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Riff Tone

Harvester of Sorrow

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarESP MX220 (aka 'Eet Fuk' Explorer, 1987-88 model)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (Simul-Class head, studio recording)

Amp Settings

gain9
bass6.5

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Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording for ...And Justice for All (1988). James Hetfield used his ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' Explorer with EMG 81 in the bridge into a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head. No evidence of additional pedals or effects for the riff section. Settings are estimated from forum posts and typical Metallica AJFA-era studio rig.

Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationrazor-sharp articulationdry and minimal ambiencechunky rhythm tonefast note decayfocused low endcrisp, metallic edge

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, consistent palm muting and precise alternate picking at a moderate tempo, with challenging rhythmic syncopation and muting technique to maintain clarity and aggression.

This tone has been researched 14 times by the community

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