GuitarDistortedRiff
The Shortest Straw Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1980s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
ESP MX220 'EET FUK' (custom Explorer-style, 1987-88)
Pickups
EMG 81 active humbucker (bridge position)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (used as preamp) into Marshall JCM800 100W power amp and Mesa 4x12 cabinets
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1988. Rhythm guitar for riff section. No evidence of pedals or effects other than amp distortion. EMG 81 pickups confirmed for this era and song. Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ used as preamp, Marshall JCM800 as power amp. No evidence of additional pedals or rack effects for rhythm tone.
Amp Settings
Mids3.5
Bass6
Gain8.5
Reverb0
Treble7.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- scooped mids
- razor-sharp attack
- high-gain saturation
- dry and unprocessed
- aggressive palm muting
- articulate pick definition
- crushing low end
- minimal ambience
- focused and cutting