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Am I Evil? — Metallica1 / 2
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Am I Evil? Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica

Metallica · 1990s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
ESP KH Ouija
Pickups
EMG 81 (active humbucker, bridge position)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Head
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording for 'Garage, Inc.' (1998). Kirk Hammett played the solo using his ESP KH Ouija with EMG 81 pickups into a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head. No explicit evidence of additional pedals or effects for the solo section beyond possible Tube Screamer use. Settings are estimated based on genre, amp, and era. Pickup selector set to bridge. No confirmed evidence of time-based or modulation effects on the solo section.

Amp Settings

Mids
4.5
Bass
5.5
Gain
7.5
Reverb
1
Treble
7.5
Presence
6.5

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • singing sustain
  • aggressive pick attack
  • scooped mids
  • articulate lead tone
  • high-gain saturation
  • focused low end
  • crisp highs
  • minimal ambience
  • metallic edge

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No explicit numeric amp settings for 'Am I Evil?' solo found in sources; settings estimated based on typical Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ usage for Metallica in the 1990s.
  • ⚠️No direct confirmation of pedal use on the solo section; Tube Screamer is possible but not confirmed for this specific track.
  • ⚠️No evidence of time-based or modulation effects (delay, chorus, flanger, etc.) on the solo section; none are audible in the recording.
  • ⚠️All gear and settings refer to the studio version from 'Garage, Inc.' (1998), not live performances.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. The 'Am I Evil?' solo tone is classic mid-scooped 80s Metallica: high gain, tight bass, scooped mids, and bright treble/presence, reflecting James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett's Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ setups and genre conventions. The solo is dry with no audible reverb, matching the album's production style.

Sources