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Solo Tone
Sad But True (From James' Riff Tapes)
Metallica
Guitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarESP LTD EX-401 (likely ESP MX220 or ESP Explorer custom for studio recording)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC++
Amp Settings
gain7
bass4
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Notes
Studio recording, 1990-1991 Black Album sessions. Multiple amp layers, but core solo sound is Mark IIC++ with heavy EQ and outboard Aphex EQ/compression. Cabinet: Marshall 1960B 4x12 with Celestion Vintage 30s. D standard tuning. Settings from Guitar World are for studio, not live.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationchunky, heavy attacksinging sustainarticulate pick attackcompressed and punchydry, in-your-face lead toneclear low end
Difficulty
The solo is not technically fast but demands tight rhythm, precise palm muting, and control of sustain and bends for the signature Metallica lead sound.
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarESP LTD EX-401 (likely ESP MX220 or ESP Explorer custom for studio recording)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC++
Amp Settings
gain7
bass4
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1990-1991 Black Album sessions. Multiple amp layers, but core solo sound is Mark IIC++ with heavy EQ and outboard Aphex EQ/compression. Cabinet: Marshall 1960B 4x12 with Celestion Vintage 30s. D standard tuning. Settings from Guitar World are for studio, not live.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationchunky, heavy attacksinging sustainarticulate pick attackcompressed and punchydry, in-your-face lead toneclear low end
Difficulty
The solo is not technically fast but demands tight rhythm, precise palm muting, and control of sustain and bends for the signature Metallica lead sound.