Riff Tone

Shadows Follow

Metallica

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarESP LTD Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature, used in studio for 72 Seasons)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ (primary), blended with José Arredondo-modded Marshall Superlead (late-60s/early-70s), Wizard 100-watt head sometimes added for low end

PickupsEMG JH Het Set active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8

bass6

mid4.5

treble7

reverb0.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 2022-2023 for 72 Seasons album. Amp blend varies per song, but Mark IIC++ and José-modded Marshall confirmed on every track. Wizard head added for extra low end on some tracks. No evidence of additional pedals for riff tone; Klon Centaur sometimes used on Wizard head but not confirmed for this song/section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped but present midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationarticulate low enddry and focusedchunky rhythmmodern thrash clarityminimal ambiencefast attack

Difficulty

The riff requires advanced right-hand stamina for fast, tight downpicking and palm muting, with precise rhythm and articulation typical of modern Metallica. The tempo and technical consistency push this to a hard (4/5) difficulty.

Sources

James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett's 72 Seasons guitar gear Metallica - Shadows Follow (Short Remake) : r/NeuralDSP

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