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Riff Tone

Dream No More

Metallica

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarESP Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature, used on Hardwired... to Self-Destruct sessions)
AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (primary for Hardwired... to Self-Destruct heavy rhythm), possible Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ blended in studio
PickupsEMG JH Het Set active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8.5
bass6
mid4
treble7
reverb1
presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 2016. Rhythm section for 'Dream No More' tracked in D standard tuning. Hetfield's ESP Iron Cross with EMG JH pickups into Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, likely blended with Mark IIC+ for thickness. No evidence of drive/distortion pedals; all gain from amp. No clear evidence of additional effects or pedals in riff section. Settings estimated based on typical Metallica studio approach for this era.

Tone Character(10)
ultra-heavy and saturatedtight and percussivescooped mids for claritychunky low endarticulate note separationslightly compressedminimal ambienceno audible modulationmassive, modern metal soundaggressive palm muting

Difficulty

While not technically advanced in terms of speed or lead work, the riff requires tight palm muting, precise rhythm, and control of note separation under high gain, making it intermediate for most players.

Sources

I'm going to make an infographic showing the guitar tunings ... - RedditJames Hetfield's guitar tone on Metallica's Sad But TrueInterview: Metallica's James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett on their tonal ...

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