GuitarCleanRiff
Enter Sandman Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1990s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
ESP MX220 (custom 'EET FUK' Explorer, 1989-1990 spec)
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck) active humbuckers
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Mesa/Boogie 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1991)
Pickup Position
Neck pickup (EMG 60 active humbucker)
Studio recording for 'Metallica' (The Black Album), 1991. Clean intro/riff section played by James Hetfield. No evidence of pedals used for clean tone; amp and guitar only. Clean tone is distinct from the heavy riff/chorus sections.
Amp Settings
Mids4
Bass5.5
Gain0
Reverb1
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- crystal-clear and glassy
- slightly compressed
- tight and percussive attack
- articulate and defined
- no audible breakup
- warm but not muddy
- subtle studio reverb for space
- active pickup clarity
- no chorus or modulation
- distinct from distorted sections