Riff Tone

Holier Than Thou

Metallica

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarESP MX-220 (black finish)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC++

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck)

Amp Settings

gain9

bass3.5

mid1.5

treble6

reverb0

presence4.5

Effects & Signal Chain

eqAphex Aphex EQF-2 Parametric EQ

Notes

Studio recording for Metallica's 'Holier Than Thou' (1991, Black Album era). Rhythm riff section. Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ was the primary amp for James Hetfield's rhythm tracks, with EMG 81 bridge pickup. Additional EQ via Aphex EQF-2 in effects loop. No evidence of pedal-based distortion or time-based effects. Settings inferred from 'Sad But True' session, same album and rig. No evidence of live/touring gear or alternate guitars for this part.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationarticulate pick attackchunky low endclear note separationcompressed and focuseddry, no ambiencemassive, heavy riff sound

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, precise alternate picking and tight palm muting, demanding strong right-hand technique and stamina to maintain the aggressive, percussive rhythm throughout.

Sources

James Hetfield's guitar tone on Metallica's Sad But True

This tone has been researched 4 times by the community

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