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Riff Tone

ManUNkind

Metallica

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarESP James Hetfield Iron Cross (EMG JH Set pickups)
AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording, 2016)
PickupsEMG JH Set (active humbuckers)

Amp Settings

gain8
bass6
mid4.5
treble7
reverb1
presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording for 'Hardwired... to Self-Destruct' (2016). Gear inferred from Metallica's documented studio rigs for this album; no direct source confirms exact amp/pickup for 'ManUNkind' riff, but Hetfield's ESP Iron Cross with EMG JH pickups and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier were standard for rhythm tracks on this era. No evidence of pedal use for riff section.

Tone Character(10)
tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingscooped midschunky low endmodern high-gain saturationarticulate attackclear note separationminimal ambiencefocused and drycompressed and punchy

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting with precise timing and a swing feel, demanding solid right-hand technique and rhythmic accuracy. Not technically advanced, but challenging for intermediate players due to groove and articulation.

Sources

Well, for any fellow guitar players out there, regarding Now That We ...Metallica's Robert Trujillo on the art of simplicity | Guitar World

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ManUNkind settings for your amp

Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.

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