Riff Tone

The Outlaw Torn (Remastered)

Metallica

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarESP MX-220 (Hetfield's custom Explorer-style, 1996 studio spec)

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (1990s revision, studio recording)

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge, active humbucker)

Amp Settings

gain8

bass5

mid4.5

treble7

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

noise_gateUnknown Noise gate (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Load' (1996); James Hetfield rhythm guitar; settings and gear based on Load-era interviews and studio documentation. No evidence of live/touring substitutions for this recording.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivechunky palm-muted chugsscooped but present midsmodern saturated metal tonearticulate low endcrisp high end biteaggressive pick attackminimal ambiencefocused and drycompressed, controlled dynamics

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, consistent downpicking and palm muting, with precise rhythm changes and dynamic control, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Metallica Amp Settings - Guitar Chalk Load/ReLoad Tone : r/Guitar - Reddit Capturing Metallica's Load Era Guitar Tones - YouTube

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