Riff Tone

All Nightmare Long

Metallica

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarESP MX-250 (James Hetfield's main guitar for Death Magnetic era, used in studio recording)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (primary rhythm amp for Death Magnetic studio sessions)

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck) active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid4

treble7.5

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

noise_gateUnknown Noise gate (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2007-2008. Rhythm guitar for riff section. Guitar tuned to Drop D. Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ was the main amp for Hetfield's rhythm tracks on Death Magnetic. No evidence of live/touring rig or alternate amps/pedals for this specific recording.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationchunky low endrazor-sharp pick attackdry, minimal ambiencemodern metal claritycompressed rhythm soundarticulate and fast attack

Difficulty

The riff section requires fast, precise downpicking and alternate picking at high speed, with tight palm muting and complex rhythm patterns typical of advanced metal rhythm guitar.

Sources

I'm going to make an infographic showing the guitar tunings ... - Reddit The 25 greatest metal guitar tones of all time

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account