Riff Tone

Sad But True (From James' Riff Tapes)

Metallica

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarESP MX-220 (black finish)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC++

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass4

mid1.5

treble6

reverb0

presence4.5

Effects & Signal Chain

eqMesa/Boogie Mesa/Boogie Five-Band Graphic EQ

eqAphex Aphex EQF-2 Parametric EQ

compressionAphex Aphex CX-1 Compressor/Expander

Notes

Studio recording, 1990-1991 Black Album sessions. Main riff uses ESP MX-220 with EMG 81 bridge pickup into Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++. Additional overdubs with Jerry Jones Danelectro Longhorn baritone for low octave chugs. Settings and effects are for the studio rhythm riff, not live or solo sections.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutingdeep, heavy low endhigh-gain saturationdry, punchy attackmodern metal claritycrushing, massive riff soundarticulate chuggingminimal ambience

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, consistent palm muting and heavy downpicking at a slow tempo, demanding stamina and precision for a massive, percussive sound.

Sources

James Hetfield's guitar tone on Metallica's Sad But True: secrets behind the sound | Guitar World Metallica History: The Story Behind Kirk Hammett's and James Hetfield's Gear on Black Album

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