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Riff Tone

The Unforgiven III

Metallica

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarESP Iron Cross James Hetfield Signature
AmpDiezel VH4 (studio recording, 2008)

Amp Settings

gain7.5
bass6.5

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Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording for 'Death Magnetic' (2008). James Hetfield used his ESP Iron Cross with EMG JH pickups into a Diezel VH4 amp for the main riff section. No evidence of pedal use for the riff section; distortion is from the amp. Mesa/Boogie amps were also used on the album, but Diezel VH4 is primary for this track's riff.

Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midshigh-gain saturationchunky palm-muted chugsarticulate attackdense, modern metal soundlow-end emphasisbridge humbucker clarityminimal reverb for tightnessrhythmic, percussive response

Difficulty

The riff requires tight palm muting, precise rhythm, and fast alternate picking to maintain clarity and articulation at a medium tempo. While not as complex as Metallica solos, the riff's percussive demands and speed make it moderately challenging.

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