Solo Tone

Hit the Lights

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Flying V (likely 1979 model, stock pickups, as used by Kirk Hammett on Kill 'Em All recording)

AmpMarshall JMP 2203 (100W, modified, as used in studio for Kill 'Em All)

PickupsStock Gibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or Dirty Fingers, but not confirmed for this recording)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass5.5

mid3.5

treble7.5

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

distortionPro Co Pro Co RAT

Notes

Studio recording, 1982-1983. Kirk Hammett played the solos on 'Hit the Lights' using a Gibson Flying V into a modified Marshall JMP 2203. Pro Co RAT distortion pedal was used for additional gain. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects on the solo. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and forum/gear sources for Kill 'Em All.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationrazor-sharp articulationcutting lead toneminimal ambiencefast attackbright and bitingclassic early thrash metal

Difficulty

The solo requires fast alternate picking, tight palm muting, and rapid fretboard movement, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

James Hetfield's Guitar Gear, Amps & Pedalboard | Equipboard Metallica 80s Guitar Tone: How To Get The Sound | TikTok

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