Riff Tone

To Live Is to Die

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarESP MX-220 (black finish)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC++

PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck)

Amp Settings

gain9

bass3.5

mid1.5

treble6

reverb0

presence4.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1988. Rhythm guitar for 'To Live Is to Die' riff section. Layered tracks with Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ as the core amp, likely with Aphex EQF-2 EQs and Aphex CX-1 Compressor/Expander in effects loop. Marshall JCM800 and other amps possibly used for overdubs, but Mark IIC++ is primary for rhythm. No evidence of pedal use for rhythm section; distortion from amp. Album: ...And Justice for All.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationrazor-sharp attackdry, compressed rhythm tonearticulate chugginglayered rhythm guitarsminimal ambienceclear note separation

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting, fast alternate picking, and precise timing to maintain clarity and articulation, making it moderately challenging for intermediate players.

Sources

James Hetfield's guitar tone on Metallica's Sad But True

This tone has been researched 10 times by the community

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