Solo Tone

Dyers Eve (1986 from James' Riff Tapes)

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarJackson King V (white, 1985-86, loaded with Seymour Duncan Invader humbuckers)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (likely modded, as per era and sources)

PickupsSeymour Duncan Invader humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid3

treble7.5

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionProCo ProCo Rat

Notes

Studio demo (1986 riff tape), not live; no evidence of Mesa Boogie or Roland JC-120 for this specific demo; ProCo Rat distortion pedal likely used for high-gain tone; no evidence of additional pedals or effects for solo section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationsharp treblepronounced low frequenciesfast attackdry, immediate responseno ambient effectsfocused, cutting solo tone

Difficulty

The solo requires fast alternate picking, tight palm muting, and aggressive phrasing at a high tempo, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

James Hetfield's Gear on Master of Puppets (1986) | Boost Guitar Pedals James Hetfield Guitars & Gear – Complete List of Guitars, Amps, Effects & More– Ground Guitar James Hetfield's Guitar Gear, Amps & Pedalboard - Equipboard

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