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Nothing Else Matters — Metallica1 / 2
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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

Mids
4.5
Bass
6
Gain
0
Reverb
3.5
Treble
7
Presence
5.5

Effects Chain

  • Chorus pedal (model unknown) · chorus

Guitar (neck pickup) → Chorus pedal (subtle) → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (spring reverb on)

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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

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️Gain adjusted to 0 for clean tone
  • ⚠️No official studio session documentation with exact knob settings found; amp and EQ settings estimated based on Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ typical clean settings for 1990s metal ballads.
  • ⚠️Guitar model inferred from Kirk Hammett's known studio gear for the Black Album era; some sources mention Les Paul Custom with EMGs, but ESP KH-2 is most likely for clean solo.
  • ⚠️Pedal/effect model specifics not confirmed for studio recording; chorus and reverb are audible, but exact pedal/amp source is not specified.
  • ⚠️Settings are for studio recording, not live performances, which may use different gear.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. James Hetfield's solo tone on 'Nothing Else Matters' is moderately saturated but not as high-gain as Metallica's rhythm tones, with tight lows, scooped mids, and clear highs typical of early 90s Metallica. The amp was likely a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ or Triaxis, with minimal reverb and a slightly boosted presence for clarity.

Sources