GuitarDistortedRiff
Hit the Lights Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Flying V (white, late 1970s, likely 1979 model)
Pickups
Stock Gibson humbuckers (late 70s/early 80s, likely T-Top or Dirty Fingers)
Amp
Marshall JMP 2203 (100W, likely late 1970s/early 1980s, borrowed European Marshall head)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1982-1983, for the Kill 'Em All album. James Hetfield played rhythm on his white Flying V through a borrowed Marshall JMP 2203 head and Marshall 4x12 cab. No evidence of pedals or effects on the riff section; distortion is amp-based. Pickup is bridge. No EMGs or Mesa/Boogie amps were used on this album. No evidence of outboard effects or pedals for the riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids2.5
Bass7
Gain8
Reverb0
Treble8.5
Presence6.5
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- aggressive palm muting
- high-gain saturation
- bright and biting treble
- dry, raw rhythm sound
- razor-sharp pick attack
- no ambience or reverb
- fast, articulate response
- classic Marshall crunch