Riff Tone

72 seasons

Unknown Artist

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Flying V (Kill 'Em All era copy) and ESP Explorer (middle-finger inlays, first ESP Hetfield got)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ (main), José-modded Marshall (Eddie Van Halen's amp wizard), Wizard 100-watt head (sometimes with Klon Centaur), Diezel VH4 (for added low end, used as needed)

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge, active humbucker) in ESP Explorer; likely T-Top humbuckers or similar in Flying V copy

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid4.5

treble7

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

boostSoloDallas SoloDallas Schaffer Replica Tower

boostKlon Klon Centaur (sometimes used on Wizard head)

Notes

Studio recording, 2022-2023. Rhythm riff sections double-tracked with both guitars. Amp blend varies by song, but Mark IIC++ and José-modded Marshall are always present. Wizard and Diezel used for additional tonal options. Klon Centaur sometimes used as boost. Schaffer Replica (SoloDallas Tower) used for wireless coloration. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects on riff section. Settings estimated based on amp type, genre, and era.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivechunky palm-muted chugsscooped but present midsaggressive attackfast, articulate riffinghigh output, saturated soundclear note separationmodern metal claritylow-end punch without muddinessminimal ambience, dry tone

Difficulty

The riff requires advanced right-hand stamina for fast downpicking, tight palm muting, and precise rhythm execution at high speed, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett's 72 Seasons guitar gear Kirk Hammett reveals the secret weapon behind his guitar tone Crazy Tube Circuits Heatseeker: Angus Young tone in a pedal

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