GuitarDistortedRiff
Fixxxer Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1990s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
ESP MX-250 Explorer
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck) active humbuckers
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier + Wizard Modern Classic (blended)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (EMG 81)
Studio recording, 1997. James Hetfield's main rhythm tone on 'Fixxxer' riff section. Mesa/Boogie and Wizard amps were both used for heavy rhythm tones on Reload. ESP Explorer with EMG 81 bridge pickup was Hetfield's primary rhythm guitar. No evidence of additional pedals or effects for the riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids4.5
Bass6
Gain8
Reverb1
Treble7
Presence6.5
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- scooped midrange
- high-gain saturation
- aggressive palm muting
- chunky low end
- articulate pick attack
- compressed and focused
- minimal ambience
- modern metal clarity
- thick, multi-amp blend
Tone Story / Why This Tone Works
studio