Riff Tone

Battery

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (custom Explorer-style, 1984-1986)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1985-1986)

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge, active humbucker)

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid3.5

treble7.5

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording for 'Master of Puppets' (1985-1986). James Hetfield used his white ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' loaded with EMG 81 in the bridge, into a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head. No evidence of pedals or effects for the main riff rhythm tone; distortion is from the amp. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and amp model. No evidence of live/touring gear or modern amps for this recording.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationrazor-sharp attackarticulate note separationfocused low enddry, immediate responseminimal ambiencecrushing rhythm

Difficulty

The main riff of 'Battery' is extremely fast and requires relentless, precise alternate picking and palm muting, demanding advanced right-hand technique and stamina to maintain tightness and clarity at high speed.

Sources

James Hetfield's Guitar Gear, Amps & Pedalboard

This tone has been researched 20 times by the community

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account