James Hetfield of Metallica talks about getting his signature tone with EMGtv

Metal legend, James Hetfield of Metallica talks backstage about his favorite guitars, performing live, writing, and his signature EMG humbucker pickups, the JH Set.
Buy EMG pickups here: www.emgpickups.com/guitar/signature-sets/active/jh-het-set-black-nickel.html
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Produced by: thecubeproductions.com/
Check out Metallica merch here: www.metallica.com/store_landing.asp

[@georgestebbings2143]

Dear james hetfield Why...... Why are you so fucking awesome

[@Michalych81]

He has sold his soul to Satan)

[@milan.0363]

@@Michalych81 can god do that. i mean james

[@bandolierboy1908]

When I first started playing guitar, I had no clue what he was talking about. Years later, everything makes so much sense.

[@assnapkined9295]

This is such a good comment

[@wareagle976]

Same

[@Rehd66]

I play guitar and I still don't know what he's talking about so I just bought his sig esp to cut right to the point

[@thrashefe3523]

years later i still can't hear the difference between emg 81-60 and james' signature pickups

[@gingerleyham]

I think James' best lyrics are 'yeah' and 'hey'. Closely followed by 'heyeaah'

[@uhhEagles]

my personal favorite is "oooo"

[@thatfatautisticnegro]

Mine is "Gimmie Fu, Gimmie Fa, Gimmie DaggaDabbaZa"

[@TheEggling]

Ben it took me a while before i actually figured out what he was really saying

[@diegobepo]

gingerleyham You forgot "uhhhhhhhhh" and "sssssssssss"

[@HeroComicZ]

GinGer Liam Yo James! Yeah? Feeling Good? Yeah! Wanna go for a drink? Yeah! You got the keys? Yeah! Well, Let's go! Heyeah!

[@NecroAdam18]

He sounds like such a humble and nice person

[@russelblacker2562]

yeah that is today. have you seen his videos in the 80's?

[@petejt]

+Russel Blacker He was drunk then. Early 80s young drunk James was still humble and nice (needed to get drunk to calm his nerves), but later 80s James he was a bit more aggressive and standoffish. Thankfully after sorting his issues out he came back to his real self, minus the booze.

[@dans.5099]

Believe it or not, after watching Some Kind of Monster, you see that Kirk is actually the most humble of all of them

[@AndrewHank1]

James and Kirk have really grown since the Load era, from being couple of messed up drunk kids, to becoming mature adults and father figures, that's why they get so much respects, not just as guitarists but as human beings in general. Dave Mustaine has grown too, but still has that attitude that he is better than everyone.

[@gainonten4031]

nah, dickhead. don't meet him so you dont get dissapointed

[@BlessureK]

Say what you like about Metallica, but James Hetfield is easily one of the biggest pioneers of metal and rock rhythm guitar. That fucking downpick. Really one of the first bands to make heavy metal HEAVY

[@LukeJF89]

My signature pickups are better! Mine are copper wire rapped around a magnet with a AA battery attached. Sounds great, I have them on sale in Egypt in a stall next to a 2 humped camel for $0.02.

[@TonySantuccistudios]

lol, I bet u get a great industrial metal tone

[@TonySantuccistudios]

sweet

[@scrumdiddily6162]

Tony Santucci black metal tone

[@alexhalligan4339]

hey man could you install a set into my pile of floorboards for an extra 0.01?

[@Blackwinged131]

If I'm feeling good I'm gonna write a good song If I'm feeling bad... that's when I kinda start writing lyrics HAHAHAHA =)

[@Zkillzen]

he never looses

[@Fister_of_Muppets]

Yeayeeaaauuh!

[@allanhetfield1922]

A pretty cool technique

[@dibbo9264]

Awesome singer and awesome guitarist

[@MrJeezus]

The greatest rhythm guitarist in metal.

[@YMSHE]

Jesus is never wrong

[@nikosGall]

@@MrJeezus John Schaffer is

[@fading.8997]

@@MrJeezus he didn't say James is the greatest one, its awesome that's all, I mean don't be stupid and get ranged for stupid reasons

[@planetx1595]

@@nikosGall Which band was/is he with?

[@awwykane]

Love you James forever and ever!!! :3

[@llamaofvinter5801]

So many great sounds have been made using EMG pickups. Duncans are good too so don't bash either of them

[@kgot7436]

I have honestly never tried Duncans, Ive heard good things. My LP has active 81/85s, and they work for me lol

[@matdemaz]

​@@kgot7436 Duncans tend to have a bit more grit and aren't as thin and mid-based. They are good for baritones and 7-strings. I stand by my B.C. Rich Jr. V Lucky 7 with Duncan Designed Blackouts. One of my favorite guitars for experimental instrumental stuff.

[@alexhalligan4339]

you can tell james is so proud of those pickups

[@Fister_of_Muppets]

Dude probably sells more pickups than Ford

[@SpinalAlloy]

Is James the only one of the 3 main players who actually has kept up to date with his guitar playing for the past 30+ years? God of downpicking!

[@MasterofKnees]

He looks so honest and kind, you can see it in his eyes. He has improved so much since his early days.

[@hattersgonnahat4928]

3:21 "...record that on the Pro Tools." That's how you can tell James is becoming an old man.

[@TheTorri98]

I'm pretty sure ProTools is just being used as a synonym for every DAW out there by most musicians

[@hattersgonnahat4928]

Guys. It was that he said "the Pro Tools" rather than just "Pro Tools".

[@ibexthadevil3533]

i laughed my ass off on this comment

[@drzaious8136]

@@TheTorri98 It's now the "Nintendo" of DAWs. Jimmy recording on his pro tools. Funny enough 15 to 20 years ago, every DAW was Garage Band.

[@RodHammett95]

3:28 that's insane.

[@Metanabolix]

@Mike Graham actually it's battery main riff so it isn't downpicking

[@fredriksvard2603]

Mike Graham Check out Monuments

[@charlesperry671]

Metanabolix it’s a technique called gallop down picking and I’m sorry but it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever tried to master on guitar, and I’m pretty sure Hercules invented the technique

[@scrumdiddily6162]

Charles Perry shorten your strokes and act as if your bouncing off the string. It really helps

[@axleblaze123]

Emg, seymor duncan and dimarzio. They're all good pickups its just a matter of personal preference. Personally I use dimarzio evos.

[@guitar19971]

Dimarzio pickups fucking rock! I've got the super distortion in the bridge and the PAF 36th anniversary in the neck of my les paul. sounds amazing, hot without being insanely hot and very versatile.

[@SuperAlittlebitcrazy]

he's such a fuckin likable dude

[@666AL]

Fucking amazing sounding pickups. Highly suggest them for anyone who loves a hearty clean tone and that tight, distorted attack of the bridge pickup.

[@CountryHouseGent]

"Tried a pickup, went and did an interview. Came back, tried another pickup. Went and had some dinner, came back. tried another." Stop James, I know you've suffered in your life but this is too much. Stop !!!"

[@ibexthadevil3533]

the man did go on fire onstage

[@nickyounger1368]

are you serious? have you tried these pickups? just curious.... any who.... this has to be one of the greatest advertisements I have ever seen. your ignorance is....great.

"The clarity and punch of a passive pickup and the fat wall of sound of an active 81" well ... :D plug both directly into an audiointerface and it is actually the other way around :D actives have the clarity and the tightness and punch because of the high output and the active parts ... passives are almost always warmer, more rounded off and more dynamic ...

[@Alejandrotheassassin]

2:16 guy is wearing a megadeth t shirt to a metallica concert....I have respect for this kid I love both bands

[@roosterj2599]

Thank you James for all the raging and great memories. You tone is timeless. You have a great ear.

[@Dampfwalzi]

I got my now for 2 years or something like that and i have to say they are sounding pretty cool and i use them in my Vid's and recordings

[@ReVVVern]

3:26 he is the fastest downpicker in the world. long live james hetfield

[@lancebrooks7081]

Cool interview with James. But it sounds like EMG just sent a bunch of pickups with small differences to him and he just picked one out of the 20 that he mentioned. Would have been cool if an EMG staff memeber or Rob Turner gave some hints into what they actually did electronics wise. They dont have to give away every thing about the pickup. I'm guessing so other companies dont copy it, I understand that but just some small details would have been nice

[@y0FlyZ]

just got these in the mail cant wait to get it in my gibson lp 87

[@guitarsbymetaljay]

I put his p/u's in my guitar to replace my 81&85. So glad I did.

[@Sojic82]

If there is someone here who plays guitar.... REALLY... Get those Pickups... The are a perfect mixture of active and passive. He tells it as it is. I bought them yesterday and they sound like he describes it. There is a main difference to the normal 81/60 combination. Those PU's are PERFECT !

[@51MontyPython]

I don't even want to check out these pickups to see how much they cost. I'm afraid to look....

[@jaymz]

200 bucks

[@51MontyPython]

Infinity I guess that's not too completely outrageous. But of course, without a Mesa boogie Triple Rectifier.... Hmm, I wonder what James' pickups would sound like on a different amp, vs regular standard pickups on a Triple Rectifier. It would be an interesting side-by-side comparison.

[@jaymz]

51MontyPython ok i made a typo and this will make it outrageous lol sorry, but where i live (canada) its $310. the first comment was a guess lol.

[@51MontyPython]

Infinity Oh, I see. That makes a little more sense. So I don't suppose you happen to have 'em yourself?

[@jaymz]

51MontyPython im poor lol i wouldnt have em, unless i win the lottery lol

[@Fozzy2780]

I love James' sound, and lyrics. I play the bass, and would LOVE it if the Explorer shape was available in a bass.

[@ionehkontehdiabo7627]

Get a Dean Fluence Z with the fishman pickups. Dont get a metalman lol

[@GeorgeRasoulisMusic]

The EMG 81 60 is the best set that he had on his guitars. Amazing tone for old school Metallica songs.

[@manueladrianmontielacosta9716]

the best guitar player/singer of heavy metal of all times!

[@Landoqu]

James Hetfield is so articulate, so passionate, so honest, I am really inspired by this interview, especially by his enthusiasm about finding his own sound, long live James, long live Metallica!!!

[@megajusso]

Why does their tone sound so processed nowadays?? It used to have an aggressive bite to it, like S&M, but after that, it sounds like a processor rather than an actual amp

[@megajusso]

zer0dahero I see Mesa and Diezel amps on their stages, as I always have, yet their sound differs so much from the 90s and 80s tone... I hear James uses the Axe FX nowadays, but what's the point??!

[@ESPLTD782]

+Random Username just bought a mark 2c+.... That old tone they had so focused and tight, with the gain not too high. Sounds amazing. People think they used a a lot of distortion, they maybe did in Seattle, but albums like mop and justice the drive was on 5-7 7 for master of puppets. James had heavy hands and his style is a huuuuge part of that tone

[@suhijo]

in the early days those guys were into marshalls, jacksons ibanez mostly, but now I guess they line up those guitars directly don't know but it sounds like crap to me

[@Kestnuts]

Maybe they're recording their live stuff entirely from the soundboard instead of micing the amps themselves?

[@Zorichai]

yeah hardly anyone uses amps live today. Slayer is like one of the few bands that use amps and not processors. Even a $4,500 can't compare to like a $1,500 tube amp.

[@LevitatorMusic]

I play the Kirk Hammett role in a Metallica tribute but I'm honestly torn between the bone breakers and the het set for my kh202.... Bone Breakers make the most sense but idk man...I think the het set sounds better and leans more towards what works for me in a pickup

[@Youowemecurry]

This guy is my fucking Influence/Idol for Music man. I consider him the greatest lead man of all time.

[@johnroberts838]

I installed a set of these awesome Pickups in my Gibson SG Standard, they are by far my favourite Humbuckers , they really do sound amazing.

[@PatriotIzzy]

Legend to say the least. True inspiration.

[@Fister_of_Muppets]

Agreed. James is a beast.

[@CelloChick14]

I love just listening to him talk about ANYTHING. But this is especially cool to hear him talk about creating his pickup and talking about his love for guitar and everything... love it!

[@midenking9651]

So.. James' basis of a pickup (mix of passive and active) is the same as Dave Mustaines...active with passive warmth. Great minds think alike

[@georgealcoba3514]

Miden King But James are better 😆

[@axxion231]

James still stealing ideas from dave lmao

[@JamesDavis-mm2mi]

I use those pups. They are amazing! The clean is really nice but the distorted sound is what makes it king. I love em.

[@JoshReubenking]

@The16lobos For everyone who doesn't know the songs in the video, (listen to the Death Magnetic album) or look at this: 0:11 - "Broken, Beat, and Scarred" 0:43 - "That Was Just Your Life" 0:55 - "Cyanide" 1:10 - "The Unforgiven III" 1:30 - "My Apocalypse" 3:12 -"Creeping Death" (not on Death Magnetic, Ride The Lightning) 3:44 -"The Day That Never Comes" Thumbs this up JUST so people can see what songs play in the video. Hope this helps :)

[@Khumphries]

i would love to try these out. but i seem to get a perfect early metallica sound with my passive gibson pickups i dont wanna change em

[@sannygirl2648]

James i love you!

[@ilikethekeyofE]

I have a set of these in an old Epiphone Les Paul Standard and the tone is unreal.

[@Diggerdog2nd]

I highly recommend the Het Set. I've had them for a few years now in my 1985 Gibson explorer & they really are amazing.

[@10INCHCRUSHER]

Gibson dropped the ball with Het. He should;ve gotten a signature model by the Justice years. That would've been the same setup. People forget how Crunchy Gibson can get.

[@franc0isBeaumont]

I installed this set on my Gibson Les Paul Traditional (replacing a 81/85 set). They sound a lot smoother, and they offer more dynamic range. You can play softly and hear a clean sound, play hard and you hear some sweet overdrive. Well worth the price, and on top of that, they look awesome.

[@The_Apothecary]

Hetfield for President.

[@planetx1595]

Not sure if he's into politics?

[@metalupurazz1]

wow, James just brighten up my day

[@batucancamlbel8440]

James hetfield is a idol , big idol.

[@Tcrumpen]

That maybe the rock and roll life, but the things that Dave did while in Metallica, were quite drastic and dangerous at times, i recall a article that Dave poured beer on someone's bass and plugged it in and turned it on, which launched the guy across the room due to the electric shock

[@emgtv]

It is in HD, youtube takes a while to rev up....

[@bedrmrocker]

im so gonna buy these pickups. james hetfield influences everything on me

[@bustercampfiresongs]

Spinal Tap at 3.48 "The sustain, just listen to it".

[@milan.0363]

great man on earth🤘, my GOD and nothing else matters

[@IronDuke_xX]

One of the most important guys in metal history from the 80's onwards, also nice Tank tshirt!

[@jamieshelley6079]

saw slayer at bloodstock, it got real old real fast tbh, and I'm a thrash fan

[@SpicyDragoon]

Finally a video about James' gear

[@ecarsal]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!!!!

[@Vampchickspits]

He's so hot

[@gunnargreene2060]

+I Love Tess Tickles your picture hahaahah😂😂😂

[@bmuffboy]

great guitarist great vocalist, great front man and possibly a great creator aswell! what next mr hefield!

[@metalvocalistwanted]

@tommyburruss no need to feel flamed. you just misunderstood. i was just commenting about the guitar that I personally recently got. i can clearly see its a esp. its has EMG. i was just saying how i like EMGS cause thats who uploaded this......

[@stauggion]

what an awesome idea. thanks pal!!!!

[@Reckoning2943]

The shirt! I see Hetfield is a man of culture as well.

[@xr8fairmont]

I've been an EMG "Humbucker" most of my guitar playing life. Firstly, big THANX! to EMG for a great reliable product! Would not mind trying out the new set of EMGs. I've bought quite a few over the years. The mid-90s seemed to hit a sweet spot with the 81 and 85 for me. Bought a few more early 2000s, then another little bundle in 2007 which sadly didnt seem to have the "oomph" of the ones i originally bought. Due for a new setup late this year. Will let you all know :D

[@0Heavy0Metal0]

Thank you. It was driving me nuts!

[@Sithlord703]

@LeperMessiah0 True considering Hetfield was born in the 60's while Thomas was born in the 70's

[@robidaiani777]

Come back soon James hetfield of metallica !

[@ShrednekK]

They're awesome... suuuper heavy, and crystal clear sound, all at the same time.

[@tksk197033]

I am thinking of getting an LTD Snakebyte guitar and am I better off getting it with the JH hetset or the 81/60 combo?

[@Wargasm644]

All the top manufacturers have awesome pickups. Get out there and try some. But I do find myself playing EMG’s most of the time. Even though it’s become fashionable to trash them lately. Funny thing is, every comparison video is “fill in the blank” vs. EMG 81. That alone lets you know what the benchmark is 🤘🏻

[@trumanorr4423]

kickass tank shirt Jaymz has got there🤘

[@manuelag.h.7471]

Just , perfect James rules!

[@gabm999]

I've gatta say The JH EMG Set Are fucking SICK AWESOME! I've got about 7 guiatrs with variable sdets of pickups, EMG 89/81, Gibson Black Magic, 81/60, Tele deluxe, the JH emg knocks it out the park, for that sweet crunch distortion, and crystal clear, clean. Ive havent had a whole lot of time on Duncans, i know those are good, but i gata say the JH EMGS kick AASSS!

[@S.C.500]

The Het Set sounds amazing with drop C tuning

[@tallica4651]

@0Heavy0Metal0 The name of that song is Broken, Beaten & Scarred

[@KodieGregory]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES HETFIELD

[@Masterfighterx]

You're not alone guys.. I really don´t get it why people can´t respect and say it's ok for a band to try to do something different. It's only good not to do the same thing over and over again do something different, new material thats what we want. Black Album is their all-time best selling album and those ''Real Fans'' say it suck? Enter Sandman went top right away... I really love that I'm not alone on this :)

[@0Heavy0Metal0]

I love Metallica, and I can't believe I don't know this, but what is the name of the song @ 1:20 ? I've heard it, I know it, I just can't remember the name. It's driving me nuts! Please help me keep my sanity.

[@PaulOuzounov]

I would love to do an extensive review of these pickups some day soon.

[@Guitardude81597]

Yo ! Emg , when are you guys gonna upload part 2??

[@speedtomas]

sorry for this noob question, but is it the same a humbucker and passive? I would really appreciate some good advice.

[@jcmangan]

I would be interessted with which album you became a loyal fan?

[@Erneman]

Tomorrow is going to be an awesome rockin day \m/

[@Kaleb673]

1:20 WHAT IS THAT RIFF FROM?!?! I know I know it!! I can't wait remember ugh!

[@flickermf]

Broken, Beat & Scarred :)

[@Mendelian]

James on passive and active: Why can't i get the best of both worlds? You can James: Seymour Duncan Blackouts :)

[@lolondd]

yes, his voice is born awesome, truly !

[@gamalitox]

@TyBlack20 hey dude, can you please tell me what hetfield says on the 01:49??

[@ashk666]

the coolest man on the planet, front man for the greatest band on the planet. long live metallica and hetfield!

[@JoshReubenking]

Man, I gotta get me some of those on my guitar!

[@hallo2054]

Song at 1:11 ???

[@TexasRed117]

Unforgiven 3

[@DaZingStudios]

Reload is great album, it is different but awesome. Completely underrated

[@rdskn4eva]

I have EMG's on a couple of my guitars. I love the sounds of those pickups. I just bought a ESP V300. Im getting the Seymour Duncan Blacouts on it.

[@demonbike666]

Well, is this pickup set active or passive?

[@ayawascatruth]

This man is unbelievable...This band make the most powerfull music ever !

[@WakizashiSabre]

That is really funny, are not actives and high ceramique pups known for high clarity. That is why active EMGs were made for primarily. For jazz music. Many forgot about that fact.

[@Rouwiinator]

yeah thought the same thing he probably just confused the words

[@alanharper1718]

Guys if your planning to buy pickups like this and your gonna spend a lot to buy them and install them, just make sure you have a great sounding amp that you love.

[@linkinp0tter]

"I love the explurr shape"

[@roberth7399]

These pickups are really good people! I have a lot of guitars and gear. Imagine a JB humbucker on steroids that sums up these EMG'S James signature humbuckers.

[@0Heavy0Metal0]

@tallica4651 Thank you! That was driving me nutz! Knowing a song and not remembering the name is torture.