Solo Tone

The Frayed Ends of Sanity

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarESP M-II Custom (Kirk Hammett's black M-II, 1988, with EMG pickups)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1988)

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge, active humbucker)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass4

mid3.5

treble7.5

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

wahDunlop Dunlop Cry Baby Wah (likely rack-mounted DCR-1SR or GCB-95)

Notes

Studio recording, 1988. Used for the solo section on the original ...And Justice For All album. Kirk Hammett's main solo guitar was the ESP M-II Custom with EMG 81 in the bridge. The amp was a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head, no evidence of live rig or later-era gear for this recording.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutingsinging sustainbiting treblewah-inflected lead lineshigh output, compressed attackfast note articulationcutting and brightfocused, saturated distortion

Difficulty

The solo is technically demanding due to its fast tempo, rapid-fire legato and tapping licks, and the need for expressive wah pedal use, making it challenging even for advanced players.

Sources

Iconic Rigs (on a Budget): Kirk Hammett - zZounds Music Blog Best Metallica tone settings for the new Mesa amp?? - Reddit The Frayed Ends of Sanity Guitar Lesson - Metallica | Guitar Lessons 365

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