Solo Tone
The Thing That Should Not Be
Metallica
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Flying V (black, late 1970s)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+
PickupsEMG 81 (bridge, active humbucker)
Amp Settings
gain8.5
bass3.5
mid1.5
treble6
reverb1
presence4.5
Effects & Signal Chain
wahUnknown Wah pedal (model unknown, likely Dunlop Cry Baby or Vox)
delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown, likely rackmount or Boss DD-2/analog delay)
Notes
Studio recording, 1985-1986. Kirk Hammett solo section. Amp settings and gear based on period-correct interviews and rig rundowns. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this solo. Effects loop used for EQ and possible wah/delay. Album: Master of Puppets.
Tone Character(10)
mid-scooped and aggressivedark and ominoussinging sustainwah-filtered lead linestight and percussive attackcrushing low endarticulate note separationmetallic edgefluid legato phrasinghigh-gain saturation
Difficulty
The solo requires intermediate to advanced wah pedal technique, expressive bends, and precise timing to cut through the dense, high-gain mix. While not extremely fast, the phrasing and articulation demand control and feel.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarGibson Flying V (black, late 1970s)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+
PickupsEMG 81 (bridge, active humbucker)
Amp Settings
gain8.5
bass3.5
mid1.5
treble6
reverb1
presence4.5
Effects & Signal Chain
wahUnknown Wah pedal (model unknown, likely Dunlop Cry Baby or Vox)
delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown, likely rackmount or Boss DD-2/analog delay)
Notes
Studio recording, 1985-1986. Kirk Hammett solo section. Amp settings and gear based on period-correct interviews and rig rundowns. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this solo. Effects loop used for EQ and possible wah/delay. Album: Master of Puppets.
Tone Character(10)
mid-scooped and aggressivedark and ominoussinging sustainwah-filtered lead linestight and percussive attackcrushing low endarticulate note separationmetallic edgefluid legato phrasinghigh-gain saturation
Difficulty
The solo requires intermediate to advanced wah pedal technique, expressive bends, and precise timing to cut through the dense, high-gain mix. While not extremely fast, the phrasing and articulation demand control and feel.
The Thing That Should Not Be settings for your amp
Exact settings ToneAdapt players use on these amps.
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