If you’re looking to nail the iconic sound of Metallica, knowing the pedals their guitarists use is a great place to start. James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett have both utilized a variety of effects throughout the years to achieve their powerful tones.
Key Pedals:
Boss DS-1 Distortion: Hetfield has often used this classic pedal for its aggressive tone that cuts through the mix.
MXR Phase 90: This is a staple in Kirk’s setup, adding that lush modulation to solos.
Ibanez WH-10 Wah: Often seen in Hammett’s rig, this wah gives an expressive range that adds dynamics during solos.
Dunlop Cry Baby Wah: Another classic that both members have utilized at various points in their careers.
Tips for Replicating Their Sound:
Layering Distortions: Consider using multiple distortion pedals together to get that rich, full sound.
Adjust EQ Settings: Pay attention to your amp’s EQ; Metallica’s sound is heavily influenced by how they shape the mids and treble.
Experiment with Delay and Reverb: Both guitarists occasionally use these effects for solos to create depth, especially in live settings.
Sharing personal experiences with trying different setups can be helpful. What pedals have you used to try and replicate their sound? Let’s discuss and share insights!
Metallica’s signature sound really hinges on their use of distortion pedals. James Hetfield reportedly uses a Boss DS-1 and a Pro Co Rat. These pedals help achieve that crunchy tone on tracks like “Master of Puppets.”
Great point! I’ve noticed Kirk Hammett’s use of the Dunlop Cry Baby Wah and an MXR Phase 90 really adds depth to his solos, especially in live performances.
That’s true! I think it’s also worth mentioning their use of the Line 6 M9 Stompbox Modeler. It lets them switch between different effects seamlessly during live shows. Quite efficient!
Absolutely! Plus, their live setup is quite impressive - they often have a mini pedalboard on stage. I wonder how they manage to set the levels for all these effects!
I think the blends Matt uses with his envelop filters and delays give songs like “Fade to Black” that haunting quality. It’s underrated how much the right pedal affects the emotional tone of the music.
If I recall correctly, they often use the Boss CE-2 Chorus as well. It’s such a versatile pedal and can create that lush depth in their sound on certain tracks.
Kirk’s use of the Boss DS-1 in conjunction with the Pro Co Rat creates an almost perfect balance of grit and clarity. You can hear it clearly in tracks like “Enter Sandman!” They really nailed their sound.
Seriously, how can anyone not be amazed by Kirk’s pedal collection? He switches it up so much! Anyone else think his tones are getting even better with age?
Metallica’s signature sound is heavily influenced by their use of distortion pedals. They typically use the Boss DS-1 for that sharp, aggressive tone that cuts through the mix.