Riff Tone
Wherever I May Roam (Live)
Metallica
Guitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (often reissue for live, original for studio)
PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck) active humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain8
bass5.5
mid3.5
treble7
reverb0
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
Notes
Live performance, early 1990s Black Album tour era. Guitar is always tuned to E♭ Standard for this song. Rhythm section (riff) is played by Hetfield on bridge pickup. No evidence of additional effects beyond a Tube Screamer-style overdrive for tightening the riff tone. No chorus, delay, or reverb audible or cited for riff section.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationfocused, cutting attackminimal ambiencecrisp highstight low endbridge pickup biteclear note separation
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting at a medium-fast tempo, with precise alternate picking and syncopated rhythms. Chromatic movement and string skipping add to the technical challenge, making it moderately difficult for intermediate players.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (often reissue for live, original for studio)
PickupsEMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck) active humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain8
bass5.5
mid3.5
treble7
reverb0
presence6
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
Notes
Live performance, early 1990s Black Album tour era. Guitar is always tuned to E♭ Standard for this song. Rhythm section (riff) is played by Hetfield on bridge pickup. No evidence of additional effects beyond a Tube Screamer-style overdrive for tightening the riff tone. No chorus, delay, or reverb audible or cited for riff section.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationfocused, cutting attackminimal ambiencecrisp highstight low endbridge pickup biteclear note separation
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting at a medium-fast tempo, with precise alternate picking and syncopated rhythms. Chromatic movement and string skipping add to the technical challenge, making it moderately difficult for intermediate players.
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