Riff Tone
The Outlaw Torn (No More Manufacturing Limits!)
Metallica
Guitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarESP MX-220 (James Hetfield's main guitar during Load sessions)
AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording, Load era)
PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck) active humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain8
bass4.5
mid4.5
treble7
reverb0
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1995-1996 Load sessions. All info specific to studio version of 'The Outlaw Torn (No More Manufacturing Limits!)' riff section. No confirmed pedal use for distortion; heavy tone from amp gain. No evidence of live/touring substitutions.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped low midscrunchy and heavyarticulate palm-muted chugshigh-gain saturationclear note separationslightly compressed attackmodern metal clarityminimal ambiencefocused low end
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate to advanced palm muting technique, precise rhythm, and dynamic control to maintain clarity with high-gain settings. The syncopated patterns and tightness demand solid right-hand technique.
Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear
Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarESP MX-220 (James Hetfield's main guitar during Load sessions)
AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording, Load era)
PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck) active humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain8
bass4.5
mid4.5
treble7
reverb0
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
No effects used for this tone
Notes
Studio recording, 1995-1996 Load sessions. All info specific to studio version of 'The Outlaw Torn (No More Manufacturing Limits!)' riff section. No confirmed pedal use for distortion; heavy tone from amp gain. No evidence of live/touring substitutions.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped low midscrunchy and heavyarticulate palm-muted chugshigh-gain saturationclear note separationslightly compressed attackmodern metal clarityminimal ambiencefocused low end
Difficulty
The riff requires intermediate to advanced palm muting technique, precise rhythm, and dynamic control to maintain clarity with high-gain settings. The syncopated patterns and tightness demand solid right-hand technique.
More Metallica tones
- Master of Puppets · riff
- Enter Sandman · riff
- Seek & Destroy · riff
- Creeping Death · riff
- One · riff
- Fade to Black · solo
- Ride the Lightning · riff
- Fade to black · riff
- For Whom the Bell Tolls · riff
- One · riff