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Riff Tone

Whiplash

Metallica

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

Guitar1980 Gibson Flying V
AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head (studio recording, 1983)

Amp Settings

gain8.5
bass5.5

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Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording for 'Kill 'Em All' (1983). James Hetfield used his original 1980 Gibson Flying V with stock humbuckers into a Marshall JCM800 2203 head. A ProCo Rat distortion pedal was used in front of the amp for additional gain. No modulation or time-based effects were used on the rhythm guitar tracks. Settings are estimated based on era, genre, and typical Metallica practice, as no direct numeric settings are published for this song's studio session.

Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationrazor-sharp attackdry, immediate responsecrisp treblearticulate riff definitionpunchy low endno ambience or reverb

Difficulty

The main riff of 'Whiplash' is challenging due to its high tempo, relentless alternate picking, and the need for extremely tight, consistent palm muting throughout. It requires advanced stamina and precision to maintain clarity and aggression at speed.

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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