Riff Tone

Riff Tape Intro

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarESP MX220 (custom, aka 'Eet Fuk' Explorer-style, 1987-88)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Celestion speakers)

PickupsEMG 81 active humbucker (bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid3.5

treble7.5

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1988, And Justice For All sessions. This is the classic Metallica rhythm tone used by James Hetfield for the heavy riff sections. No evidence of live rig or alternate gear for this specific recording.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationrazor-sharp attackarticulate downpickingcrushing rhythm tonepercussive low endminimal ambiencedry, focused sound

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, precise downpicking and palm muting at high speed, demanding stamina and tight synchronization, making it challenging for most players.

Sources

Master of puppets guitar tone : r/Metallica Metallica amp/pedals settings to get there signature sound : r/Metallica To the guitar players/AJFA tone : r/Metallica

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