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Riff Tone

If Darkness Had a Son

Metallica

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarESP Snakebyte (James Hetfield signature, likely custom shop, 2022-2023 recording)
AmpMarshall Super Lead 100-Watt Head (late-60s/early-70s, José Arredondo modded)

Amp Settings

gain9
bass6

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Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording for 'If Darkness Had a Son' (2022/2023). Producer Greg Fidelman confirmed Hetfield used his José-modded Marshall Super Lead for almost every track on 72 Seasons. No evidence of live or alternate gear for the riff section. Mesa/Boogie and other amps were used on previous albums, but the Marshall is confirmed for this album's rhythm tone.

Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationchunky low endarticulate pick attackcompressed and focusedmodern metal clarityminimal ambiencedry, punchy rhythm

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting and precise alternate picking at a moderate tempo, with high-gain clarity and rhythmic accuracy. Not technically extreme, but challenging for intermediate players due to the speed and tightness required.

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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