GuitarDistortedSolo
The Unforgiven II Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Metallica
Metallica · 1990s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
ESP TE B-bender
Pickups
EMG active single-coil (likely EMG T set, as used by Hetfield in his TE models of the era)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier 150W Solo Head
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1997 (Reload album). Guitar confirmed as ESP TE B-bender for 'The Unforgiven II' solo. Amp confirmed as Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier, which was Hetfield's main high-gain amp for this era. No evidence of additional pedals in the solo section, but delay and reverb are clearly audible in the recording.
Amp Settings
Mids4.5
Bass6
Gain7
Reverb2.5
Treble7
Presence6.5
Effects Chain
- Delay pedal (model unknown) · delay
ESP TE B-bender → Delay pedal (model unknown) → Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier (with spring reverb)
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Tone Character
- singing sustain
- smooth lead tone
- slightly overdriven but not high-gain
- clear note separation
- touch-sensitive dynamics
- warm midrange
- articulate highs
- subtle ambient space
- melodic phrasing
- moderate compression