Riff Tone

Fade to black

Unknown Artist

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarUnknown (no evidence for exact model; Metallica version uses Gibson Explorer or ESP MX220 for riff)

AmpUnknown (no evidence for exact model; Metallica version uses Marshall JCM800 or Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ for riff)

PickupsUnknown (likely EMG 81 humbucker or passive humbucker based on era and genre, but not confirmed for this artist)

Amp Settings

gain6

bass6

mid4.5

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

reverbUnknown Reverb pedal (model unknown)

Notes

No direct evidence for exact guitar, pickups, or amp for 'unknown artist'. All gear is inferred from typical 1980s metal/rock studio setups. Settings and effects are estimated based on genre, era, and common practice for the riff section. Studio recording context assumed.

Tone Character(10)

warm and smoothslightly compressedclean with edge-of-breakupshimmering with chorusbalanced EQ, not scoopedopen and airystudio ambiencenot harsh or brittlesubtle reverbarticulate arpeggios

Difficulty

The riff requires clean, accurate arpeggios and smooth transitions, but does not involve advanced techniques or high speed, making it accessible to intermediate players.

Sources

[QUESTION] How to get intro tone of Metallica's fade to black? - Reddit Fade To Black preset : r/Guitar - Reddit What effect is used on Metallica's Fade To Black beginning solo?

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