The Day That Never Comes Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 2000s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Studio recording for Death Magnetic (2008). Rhythm section likely played by James Hetfield on ESP Explorer with EMG 81/60, but Kirk Hammett also used ESP Flying V Korina for rhythm live and possibly in studio. Amps are confirmed by producer Greg Fidelman to be a blend of Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and Jose-modded Marshall Superlead. Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (Keeley Mod+) used as boost. No evidence of time-based or modulation effects in the riff section. Settings estimated based on typical Metallica Death Magnetic era studio setup.
Amp Settings
Effects Chain
- Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (Keeley Mod+) · overdrive
Guitar → Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (Keeley Mod+) → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and Marshall Superlead (Jose modded, blended) → minimal amp reverb
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- aggressive palm muting
- high-gain saturation
- articulate pick attack
- compressed and focused
- chunky low end
- modern metal clarity
- minimal ambience
- slightly bright top end