Solo Tone

The Unforgiven III

Metallica

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarESP KH-2

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IV

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck) active humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid4.5

treble7

reverb2

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

wahDunlop Dunlop Cry Baby Wah

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Death Magnetic' (2008); Kirk Hammett's main solo rig for this era; settings and pedals inferred from era and typical Metallica studio setup. No direct studio photo evidence for this exact solo, but all sources agree on ESP KH-2 with EMGs and Mesa/Boogie Mark IV for solos on Death Magnetic.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainfluid legato linestight and percussivescooped midshigh-gain saturationaggressive pick attackwah-inflected phrasingclear note separationmodern metal lead tonedefined articulation

Difficulty

The solo features fast runs, expressive wah use, and requires precise legato and bending technique, making it challenging for most intermediate players.

Sources

Kirk Hammett's Guitars, Gear, Wah & Amps | Equipboard Metallica – Death Magnetic - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album Kirk Hammett on his favorite Metallica solo, tone & guitars Line 6 Unforgiven settings : r/Guitar - Reddit

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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