Metallica is one of the most influential and iconic metal bands in the history of heavy music. From the aggressive riffs of “Master of Puppets” to the melodic solos of “Fade to Black,” Metallica’s guitar tone has been a defining element of their sound. If you aspire to capture that classic Metallica tone on your guitar, this article will guide you through the essential techniques, gear, and settings to achieve the unmistakable sound of this legendary band.
- Start with the Right Guitar:
To get closer to the Metallica tone, having the right guitar is crucial. Metallica’s lead guitarist, Kirk Hammett, and rhythm guitarist, James Hetfield, have both used a range of guitars over the years. James Hetfield often favors guitars with EMG active pickups, such as the ESP Iron Cross or the ESP Snakebyte. On the other hand, Kirk Hammett is renowned for his use of guitars with EMG 81 and 60 pickups, like the ESP KH-2 or ESP M-II.
- Embrace Down-Tuning:
Metallica is known for using down-tuned guitars, especially on albums like “Drop D” tuning (D A D G B E) for songs like “Sad But True” and “The Unforgiven.” Experiment with various tunings to match the specific songs you want to play, as Metallica’s catalog includes a range of tunings.
- Dial in the Amp Settings:
Metallica’s guitar tone is characterized by its thick distortion and tight low-end response. Set your amplifier to a high-gain channel and adjust the gain control to achieve a saturated distortion reminiscent of Metallica’s signature sound. While they’ve used various amplifiers over the years, James Hetfield has notably used Mesa/Boogie and Marshall amps, while Kirk Hammett has employed Randall and Mesa/Boogie amps.
- Shape the EQ:
Metallica’s tone features a balanced EQ with a prominent midrange. Start by boosting the mids on your amplifier or overdrive pedal while keeping the treble and bass at moderate levels. This configuration will add clarity and punch to your tone, helping you cut through the mix like Metallica’s classic recordings.
- Perfect Palm Muting:
Mastering palm muting is essential for achieving the rhythmic chugging sound prominent in Metallica’s music. Practice palm muting close to the bridge of your guitar, and experiment with different levels of pressure to control the attack and sustain of your notes.
- Experiment with Pedals:
Metallica’s guitar sound often involves various pedals to enhance their tone. Consider adding pedals like the MXR Distortion+ or a Tube Screamer to your setup to fine-tune your distortion and add some extra bite to your sound. Additionally, a wah pedal, like the Dunlop Cry Baby, can be used to recreate some of Kirk Hammett’s iconic wah-infused solos.
- Focus on Dynamics:
Metallica’s music is known for its dynamic shifts between heavy, aggressive riffs, and melodic, clean passages. Work on your playing dynamics, ensuring you can switch seamlessly between palm-muted riffs and soaring solos to capture the essence of Metallica’s musical style.
Conclusion:
Achieving the iconic Metallica guitar tone is a journey that involves the right gear, precise settings, and dedicated practice. Start with a suitable guitar equipped with active pickups, explore down-tuning options, and dial in your amp settings for high-gain distortion. Shape your EQ to boost the mids, and focus on mastering palm muting and playing dynamics to capture the aggressive and melodic aspects of Metallica’s sound. Don’t forget to experiment with pedals to add some extra flavor to your tone. With time, dedication, and a passion for Metallica’s music, you’ll be well on your way to unleashing the unmistakable guitar sound of this legendary metal band.