GuitarDistortedSolo
For Whom the Bell Tolls Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Flying V (likely 1979, stock pickups at time of recording)
Pickups
Stock Gibson humbuckers (late 70s/early 80s Flying V, likely T-Top or Dirty Fingers)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 (100W head, likely modded, as per Metallica's 1984 studio rig)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1984. Gear confirmed for 'Ride the Lightning' era. Kirk Hammett used a Gibson Flying V into a Marshall JCM800 for the solo. No evidence of live or modern gear (ESP, EMG, Randall) being used on the original studio track. No evidence of pedals except wah for the solo. No evidence of delay, chorus, or other effects in the solo section.
Amp Settings
Mids4
Bass6
Gain7.5
Reverb1
Treble7
Presence6.5
Effects Chain
- Cry Baby Wah (model unknown, likely Dunlop GCB-95 or Thomas Organ era) · wah
Gibson Flying V → Wah pedal → Marshall JCM800 2203 (with light spring reverb)
Tone Matcher
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Tone Character
- aggressive and saturated
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids for clarity
- sharp, biting treble
- singing sustain
- wah-inflected lead lines
- articulate note separation
- metallic, cutting solo tone
- high-gain crunch
- slightly compressed attack
Sources
Tone Story / Why This Tone Works
studio