ToneAdapt

Loading...

We've updated our Privacy Policy.Read the changes
Back to Community

Riff Tone

Am I Evil?

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarESP MX220 (custom, black, 1980s, James Hetfield) or Gibson Explorer (Kirk Hammett, 1980s)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1984-1987 era)

Amp Settings

gain8
bass6

Create an account to see all tone details

Create Free Account

Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording, 1984-1987. Metallica's 'Am I Evil?' riff section was recorded for the 'Garage Days Re-Revisited' EP and 'Garage Inc.' compilation, using the band's classic 1980s setup: ESP MX220 or Gibson Explorer with EMG 81 pickups into a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head. No confirmed pedal use for the riff section. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and amp model. No evidence of effects loop or additional pedals for rhythm/riff section.

Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationcrisp attackarticulate low enddry, focused soundminimal ambienceclear note separationchunky rhythm crunch

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level technique due to its fast, tight palm-muted picking, precise rhythm, and stamina for downpicking, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or complex chord voicings.

This tone has been researched 10 times by the community

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account