983)	8
No Remorse (Live at the Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA – Mar. 10th, 1985) · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP 400 Series Strat-style (Kirk Hammett's main live guitar, 1985)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (live, 1985)	7.5
Nothing Else Matters · clean	Clean · clean	Wal Mk1 4-String (Jason Newsted, 1990-91 studio sessions)	Ampeg SVT (classic tube head, likely with matching 8x10 cab)	0
Nothing Else Matters · solo	Solo · clean	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett Signature) or Gibson Les Paul Custom (studio recording, 1991 era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1991 era)	0
Nothing Else Matters (Live) · solo	Solo · clean	ESP MX-220 'So What' (Olympic White, 1987)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (Simul-Class) with Boogie 4x12 cab	0
Nothing Else Matters (Live) · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP MX-220 'So Fucking What' (Olympic White, 1987)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (Simul-Class, live setup often Mark V on IIC+ channel as substitute)	6
Nothing Else Matters (Live) · riff	Riff · clean	ESP James Hetfield Signature (likely ESP MX-220 or ESP Snakebyte, black finish, EMG pickups)	Diezel VH4 100W Tube Guitar Head	0
Of Wolf and Man · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett signature, early 1990s spec)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, Black Album sessions)	8
One · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Wal Mk1 4-String	Mesa Boogie Strategy 400 (studio, likely with DI blend)	6.5
One · clean	Clean · clean	Wal Mk1 4-string	Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (used for clean section, studio recording)	0
One (Live at Reading Festival, Reading, England - August 24th, 1997) · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX-250 Explorer (Hetfield's main live guitar, 1997 era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ preamp into Mesa Boogie Strategy 400 power amp (live rig, 1997)	0
One (Live Seattle '89) · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 Explorer (custom, white finish, 1984-1989 era)	Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (for clean sections, live 1989 Seattle)	0
One (Live) · riff	Riff · clean	ESP 400 Series Strat-style (Kirk Hammett, live 1988-1993 era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head (live, late 1980s/early 1990s)	0
One (Radio Edit) · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett Signature, 1987-1988 era, likely with Floyd Rose tremolo)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1988)	8
Orion · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 (custom Explorer-style, likely 1984 model)	Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1986)	0
Orion · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Aria Pro II SB‑1000	Mesa/Boogie D‑180 (dual heads, bi‑amped)	7.5
Orion · solo	Solo · clean	ESP LTD KH-2 (Kirk Hammett signature, likely Jackson Randy Rhoads or Gibson Flying V for studio 1986)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+	0
Orion (Live) · solo	Solo · distorted	Jackson Randy Rhoads Flying V (likely custom, as used by Kirk Hammett live in 1986 era)	Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ (main preamp, slaved into Marshall JCM800 2203 head, Marshall 4x12 cabinet)	8
Orion (Live) · riff	Riff · distorted	1984 Gibson Explorer (white, stock pickups for live 1986-87; EMG 81s retrofitted in 1987, but not present for original Orion era live shows)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (used as preamp) into Marshall JCM800 100W power amp with 4x12 cabinets	8
Phantom Lord · solo	Solo · distorted	Electra 2236 Flying Wedge	Marshall JMP 2203 (100W head, 1979-1981 era, as used on Kill 'Em All)	8
Phantom Lord (Live at the Keystone, Palo Alto, CA – Oct. 31st, 1983) · riff	Riff · distorted	Electra Flying V (early 1980s Japanese copy, used by James Hetfield live in 1983)	Marshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (live rig, 1983)	8
Prince Charming · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier	8.5
Ride the Lightning · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 (custom Explorer-style, likely with Gibson pickups for 1984 recording)	Marshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio, 1984)	0
Ride the Lightning · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Rickenbacker 4001 (modded with Gibson EB 'mudbucker' neck and Seymour Duncan Stacked Jazz bridge pickup)	Mesa Boogie D-180 (two heads: one clean, one for effects/distortion)	7
Riff Tape Intro · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (custom, aka 'Eet Fuk' Explorer-style, 1987-88)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Celestion speakers)	8
Room of Mirrors · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett Signature, likely with EMG 81/60 pickups)	Fractal Audio Axe-Fx III (modeling Mesa/Boogie and Marshall amps, as per Metallica's 72 Seasons era studio setup)	8.5
Sad But True · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX-220 (black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++	0
Sad But True · solo	Solo · clean	ESP Kirk Hammett KH-2	Roland JC-120	0
Sad But True (From James' Riff Tapes) · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP LTD EX-401 (likely ESP MX220 or ESP Explorer custom for studio recording)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++	7
Sad But True (From James' Riff Tapes) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++	7
Sad But True (Live) · riff	Riff · clean	ESP LTD EX-401 (Hetfield live rig, 1990s era) or ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte (modern live rig)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ (primary for clean and dirty in 1990s live), sometimes Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier layered in	0
Screaming Suicide · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP LTD Snakebyte (James Hetfield signature, likely used on 72 Seasons sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio, 72 Seasons era typical Metallica rhythm amp)	8
Screaming Suicide · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett signature, likely used for solo)	Marshall Super Lead 100-watt Head (José Arredondo-modded, late-60s/early-70s) blended with Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++	7.5
Seek & Destroy · riff	Riff · clean	1981 Gibson Flying V	Marshall JMP 2203 (100W head, early 1980s, likely with Marshall 4x12 cabinet, studio recording)	0
Seek & Destroy · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Rickenbacker 4001	Ampeg SVT (likely 1970s/early 80s model)	7
Seek & Destroy · clean	Clean · clean	Rickenbacker 4001	Mesa Boogie D-180 (studio), possibly Mark IV Series 400 (live)	0
Seek and destroy · solo	Solo · distorted	Gibson Flying V (early 1980s, stock pickups)	Marshall JCM800 2203	7.5
Shadows Follow · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP LTD Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature, used in studio for 72 Seasons)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ (primary), blended with José Arredondo-modded Marshall Superlead (late-60s/early-70s), Wizard 100-watt head sometimes added for low end	8
Sleepwalk My Life Away · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature (likely ESP Snakebyte or ESP Iron Cross, as used on 72 Seasons sessions)	Diezel VH4 (primary for rhythm), with Wizard 100-watt head and Marshall JMP 50-watt as additional layers	9
Sleepwalk My Life Away · clean	Clean · clean	Fender Jazz Bass (likely American Professional II or Custom Shop, as used by Robert Trujillo in studio)	Ampeg SVT-CL (Classic) with 8x10 cab (studio standard for Metallica, especially for clean sections)	0
So What (Early Take, October 12th, 1990) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk')	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio head, likely with Mesa 4x12 V30 cab)	8
Suicide & Redemption · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 (James Hetfield's main guitar for Death Magnetic era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording for Death Magnetic, 2008)	8
Sweet Amber · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (James Hetfield's main guitar during St. Anger era)	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier (St. Anger studio sessions main amp)	8
That Was Just Your Life · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett signature, likely with EMG 81/60 pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier 150W Solo Head	8.5
The Call of Ktulu · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Rickenbacker 4001 (modified with Gibson EB humbucker neck pickup, Seymour Duncan stacked Jazz Bass bridge pickup, and Seymour Duncan Strat pickup under bridge)	Mesa/Boogie D‑180 heads (one for clean, one for effects) through Mesa cabinets (4×12 and 1×15); also Ampeg SVT‑1540HE enclosure seen in rig listings	7.5
The Call of Ktulu · riff	Riff · distorted	1984 Gibson Explorer	Marshall JCM800 2203	8
The Call of Ktulu · solo	Solo · distorted	Jackson Randy Rhoads (RR) Custom	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+	7.5
The Day That Never Comes · clean	Clean · clean	Warwick Streamer Stage I (5-string, likely custom shop, as used by Robert Trujillo on Death Magnetic sessions)	Ampeg SVT-4 PRO (studio standard for Metallica, era-appropriate, confirmed for Death Magnetic sessions)	0
The Day That Never Comes · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2	Mesa/Boogie Mark IV	8.5
The Day That Never Comes · riff	Riff · clean	ESP James Hetfield Signature Truckster	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, Death Magnetic era)	0
The End of the Line · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (James Hetfield's main guitar for Death Magnetic era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (primary rhythm amp for Death Magnetic studio recording)	9
The Four Horsemen · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Rickenbacker 4001	Sunn Beta Bass (solid state) into Road Electronics 440-218 Cabinet	7
The Four Horsemen · solo	Solo · distorted	Gibson Flying V (1979, stock, likely with stock humbuckers)	Marshall JMP 1959 Mk II Super Lead 100w (1976-77)	8
The Frayed Ends of Sanity · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP M-II Custom (Kirk Hammett's black M-II, 1988, with EMG pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1988)	8
The Judas Kiss · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (Hetfield's custom, likely white finish, with EMG 81 bridge pickup)	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier (studio recording, 2007-2008 era)	8.5
The Memory Remains (feat. Marianne Faithfull) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-250 (Hetfield's custom Explorer-style, likely with EMG 81/60 pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier	7.5
The Outlaw Torn (No More Manufacturing Limits!) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (James Hetfield's main guitar during Load sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording, Load era)	8
The Outlaw Torn (Remastered) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (Hetfield's custom Explorer-style, 1996 studio spec)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (1990s revision, studio recording)	8
The Prince · riff	Riff · distorted	1984 Gibson Explorer (likely James Hetfield's white Explorer copy, possibly Electra 2236 or custom build)	Marshall JCM800 2203 (100W head, used in studio for Kill 'Em All era)	7.5
The Shortest Straw · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett signature, 1987-1988 era, likely black finish, stock for '...And Justice for All' sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1988, used for all '...And Justice for All' solos)	8
The Struggle Within · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk')	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1991)	8
The Thing That Should Not Be · clean	Clean · clean	Modded Rickenbacker (Cliff Burton’s modded Ric bass)	Mesa/Boogie D‑180 heads (paired with Mesa cabinets)	0
The Thing That Should Not Be · distorted	Distorted · distorted	Unknown	Mesa/Boogie D-180 (Cliff Burton era typical)	8
The Thing That Should Not Be · solo	Solo · distorted	Gibson Flying V (black, late 1970s)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+	8.5
The Thing That Should Not Be · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX-220 (black finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+	0
The Unforgiven · solo	Solo · clean	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett signature, likely used for clean solo sections on 'The Unforgiven')	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1991 era)	0
The Unforgiven (Live) · riff	Riff · clean	ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield (live version, 1990s/2000s era)	Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ (live, clean channel)	0
The Unforgiven II · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX-250 (James Hetfield's main guitar for Load/Reload era)	Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus	0
The Unforgiven II · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP TE B-bender	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier 150W Solo Head	7
The Unforgiven III · riff	Riff · clean	ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier	4.5
The Unforgiven III · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP Iron Cross James Hetfield Signature	Diezel VH4 (studio recording, 2008)	7.5
The Wait · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk')	Marshall JCM800 2203 head	8
Thorn Within (Remastered) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (Hetfield's 'Eet Fuk')	Diezel VH4 (studio, Load era)	7.5
Through the Never · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (custom Explorer-style, 1989-1991, white finish)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1991)	8
To Live Is to Die · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk')	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1987-88)	7.5
Too Far Gone? · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP LTD Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature) or ESP Snakebyte	Wizard Modern Classic 100-watt head (James Hetfield), Friedman HBE Deluxe (Kirk Hammett rhythm)	8
Trapped Under Ice · clean	Clean · clean	Aria Pro II SB-1000	Mesa Boogie D-180 (likely, based on era and Cliff Burton's known rig for Ride the Lightning)	0
Trapped Under Ice · riff	Riff · clean	Gibson Flying V (1984)	Marshall JCM800 2203	0
Trapped Under Ice · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP M-II (1980s, custom for Kirk Hammett)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Celestion speakers)	7.5
Tuesday's Gone · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 (James Hetfield's main guitar for Garage Inc. sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, Garage Inc. era)	0
Until It Sleeps (Remastered) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (Hetfield) / ESP KH-2 (Hammett)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier + Marshall (modded, likely JCM800 or JMP, blended in studio)	7.5
Until It Sleeps (Remastered) · clean	Clean · clean	Zon 5‑string fretless bass	Unknown	0
Until It Sleeps (Remastered) · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX-220 (Hetfield's custom Explorer-style, likely with EMG 81/60 pickups)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio blend with possible Marshall and Fender amps, but Mesa/Boogie is primary for cleans on Load era)	0
Wasting My Hate (Remastered) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP MX-220 (custom, 'Eet Fuk' graphic, 1995-96 era)	Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording, Load era, 1995-96)	7.5
Welcome Home (Sanitarium) · solo	Solo · clean	Gibson Flying V (1974 or 1978, as used by Kirk Hammett on Master of Puppets)	Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus	0
Welcome Home (Sanitarium) [1985 from James' Riff Tapes] · riff	Riff · distorted	1984 Gibson Explorer (likely modded, as per Hetfield's main guitar for this era)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) slaved into Marshall JCM800 100W head, Marshall 4x12 cab with Celestion speakers	8
Welcome Home (Sanitarium) [November 1985, Work In Progress Rough Mix] · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 (early '80s 'Explorer'-style, likely with EMG 81 bridge and EMG 60 neck pickups, but possibly stock passive pickups for 1985 rough mix)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (for clean tone, as used on Master of Puppets sessions, possibly slaved into Marshall JMP 2203 head)	0
Wherever I May Roam · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP Kirk Hammett Signature KH-2	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+	8
Wherever I May Roam · clean	Clean · clean	Spector NS-2	Ampeg SVT-2 Pro	0
Wherever I May Roam · riff	Riff · clean	ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (James Hetfield's main guitar for the Black Album sessions)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording amp for Black Album clean tones)	0
Wherever I May Roam (Live) · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (often reissue for live, original for studio)	8
Whiplash (Live) · riff	Riff · distorted	1984 Gibson Explorer (likely white, as used by James Hetfield live in early Metallica performances)	Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (live rig, 1983-1984 era)	9
Whiskey In the Jar · solo	Solo · distorted	ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett signature, likely used for solos on Garage Inc.)	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier	8.5
You Must Burn! · riff	Riff · distorted	ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte	Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier	8

Metallica songs on popular amps

Exact settings ToneAdapt players use for these songs on their own amps.

Get Metallica's tone on your gear

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Frequently asked questions

What amp did Metallica use?

Across 165 researched songs, the amps that come up most are Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ (11 songs), Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head (10 songs), Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (9 songs), Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus (8 songs).

What guitar did Metallica use?

Most often: ESP MX-220 (black finish) (11 songs), ESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk') (7 songs), Aria Pro II SB-1000 (7 songs), 1981 Gibson Flying V (5 songs).

How do I get Metallica's tone on my amp?

Open any Metallica song below to see the original gear and settings, then use ToneAdapt to adapt them to your own guitar, amp, pickups and pedals.