Riff Tone

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Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1980s Gibson Flying V (white, likely 1979 model)

AmpMarshall JMP 2203 (100W, modified, early 1980s)

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass5.5

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Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording, 1982-1983, Kill 'Em All album sessions. The main rhythm riff was tracked by James Hetfield using his white Flying V into a single Marshall JMP 2203 head (modded), with no confirmed pedals. Kirk Hammett also tracked rhythm with a Flying V through the same amp. No evidence of Mesa/Boogie or modern EMGs on this album. No confirmed pedal use for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiverazor-sharp attackscooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationcrisp treble biteminimal ambiencedry, immediate responseclassic thrash crunchfast, articulate rhythm

Difficulty

The riff requires high-speed alternate and downpicking, tight palm muting, and precise rhythm at a fast tempo, making it challenging for most players.

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Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1980s Gibson Flying V (white, likely 1979 model)

AmpMarshall JMP 2203 (100W, modified, early 1980s)

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass5.5

Create an account to see all tone details

Create Free Account

Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiverazor-sharp attackscooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationcrisp treble biteminimal ambiencedry, immediate responseclassic thrash crunchfast, articulate rhythm

Difficulty

The riff requires high-speed alternate and downpicking, tight palm muting, and precise rhythm at a fast tempo, making it challenging for most players.

Create Free Account

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Hit the Lights

Original Gear

Amp Settings

Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Difficulty

Adapt to My Gear

Original Gear

Amp Settings

Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Difficulty