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Solo Tone

Ride the Lightning

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson Flying V (early 80s, likely 1981-1982, used by Kirk Hammett for solos on Ride the Lightning)
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 (borrowed European model, studio recording, 1984)

Amp Settings

gain8
bass6

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Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording, 1984. Kirk Hammett used a Gibson Flying V with stock humbuckers into a Marshall JCM800, boosted with an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer. EQ shaping via TC Electronic Dual Parametric Equalizer is documented for the album's solos. No Mesa/Boogie amps were used on this album. Settings are estimated based on period-correct Marshall usage and forum consensus.

Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivesinging sustainstrong mid-boostslightly scooped upper-midrangeaggressive pick attackcutting lead tonedry, in-your-face solo soundmultitracked for thicknessharmonically richno audible reverb or delay

Difficulty

The solo features fast picking, advanced phrasing, and requires tight synchronization with the rhythm section, making it challenging for most guitarists.

This tone has been researched 8 times by the community

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