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Riff Tone
For Whom the Bell Tolls (Live)
Metallica
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk')
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (live rig, 1980s era)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
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Notes
Live performance, mid-1980s (e.g., 1985 Day on the Green); James Hetfield's main rig for this era; settings and gear based on live footage and era-correct interviews. No evidence of pedal-based distortion; all gain from amp.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationchunky rhythm tonearticulate pick definitioncrisp treble bitefocused and dryminimal ambiencepowerful low end
Difficulty
The riff requires tight palm muting and precise rhythm, but uses straightforward power chords and moderate tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
GuitarESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk')
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (live rig, 1980s era)
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Live performance, mid-1980s (e.g., 1985 Day on the Green); James Hetfield's main rig for this era; settings and gear based on live footage and era-correct interviews. No evidence of pedal-based distortion; all gain from amp.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationchunky rhythm tonearticulate pick definitioncrisp treble bitefocused and dryminimal ambiencepowerful low end
Difficulty
The riff requires tight palm muting and precise rhythm, but uses straightforward power chords and moderate tempo, making it accessible to intermediate players.