Solo Tone

Fade to Black

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Flying V (black, 1979 model, stock pickups)

AmpMarshall JCM800 (likely 2203 or 2204 head, 1980s, with 4x12 cab)

PickupsStock Gibson humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6.5

mid5

treble7.5

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

wahDunlop Cry Baby Wah (cocked position)

Notes

Studio recording, 1984, Ride the Lightning sessions. Kirk Hammett used the neck pickup for the solo. Wah pedal was used in a cocked position for the solo tone. No evidence of Mesa Boogie or other amps for this section. TC Electronic EQ possibly in the chain but not confirmed for this solo.

Tone Character(10)

warm and smoothsinging sustainmidrange emphasis from cocked wahthick and creamy leadfull-bodiednot overly scoopedhigh-gain saturationarticulate note separationslightly compresseddouble-tracked for extra thickness

Difficulty

The solo features fast runs, expressive bends, and requires precise control of phrasing and sustain, making it challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Metallica's James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett reveal the guitar secrets behind 16 of the band's best songs | Guitar World [QUESTION] How to get intro tone of Metallica's fade to black? - Reddit What's the effect used in the intro solo of Fade to Black called? - Reddit

This tone has been researched 84 times by the community

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