GuitarDistortedRiff
Eye of the Beholder Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
ESP MX-220 (custom Explorer-style, black finish)
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge, active humbucker)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1988)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for '...And Justice for All' (1988). Rhythm guitar by James Hetfield. No evidence of additional pedals or effects for riff section; tone is direct, tight, and dry as per album production. No live/touring gear included.
Amp Settings
Mids2
Bass7
Gain8.5
Reverb0
Treble6.5
Presence4.5
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- razor-sharp attack
- dry and unprocessed
- high-gain saturation
- crushing low end
- articulate note separation
- aggressive palm muting
- minimal ambience
- focused, metallic edge