Solo Tone

Orion

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarESP LTD KH-2 (Kirk Hammett signature, likely Jackson Randy Rhoads or Gibson Flying V for studio 1986)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

PickupsEMG 81 active humbuckers (studio era: likely stock passive humbuckers in Jackson or Flying V)

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid4

treble7

reverb1

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1986. The clean solo section of 'Orion' was recorded during the 'Master of Puppets' sessions. Kirk Hammett is credited for the solo. The amp was a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (confirmed for album sessions), and the guitar was likely a Jackson Randy Rhoads or Gibson Flying V with passive humbuckers. No evidence of live rig or modern gear for this section.

Tone Character(10)

clean and bell-likewarm and glassyslightly compressedarticulate and clearsubtle reverbno audible distortionsinging sustainsmooth attackfull-bodiedno modulation effects

Difficulty

The clean solo in 'Orion' requires accurate picking, smooth phrasing, and dynamic control to maintain clarity and sustain without distortion. While not extremely fast or technical, the phrasing and tone control demand intermediate to advanced skill.

Sources

Metallica Amp Settings - forum topic | Ultimate Guitar Complete Guide to Metallica 'Master of Puppets' | Ultimate Guitar Why Metallica converted to Axe-Fx: Kirk Hammett’s guitar tech explains | Guitar World

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