Riff Tone

The Day That Never Comes

Metallica

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarESP Flying V Korina (Kirk Hammett, rhythm section, studio recording, 2008)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and Marshall Superlead (Jose Arredondo modded), blended (studio recording, 2008)

PickupsEMG 81/60 active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid4

treble7

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (Keeley Mod+)

Notes

Studio recording for Death Magnetic (2008). Rhythm section likely played by James Hetfield on ESP Explorer with EMG 81/60, but Kirk Hammett also used ESP Flying V Korina for rhythm live and possibly in studio. Amps are confirmed by producer Greg Fidelman to be a blend of Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and Jose-modded Marshall Superlead. Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (Keeley Mod+) used as boost. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in the riff section. Settings estimated based on typical Metallica Death Magnetic era studio setup.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationarticulate pick attackcompressed and focusedchunky low endmodern metal clarityminimal ambienceslightly bright top end

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, fast alternate picking with aggressive palm muting, precise timing, and rapid chord changes, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

Metallica – Death Magnetic - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett's 72 Seasons guitar gear

This tone has been researched 4 times by the community

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