Solo Tone

Orion (Live)

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarJackson Randy Rhoads Flying V (likely custom, as used by Kirk Hammett live in 1986 era)

AmpMesa Boogie Mark IIC+ (main preamp, slaved into Marshall JCM800 2203 head, Marshall 4x12 cabinet)

PickupsEMG 81 active humbucker (bridge position, as per Kirk's main live setup for solos)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid2.5

treble8

reverb0.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Live performance, mid-late 1980s era (Master of Puppets/Orion live). Kirk Hammett played the solo using his Jackson RR V with EMG 81s into a Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ preamp, slaved into a Marshall JCM800 head and Marshall 4x12 cab. No evidence of additional effects pedals for the solo section; distortion from amp. No time-based or modulation effects are audible in the solo section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationarticulate lead linessinging sustaincrisp attackfocused and cuttingminimal ambienceclear note separation

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced picking speed, tight palm muting, and precise articulation at a fast tempo, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

Complete Guide to Metallica 'Master of Puppets' | Ultimate Guitar Metallica Amp Settings - forum topic | Ultimate Guitar James' Amp Settings? : r/Metallica

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