Riff Tone

Wherever I May Roam

Metallica

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' (James Hetfield's main guitar for the Black Album sessions)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording amp for Black Album clean tones)

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

Amp Settings

gain0

bass6

mid4

treble7

reverb1.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1991. Clean sections tracked with James Hetfield's ESP MX220 and Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+. No evidence of additional pedals for clean tone. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and typical Black Album studio practices.

Tone Character(10)

crystal-clear and articulatetight low endslightly compressedbright but not harshdynamic response to pickingstudio-polished cleanwarm neck pickup characterno audible modulationsubtle room reverbpercussive attack

Difficulty

The clean riff requires accurate picking and dynamic control to maintain clarity and articulation, but does not involve advanced techniques or fast tempos.

Sources

What pedals were used for Wherever I May Roam by Metallica?James Hetfield Live Rig Pictures and Settings 1984-1993 | Page 3 Metallica amp/pedals settings to get there signature sound - Reddit

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