GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Of Wolf and Man Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1990s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' Explorer
Pickups
EMG 81 (bridge), EMG 60 (neck) active humbuckers
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Simulclass Head
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (EMG 81)
Studio recording, 1991 Black Album sessions. James Hetfield used his ESP MX220 'Eet Fuk' Explorer with EMG 81 bridge pickup into a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ for the main rhythm/riff sections. No evidence of pedals or additional effects in the signal chain for the riff. Settings are estimated based on era, genre, and amp model as no numeric settings are found in sources.
Amp Settings
Mids4
Bass6
Gain8
Reverb0
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- aggressive palm muting
- high-gain saturation
- razor-sharp rhythm
- articulate low end
- crisp pick attack
- minimal ambience
- focused modern metal sound
Notes & Caveats
- No specific numeric amp settings found in sources; settings estimated based on typical Mark IIC+ usage for Metallica's Black Album era and genre.
- No evidence of pedals or additional effects used on the riff section; signal chain is guitar direct to amp.
- Pickup and amp model confirmed by artist interview, but no explicit mention of knob positions.
- Settings reflect studio recording, not live performance.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. This song was recorded during the Black Album era with Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amps, known for a tight, high-gain, scooped-mid metal tone. The riff is dry, aggressive, and articulate, with prominent treble and presence, tight bass, and minimal reverb, matching Metallica's signature 80s/early 90s rhythm sound.