GuitarDistortedSolo
The Four Horsemen Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Gibson Flying V (1979, stock, likely with stock humbuckers)
Pickups
Stock Gibson humbuckers (likely T-Top or Dirty Fingers, passive)
Amp
Marshall JMP 1959 Mk II Super Lead 100w (1976-77)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1983. Kirk Hammett used his Gibson Flying V for the Kill 'Em All album, including 'The Four Horsemen' solo. The amp was a Marshall JMP 1959 Super Lead, no evidence of Mesa/Boogie or JCM800 on this album. Pedals used were minimal; wah was used for solos. No evidence of TS9 or other overdrives on this specific recording. Settings are estimated based on period-correct Marshall usage and forum posts.
Amp Settings
Mids5
Bass5
Gain8
Reverb0
Treble5
Presence4
Effects Chain
- Jen Cry Baby Super Wah · wah
Gibson Flying V → Jen Cry Baby Super Wah → Marshall JMP 1959 Mk II Super Lead 100w head → Marshall 4x12 cabinet
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Tone Character
- aggressive and biting
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- singing sustain on bends
- sharp pick attack
- wah-inflected phrasing
- dry, minimal ambience
- bright but not harsh
- articulate note separation
- classic early thrash metal solo sound