GuitarDistortedRiff
Am I Evil? Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
ESP MX220 (custom, black, 1980s, James Hetfield) or Gibson Explorer (Kirk Hammett, 1980s)
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge, active humbucker, James Hetfield); EMG 81/60 set (Kirk Hammett, bridge/neck, active humbuckers)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1984-1987 era)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1984-1987. Metallica's 'Am I Evil?' riff section was recorded for the 'Garage Days Re-Revisited' EP and 'Garage Inc.' compilation, using the band's classic 1980s setup: ESP MX220 or Gibson Explorer with EMG 81 pickups into a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head. No confirmed pedal use for the riff section. Settings estimated based on era, genre, and amp model. No evidence of effects loop or additional pedals for rhythm/riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids3.5
Bass6
Gain8
Reverb0
Treble7.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- aggressive palm muting
- high-gain saturation
- crisp attack
- articulate low end
- dry, focused sound
- minimal ambience
- clear note separation
- chunky rhythm crunch