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Riff Tone
Leper Messiah
Metallica
Guitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
Guitar1984 Gibson Explorer
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head
Amp Settings
gain8
bass6
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Notes
Studio recording, 1985-1986, Master of Puppets sessions. James Hetfield's main rhythm guitar for the album was a white 1984 Gibson Explorer with EMG 81 active pickup in the bridge, run into a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head. No evidence of live or alternate gear for the studio riff section.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsrazor-sharp attackarticulate pick responsecrushing low enddry, immediate soundhigh-gain saturationminimal ambienceaggressive, metallic edgefocused rhythm clarity
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, fast palm muting and precise alternate picking at a medium-fast tempo, with syncopated rhythms typical of Metallica's 1980s thrash style.
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1980s
Original Gear
Guitar1984 Gibson Explorer
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head
Amp Settings
gain8
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1985-1986, Master of Puppets sessions. James Hetfield's main rhythm guitar for the album was a white 1984 Gibson Explorer with EMG 81 active pickup in the bridge, run into a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head. No evidence of live or alternate gear for the studio riff section.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsrazor-sharp attackarticulate pick responsecrushing low enddry, immediate soundhigh-gain saturationminimal ambienceaggressive, metallic edgefocused rhythm clarity
Difficulty
The riff requires tight, fast palm muting and precise alternate picking at a medium-fast tempo, with syncopated rhythms typical of Metallica's 1980s thrash style.