GuitarCleanSolo
Nothing Else Matters Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1990s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
ESP KH-2 (Kirk Hammett Signature) or Gibson Les Paul Custom (studio recording, 1991 era)
Pickups
EMG 81/60 active humbuckers (KH-2) or EMG 81/60 (Les Paul Custom, as used by Hammett in early 90s)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1991 era)
Pickup Position
Neck pickup
Studio recording, 1991. Kirk Hammett used his ESP KH-2 with EMG pickups and a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ for clean tones on 'Nothing Else Matters'. Some sources mention a Gibson Les Paul Custom with EMGs as well. Clean solo section uses neck pickup. No evidence of live rig or other guitars for the original studio clean solo.
Amp Settings
Mids4.5
Bass6
Gain0
Reverb3.5
Treble7
Presence5.5
Effects Chain
- Chorus pedal (model unknown) · chorus
Guitar (neck pickup) → Chorus pedal (subtle) → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (spring reverb on)
Tone Matcher
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Tone Character
- warm and smooth
- rounded neck pickup sound
- clear and articulate
- slightly compressed
- lush with reverb
- subtle chorus shimmer
- singing sustain
- not harsh or brittle
- balanced EQ
- soft attack