Riff Tone

Sad But True

Metallica

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarESP MX-220 (black finish)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC++

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck), using bridge pickup

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass4

mid1.5

treble6

reverb0

presence4.5

Effects & Signal Chain

eqAphex Aphex EQF-2 EQ

compressionAphex Aphex CX-1 Compressor/Expander

Notes

Studio recording, 1991, The Black Album sessions. Main rhythm tone layered with additional tracks using a Jerry Jones Danelectro Longhorn baritone (bridge pickup), Marshall JCM800 (settings unknown), and Mesa/Boogie Mark IV (settings unknown). Core tone is Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ with Aphex EQF-2 EQs and Aphex CX-1 Compressor/Expander in effects loop. D standard tuning.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationarticulate low endmassive, heavy tonecompressed and controlledclear attacklayered rhythm guitarsdry, punchy sound

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level technique due to the need for tight, percussive palm muting, precise timing, and stamina for consistent downpicking at a slow, heavy tempo.

Sources

James Hetfield's guitar tone on Metallica's Sad But True: secrets behind the sound | Guitar World Playing 'sad but true' by Metallica. I can't find good settings ... - Reddit

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