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Riff Tone

Sad But True

Metallica

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarESP MX-220 (black finish)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC++

Amp Settings

gain0
bass4

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Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording, 1990-1991, The Black Album sessions. No evidence of a clean amp channel or clean section in 'Sad But True'; all sources and isolated tracks indicate high-gain rhythm throughout. No evidence of a clean tone or clean amp settings used for the riff section. Settings and gear are for the main riff/rhythm section, which is heavily distorted. No evidence of a clean section in the official recording.

Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsheavy low endaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationarticulate attackchunky rhythmdry, in-your-face soundno ambience or reverbfocused and powerful

Difficulty

The main riff requires tight, consistent palm muting and aggressive downpicking at a slow tempo. While not technically advanced, maintaining the groove and articulation with high gain is moderately challenging.

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