Solo Tone

The Unforgiven

Metallica

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett signature, 1990s version)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, The Black Album era)

PickupsEMG 81 active humbuckers (bridge position)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid3

treble7.5

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

wahDunlop Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

Notes

Studio recording, 1991. Kirk Hammett played the solo on 'The Unforgiven' using his ESP KH-2 with EMG 81 pickups into a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amp. Wah pedal is clearly audible in the solo. No evidence of additional pedals or rack effects for the solo section.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainscooped midstight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingwah-inflected lead linesfluid legato phrasinghigh-gain saturationcutting lead tonearticulate note separationcontrolled feedback

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced wah pedal coordination, fluid legato phrasing, and precise bending/vibrato, making it challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

Metallica reveal The Black Album's deepest, darkest secrets | Guitar World The greatest guitar albums of the '90s | Guitar World Kirk Hammett's Guitars, Gear, Wah & Amps | Equipboard

This tone has been researched 5 times by the community

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