Solo Tone

Ride the Lightning

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Flying V (early 80s, likely 1981-1982, used by Kirk Hammett for solos on Ride the Lightning)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (borrowed European model, studio recording, 1984)

PickupsStock Gibson humbuckers (likely Dirty Fingers or T-Top, passive, high output)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid4.5

treble7.5

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

eqTC Electronic TC Electronic Dual Parametric Equalizer

Notes

Studio recording, 1984. Kirk Hammett used a Gibson Flying V with stock humbuckers into a Marshall JCM800, boosted with an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer. EQ shaping via TC Electronic Dual Parametric Equalizer is documented for the album's solos. No Mesa/Boogie amps were used on this album. Settings are estimated based on period-correct Marshall usage and forum consensus.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivesinging sustainstrong mid-boostslightly scooped upper-midrangeaggressive pick attackcutting lead tonedry, in-your-face solo soundmultitracked for thicknessharmonically richno audible reverb or delay

Difficulty

The solo features fast picking, advanced phrasing, and requires tight synchronization with the rhythm section, making it challenging for most guitarists.

Sources

Any clue why Ride The Lightning's guitar tone sounds so cold and ...Metallica – Ride The Lightning (Remastered) - Albums - Equipboard Metallica fan recreates James Hetfield's Ride The Lightning guitar ...

This tone has been researched 8 times by the community

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