GuitarDistortedRiff
Now That We're Dead Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 2010s+ · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
ESP LTD Iron Cross (James Hetfield signature, likely custom shop version for studio)
Pickups
EMG JH Het Set (active humbuckers)
Amp
Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II (Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ model used for rhythm tones)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 2016 (Hardwired...To Self-Destruct sessions). Hetfield's rhythm tone for 'Now That We're Dead' riff section was tracked using the Axe-Fx II with a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ model, as confirmed by multiple sources. No evidence of pedals or additional effects in the riff section; tone is direct, high-gain, and tight.
Amp Settings
Mids4
Bass6
Gain7.5
Reverb0
Treble7.5
Presence6.5
Tone Matcher
Match This Tone to Your Gear
Tell us your guitar and amp — we’ll calculate the exact settings translated to your specific rig.
7-day free trial · Cancel anytime.
Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- aggressive palm muting
- high-gain saturation
- articulate low end
- razor-sharp clarity
- modern metal crunch
- compressed dynamics
- minimal ambience
- focused attack