Riff precision 99.8% - James Hetfield was NOT human in his prime!

In the mid-late 80s, James Hetfield reached his peak as a rhythm guitarist. The tightness and precision of his guitar tracks were almost unhuman (given that it was all on tape, no Pro Tools). James still got it, but Master of Puppets and And Justice for All will remain his top riff jobs ever. Made with the isolated guitar tracks available on KZbin.
Intro song is His Majesty by Bulavira • Bulavira - His Majesty... 🤘
#metallica #jameshetfield #guitar

[@beinmetal]

Here’s the full intro song finally kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKaxoWSaeKufY6s 🤘

[@riccardolabelva1881]

Is this intro song connected to this video somehow?

[@CaptainMizuki]

Nice

[@maurocolomo9612]

@@riccardolabelva1881 un r t

[@fiftysecwithoutza]

@@riccardolabelva1881 un r t

[@kneegrow8486]

Imagine bn the guy, who can't remember anything. Especially suing a "KID" in court, for inventing NAPSTER. Thank their god of the mainstream rock kings. Savior of HeavyBubble MetalGum But I'm just wonder if these, pre-teen, non-human, adolescent rock gods, recalls thaT 1 Well, Does ya, remember taking a kid 2 court, Metallicaballs?

[@averagegatsby]

I've read that James Hetfield's goal was the be the greatest drummer as a guitarist.

[@inkjorbas]

And then he was handed Lars as a drummer, what a cruel joke life played on him

[@apocalypseap]

@@inkjorbas Lucky for Lars, James was doing his job for him as the timekeeper instead of the drummer. What a nice guy, James is.

[@Puppets4sale]

@@inkjorbas Hey man Lars was still doing pretty well when he was on cocaine with the rest of em.

[@joshragain9499]

lol

[@fabioalloisio8681]

James's brother was a drummer so James has learned also that instrument.. Sometimes during the show he goes to the drums.. He is one of the best rock and metal musicians in history

[@louismaynard881]

The fact he can play this, without looking, while singing, absolutely blows my mind. Let alone creating it.

[@rac50172015]

Not just that.. 2 easy.. he also playing to the crowd, moving around the stage and interacting with his band mates quarterbacking the entire performance.

[@thunkjunk]

@@rac50172015 Not only that.. his guitar is way down on his knee.

[@FictionCautious]

After you play a song 100 times, you will play it blindfolded and standing on one leg.

[@patientmental875]

@@FictionCautious Not only that like the OP said he wrote the riffs so he better play them precisely! People especially Metallica fans for some reason are easily impressed!

[@adamimberti6948]

@@patientmental875 They're kind of a "my first metal band" band, and for a lot of people it's their only metal band. They're not so heavy or technical that they're intimidating for casual music fans.... most people can get their head around a Metallica song so they attract a disproportionate amount of people for whom this is the fastest, heaviest and most sophisticated band they've ever heard. I say all this as a fan and I respect them for blazing several new trails but for a huge amount of people heavy music begins and ends with Metallica so you get a lot of cringe-y sycophantic fans. Metallica is to rock fans what Eminem is to housewives. They're terrified of black people, they know nothing about hip hop or the culture but they love them some Eminem.... for them he is the most amazing and talented rapper of all time.... they don't need to hear anyone else, he is the pinnacle.

[@YuengsNwings]

Hetfield seems like he listens to Metallica when he’s not playing it. I’ve always gotten the impression that he actually likes the music he plays more than most successful musicians do.

[@randomcitizen3773]

it’s totally possible. it’s like practice by osmosis. if he digs it, it can be on as much as he wants.

[@plasmakitten4261]

Well, a lot of successful musicians don't write their own music, so he has a built in advantage there.

[@WoockerSocket]

He has said many times " we make the music we want to listen to "

[@steviehodge6159]

I believe you are right because I remember reading an article where James said something about the music that they write isn’t necessarily always aimed at their listeners, they write and play music to their liking. It just so happens we like it also.

[@alessandro9740]

@@WoockerSocket link pls

[@Accuratetranslationservices]

Underrated skill: his ability to consistently palm mute/unmute individual 16th notes without brushing the next one

[@VenerableBede2510]

YES !!!!

[@yessir6427]

no instance he does that, i think you mean 8th notes

[@Tyler123-h3e]

I agree he was and still a skilled guitar player. But he is human and they achieved the master of puppets guitar tone tightness by tuning down the guitars and playing the song slower, then they accelerated the track to get the desired tempo. On live performances he doesn’t play all the notes and let Kirk fills the gap.

[@jonevans870]

@@Tyler123-h3e I don't believe that for a second. Hetfield could play his parts at full speed. Live is another story: they aren't concerned with having everything sound perfect, they're putting on a show and having fun.

[@neekfenwick]

@@Tyler123-h3e I haven't listened to the whole video but that section seems to be talking about vocals and singing high notes, not about guitar picking. kzbin.info/www/bejne/maWwkpeOjtxkaM0

[@FaithfulReasoning]

He sang so many difficult songs while playing perfectly most time without even looking

[@zissisalimoudis6332]

Look up vektor and megadeth. Those guys play far harder stuff

[@RobertBergelin]

@@zissisalimoudis6332 perhaps.. but more memorable stuff? I dont think so if we have to "look them up"

[@stonedinparadise1381]

@@zissisalimoudis6332 you act like ppl dont know that lol. this isnt about other people its about james hetfield

[@CalebHimself]

@@RobertBergelin You sayin Megadeth doesn't have anything memorable?

[@zissisalimoudis6332]

@@RobertBergelin Well megadeth is one of the most popular bands of all time and well vector is anew band wich should have been famous

[@lyjaugs]

The fact that he sing while playing those riffs is even more impressive. Edit: I'm not even comparing James to anybody but damn megadeth's clowns have enough salt for everybody🤣.

[@ven11235]

Yes. I am always blown away not only by his masterful rhythm playing but the ability to sing and do vocal adlibs over that is insane

[@alberto.l.elexpe369]

Yeeeeees, that's the question.

[@ven11235]

@Atman Gotango hahaha "HEY-OOOOH!!!"

[@amjan]

That's actually much easier than people think.

[@Juan-jw5tf]

Chuck Schuldiner and Dave Mustaine laughs in this comment

[@rivalx7137]

This guy was literally the Greek god of the rhythm guitar

[@williamplaysguitar8427]

STILL IS.

[@djcheetah2007]

still is

[@bigballz4u]

He isn't Greek, so he cannot be "literally" the Greek god.

[@goldenwolf8081]

And look at it this way he got this good by his mid 20s!

[@nealthomasmatthews4675]

Was??

[@PitfallHarry72]

He's like a machine. It's not just his picking speed, which is phenomenal in and of itself, it's that he can sustain it without any hint of tiring. The man is a rhythm guitar god. Unmatched.

[@jutjub22]

and singing along, which can ruin precision...

[@MKDumas1981]

He's the inspiration for how I play. If I may chug my own guitar, I have impressed people with my sustained downpicking, especially when I'm properly warmed up.

[@SunnySuzu_]

I like to practice the motions without my guitar in my room alone with the lights turned off

[@t7mf]

@@SunnySuzu_so does James

[@shred9475]

kirk can sustain it too

[@ethanhunter2400]

I don't think people realize how impressive this is

[@bojangles6444]

Yeah the new fans say it doesn’t have “feelings” lol

[@MrCasquenoir]

It really isn't. I'm guessing you don't play. Playing a riff right is not a happy accident. You practice until you get it... every single time. James was good no doubt, but this is far from extraordinary.

[@erikl6988]

@@MrCasquenoir where's the link to you playing these riffs? Same tempo, same technique. Yea didn't think so.

[@MrKoolaidjam]

@@MrCasquenoir lol there is always one guy like this

[@bojangles6444]

@@MrCasquenoir considering at the time this was kinda a new guitar technique. The whole palm muted chugging thing was something new and more rhythmic than guitar players did at the time. And nothing was doctored up with studio effects. Try to remember the context and time period. Metallica hasn’t impressed me in decades. However, back then this was a great band. He is definitely the most precise player in the band too. Cliff was tied. No offense to Jason fans, but things never were the same with him.

[@derekmartinez7134]

James Hetfield is one of THE most rock solid rythym guitar players ever. How he plays AND sings songs like Creeping Death, Damage Inc., Battery...like fuck. Long live the Het.

[@joho0]

Imagine what he and Mustaine could have created together if they could have kept their egos in check.

[@derekmartinez7134]

@@joho0 Cliff Burton is why Metallica became Metallica. Its better Dave formed his own band.

[@eddardstark4650]

@@derekmartinez7134 u say right

[@steviehodge6159]

Hell yeah Bro!! Gotta love this shit.

[@ChurchNietzsche]

@@derekmartinez7134 ... But where would "Metallica" be if they hadn't stolen three Albums from Dave?

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Imagine getting the timing right DESPITE having Lars as a drummer and being drunk!

[@anthonydallarosa8314]

This 💪

[@eastpross]

Pmsl

[@nanabaws]

🤣🤣🤣 despite Lars. Testify!

[@rhino202]

😆🤣

[@joshuadavis4997]

Please stop hating on Lars Mr. hugolafhugolaf

[@hishamelfangary722]

Honestly, the whole band during the early years were straight up animals. Even Lars and Kirk were beasts, Lars' timing was head on and Kirk actually wrote and played kick ass leads.

[@shentsaceve5642]

How quickly everyone forgot Cliff. Shame on you.

[@BigUriel]

@@shentsaceve5642 Cliff was underused. Other than a few ocasional gems like Orion the band just didn't seem to care much about the bass.

[@khall187]

@@BigUriel haha yeah cared so little that they dedicated an entire song to be a bass solo on their first album. Riiight.

[@shentsaceve5642]

@@BigUriel yep. I also think he had a sort of unsung, yet strong influence on the lyrics, writing and arranging, though; if you've ever noticed how much their sound changed after.

[@BigUriel]

@@khall187 Yeah one token song. In most of the other songs you can hardly even hear the bass. On their first album without him they pretty much got rid of the bass track altogether, which they probably hadn't done earlier purely out of respect for Cliff. He did contribute as a writter and composer, just not that much as a bassist.

[@richardwhite420]

James is the “drummer” of Metallica. Lars just makes drumming noises in time to what James is doing.

[@rodrigosoto4827]

And sometimes not in time.

[@InTheNextLifeBand]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@chizzad5155]

Great post.

[@ogarcia334]

🤣🤣🤣

[@bojangles6444]

@Kasper Kaminski Lars rushes. This is bc be sucks- not bc James is letting him lol

[@luskebus]

The blackened main riff is the reason i haven’t played guitar for a week

[@Jacob-nr7hq]

😂😂😂

[@DizzyDez613]

The reason I play drums.

[@thrash1337]

AJFA is why I play bass guitar.

[@maximomontenegro9525]

the blackened main riff is the reason i lost my 6th string.

[@rcbecerra80]

MetallicA is the reason I play bass.

[@ImDembe]

inhuman riffs, superb lyricist, underrated singer, diverse musician, trendsetter = arguably the best frontman in rock/metal.

[@WiredTank]

he has written great lyrics but he writs no many pointless songs that mean nothing

[@teremokgames]

Somehow I read "transgender" instead of "trendsetter" and was like WTF is that some new information :D

[@markstewart8171]

@@teremokgames man i did too and was going to write it. Lol beat me to ot by an hr.

[@bojangles6444]

@@teremokgames I think Kirk would be first in line for that. Lars would be thrilled.

[@MangoMeoww]

Dude how the fuck is he an underrated singer? He's one of the most iconic metal singers in history?

[@JoeyBullet222]

I respect James so much for not being one of those vocalists that run around too much on stage then miss vocals and throw it to the crowd cuz they're out of breathe like Chino from deftones. James stands, plays, and sings loud and clear.

[@TheNotSure]

omg. please look up vince neil do exactly that lolol.

[@Walamonga1313]

Well to be fair James has to play guitar too. Those guys don't. They probably feel like they need to do smth else so they run around pointlessly lol

[@raulfigueroa588]

Oh got Deftones are horrible live. At least when I saw them they were

[@johnfournier1366]

Because he wouldn't be able to do it. He isn't Sammy Hagar

[@jansandman6983]

Rob Zombie. 🤣 and even Axl Rose who honestly sounded awful live even when in his prime.

[@Ilshatey]

Considering it's all original it's 100% precise.

[@dylanmorrison8543]

They might be basing the accuracy on the sheet music vs. his original studio recording playing.

[@davidjaymz64]

you know what he means lol

[@tkoehler10]

No they're basing the accuracy of him triple tracking. Not all guitarist are the same in the studio...some play more loose or sloppy...they might triple track a riff that they completely down pick on the first track but the middle or third might have some up picking which changes the sound. James was really good at playing the exact same thing the exact same way over snd over to a tee..every note..picking pattern..hand/finger placement etc would be spot on.

[@adameves5970]

@@tkoehler10 Close, but they are simply talking about the accuracy of timing between the 3 overlayed tracks. Of COURSE you play the riff the same way every time, as far as picking pattern and handplacements...it would be idiotic to not. The point here is that his pick timing is so precise that you basically only hear 1 track, because the other 2 were layed on top with exact precision. Please don't repeat your comment anywhere. Nobody does what you said. Especially not in the studio.

[@tkoehler10]

@@adameves5970 with over 14 years of experience working and playing a recording studio, you are absolutely wrong. The mistakes and misplays just get edited out..humans make mistakes...and others do it differently..to say NOBODY does that..lol have you never heard of tool..led zeppeling...nirvana..LOTS of multi-tracked stuff that is intentionally played somewhat differently than the previous track before it. Please don't act like you know 100 percent of everything you talk about. Accuracy of timing is attributed to a metronome and repetitive practice so like I said..its EVERYTHING he does precisely from fretting..picking..timing..hand snd finger placement..to a tee.

[@DCT97]

The down picking master. One thing I’ve never heard James get credit for was his groove and his swagger, his riffs just make you bob your head.

[@briandavis9002]

Yes, the fact that he down picks everything is very impressive, Papa Het will never be duplicated.

[@reca2489]

You say groove and swagger and I immediately think of that main riff from Ride the Lightning. Man, that is just filthy smooth

[@andreaschasiotis8977]

Was bobbing as i read your comment

[@DangeHD]

Trivium is following his example and plays almost every riff down picking style even though it isnßt necessary at all :D

[@marcodoe4690]

@@DangeHD they even covered master of puppets and matt is a great songwriter IMHO.

[@beinmetal]

Happy Birthday Papa Het! \m/

[@goldleader5046]

🤘🏻

[@gbmarescaj311]

How's the song used in the intro called?

[@santuryu3331]

🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@AndriyVasylenko]

@@gbmarescaj311 it’s from a song that comes soon on the main channel

[@ResubidorSerial]

UwU

[@zigsrig]

Totally underrated skill: being Kirk Hammett, having to learn all those riffs and keep up with James! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@artzreal]

you got it right kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnW9Zo2lr8qdnpY

[@crypthulu7900]

Heard that. 🤘

[@pietdijkman1980]

True, people don't seem to realize Kirk plays the same stuff just as fast a James

[@AidanMillward]

@user-nq1ib8kq2bso what’s he doing on stage when not playing solos then? 😅

[@BabyDiamond18]

@@AidanMillward waiting quietly for user-nq1ib8kq2b to call on him

[@SS-gn1wj]

James's picking hand is robotic. Dude has mad skills

[@MrDeplorable-sw9cz]

And the best metal vocs to back that up with.

[@dr.loomis4221]

That sounds more like a diss

[@SS-gn1wj]

@@dr.loomis4221 you are silly.

[@hecticscone]

james is a master with his right, kirk is a master with his left, cliff was a master with both, and lars... he does well with his feet at least

[@gkountilas]

​@@MrDeplorable-sw9cz you're not a metal fan are you?

[@TenSecondSongs]

The best.

[@watchlistenlearn]

1 of. Id have to say Children Of Bodoms Guitarist was the best. IMO

[@ascendancy4900]

Mustaine

[@MrToberton]

And you would know!

[@bojangles6444]

If Dime cloned himself and used the clone just to play rhythms- that’s who my money is on. Who am I kidding he never had parts boring enough for downpick chug. Children of Bodham sounds familiar, prob something I would hate. Sounds like death or black metal? Maybe if I was trying to talk to Satan it would help me out. I don’t think he is into slayer.

[@watchlistenlearn]

@@bojangles6444 Saw COB with Black Label Society. Bodom crushed ...

[@sebastianbrochu3971]

That's insane, James was superhuman

[@NicketCovers]

is*

[@christianq1526]

@CastAirLead compose and play these at this tempo, while singing and playing a 2 hour set. No, they can't. I know andriy used studio tracks here but James played this all live at an amazingly high quality, the man is one of the greats

[@jbasti227]

@CastAirLead And that’s because Hetfield helped set the standard

[@SviatoslavKaverin]

Plus Human

[@muriellealamelama1310]

Still is

[@paultrottier2860]

Just saw them last week in Buffalo . Not a note missed by Kirk or James the entire set. I play guitar, if you can call it that, I can’t fathom how they play so fast yet incredibly precise. Blows my mind. BTW just as good in 2022 as when I saw them in 1989 and 1992.

[@TridentEditing]

I was there in Buffalo. Best concert I’ve ever been to

[@goblinsnguitars]

Everyone was on fire that night minus Kirk being out of tune in NEM

[@danevertt3210]

Go Bills - Go Sabres

[@JPDraves]

Same bro, they are true professionals… I play guitar as well and to do what they do is insane

[@JMCV07]

Its insane!!! But if u think about It, in their prime they only played guitar and drugs, so if u are all day playing any instrument, u become a god. I remember playing guitar as a Young trying to play over live tracks on their prime, and if i stopped to play just a few days, i couldnt keep Up with the rythm... Now days its imposible for me to play that fast, i have tried but nope... hahahaha they were and they are on the top.

[@kukelhupf]

I think people need to realize that there is a big difference between playing this and *actually* playing this as tight, accurate and fast as James did. Not to mention that they always played their songs even faster live. And he was always dead on. Absolutely insane.

[@diegosotomiranda4107]

And considering most covers usually use alternate picking instead of the nearly full downpicking James uses, its another factor

[@dan62273]

it's hard as hell to play that tight, play it in time, and sing at the same time...King James was rightfully named.

[@bojangles6444]

@@dan62273 if he is a king then there should have been Pope Dave and Emperor Dime the Great lol. Although Dave would in no way like that.

[@dan62273]

@@bojangles6444 lol, good point.

[@8517ks]

And even if you made ur way to replicate the riffs and sing as loud, your next challange would be to try doing that with your guitar down on your knees! Good luck..

[@andrewpappas9311]

Happy birthday James, the man was and still is a goddamn beast of a rhythm guitarist

[@GuitarGangsterArmi]

Top 10 guitarists of all time. Yeah he’s not a technical flashy shredder but he doesn’t need to be. His writing is some of the best ever.

[@kartikchandrasekhar2762]

Dave Mustaine said in an interview with Alex Jones (Yes, that Alex Jones) that when he first heard James play guitar, he was in complete awe at his talent.

[@kennycampbelljr5896]

@@kartikchandrasekhar2762 I seen something where Dave Mustaine said he tried to teach a guitar part to James but he wasn't that good and never picked it up.

[@itrytoplaydrums7660]

@@kennycampbelljr5896 in Dave mustaines memoir he wrote that he didn’t originally play rhythm but he was able to learn fast and was a hell of a player

[@sukottoshinobe7360]

@@kennycampbelljr5896 that could be true maybe in the lead department. Dave is a shredder and a speed demon James Hetfield is a solid chugging rhythm guitarist who actually isn’t too bad at soloing himself when he does. I love the guy But Dave will also tell you that he taught Dimebag Darrell, Eddie Van Halen, Tony Iommi and pretty much anyone else living dead before him or after him how to play the guitar so who knows

[@PastorOfMuppets74]

James and Dave Mustaine really make my jaw drop as a player. Not just the speed n precision but the amount of GREAT RIFFS. They don't grow on trees folks! These are masters!

[@jeremylonsdale3350]

Gotta be a Mustaine/Hetfield collaboration before they call it quits. Or Mustaine dies that dude looks sick.

[@PastorOfMuppets74]

@@jeremylonsdale3350 He's been looking a lil pale. I couldn't tell if that was his color if he had some gray whisker scruff. That's GOT to happen. Let Kirk join James on rhythm n let's hear that sound (minus Cliff, which can't be understated) n see what shakes. I really credit Mustaine with the style of Metallica (the spider crawl n other lil tricks he showed James) that made those incredible riffs Het wrote lightning fast and so powerful. There might be more, but all I've seen is 20 of em playin Am I Evil together from the Big 4 tour. This would be my wet dream. Let em play 4 Horsemen n every other verse Dave sings Mechanix 🤣🤣🤣. Seriously....bucket list‼️ If possible...I'm there dude 🤘🏽💀🤘🏽

[@teamLeon928]

@@jeremylonsdale3350 well Mustaine “died” once already of an OD and he just recently finished a battle with throat cancer so it’s no surprise he looks sick.

[@47.000]

Yeah but Dave can't sing. And is not as firebreathing as James. He did some good riffs though.

[@PastorOfMuppets74]

@@47.000 Very true...I actually liked James voice better before the "Big Bad Wolf" growling....hard to believe now after all these years he didn't wanna sing. They wanted the dude from Armored Saint

[@sandwich-breath]

Cliff Burton and James Hetfield were something to behold. Early Metallica was earth shattering.

[@90AlmostFamous]

There was also Dave mustaine

[@ReneParada]

@@90AlmostFamous why does Mustaine always have to be where James is being talked at. Not too much exposure? appreciation? attention? LMAO

[@PikeBishop1]

There are deep inadequacies that MD fans harbor, bitter sibling type thing. Certain fans in different genres experience these things because the kind of music they like is part of their identity and they develop odd parasocial relationships with bands. They also feel superior because they root for the underdog (ie less successful) band, in this case MD.

[@drumfeck5970]

Flemming Rasmussen himself said that James was by far the most precise rhythm guitarist he ever tracked. James was simply inhuman in 1985-1989 with his rhythm playing!

[@drumfeck5970]

@Kung Fu Fan For sure!

[@Penisdoll]

His guitars on the other albums is as tight as James 85-89.

[@nicholaskruger9460]

@@Penisdoll but boring. 😃

[@Qliphirot]

These 2 albums are probably the most downpicked in metallica's discography, that's why it was his prime

[@victorherrero4790]

He still is..

[@metalmaniac8640]

Fun fact, Dave Mustaine said in an interview that James Hetfield was the only other guitarist the he felt any kind of intimidation from. (imo he was referring to how clean Hetfield can play)

[@nicolasreny221]

He felt some from marty and kiko, maybe that was an older interview

[@MrGrim-ib4ix]

Dave is a douche. Most Megadeth guitar players were better than he was but he still thinks he's the best on the planet.

[@kennycampbelljr5896]

I also seen in an old interview where he (Dave) took a shot at James saying he tried to teach some part to James but he wasn't good enough to play it.

[@adityakuttus]

@@MrGrim-ib4ix Dave was reportedly depressed after recording rust in peace because he felt Marty was so much more technical than him you obviously don't know what you're talking about

[@TemplarShad0w]

@@MrGrim-ib4ix Obviously not, he isn't the solo guitar of Megadeth

[@louisd95714]

In my opinion James Hetfield is one of the greatest at rhythm guitar.

[@malmstring]

It's a common opinion. He's usually ranked among the very greatest Rhythm thrash guitarists, if not the best.

[@maristoldboys5466]

Him and Malcolm, though totally different styles and genres

[@drizzt4772]

He is overated

[@vapnash2555]

@@drizzt4772 Not really

[@drizzt4772]

@@vapnash2555 Of course he is. Metallica used to copy other bands and Hetfield plays quite simple riffs and solos.

[@TheBraddles82]

It’s equally impressive that he managed to get his foot through the leg of those jeans

[@artzreal]

before elastic jeans and shaite

[@mariesteve7327]

@@artzreal 😂 😂 😂

[@mariesteve7327]

He likes to show off his 🤫 😂 😂 😂

[@artzreal]

@@mariesteve7327 on that one, he can try, but he will never take the place of Robert Plant

[@artzreal]

@@mariesteve7327 😄

[@OIP_1]

not even joking: one of the best guitarists of all time. why should that kind of praise be limited to lead guitar?

[@NerdENerd]

Malcolm Young was glue of AC/DC

[@bmw_m4255]

I think Ringo Starr was a better guitar player

[@jinfin221]

@@bmw_m4255 lol

[@RafitoOoO]

Yeah, just the fact that almost no one can downpick like him is enough to call him one of the GOATs.

[@devarmont87]

Lol... Here's a few that would eat JH half asleep; Alexi Laiho Brian Haner Jr John Petrucci Matthew Paget James is good yes, definitely not a goat and definitely not a pioneer. Lol plebs like you with a cognitive bias thinking you know music.

[@mouloudo]

What's even more crazy is that he's one of the originator of that style, meaning some kids of today learned guitar just to be able to play like that and still can't achieve it while James grew up listening to slower bands and decided mid journey to turn everything up

[@Fernandez3995]

Mind blowing! That’s what I think about with EVH as well. Separates the true greats from the rest!

[@ClearWaterRising]

Bro he didn't invent anything. Just ripped it off Mercyful Fate. Smh

[@RyanJamesOfficial]

@@ClearWaterRising He was influenced by them but Metallica have etched their mark on history. Show some respect. Also, MF did not create anything that was nearly as impactful on culture as what James created. You metal purists are annoying AF.

[@ClearWaterRising]

@@RyanJamesOfficial he and Dave straight stole riffs and chords progressions from Mercyful Fate songs. No Mercyful Fate...no Metallica...simple as that. Not that's its a bad thing but just good to know where the roots are.

[@rgordon4848]

@@ClearWaterRising every guitar player, drummer, etc steals music in some way from other musicians. Nothing today hasn't been played before really. You only have so many chords, notes, patterns, tones, etc available to play. Think about it this way, I'm sure a lot of whats played in metal and rock has been played in some way or similar to blue grass. Played on a banjo. Or a lot of those notes could have been played on a cello, fiddle, string bass, etc. But when guitars were invented then innovated musicians learned to transfer that music to the guitars. Add more notes in between patterns. Change the tune And tone. And fit that with other instruments.

[@jasonlieberman4606]

Rhythm players, even if they're just as good as skilled as lead players, almost always get way underrated. James is one of the most quintessential examples.

[@pacovl46]

And another quintessential example of how the word underrated is applied to someone who so completely and utterly IS NOT!!! Hetfield is considered to be THE BEST right hand in the business. How the hell is that underrated?! How I wish that word would be deleted from the English language because in 99% of all cases it’s misused!

[@EknonCo]

"James is considered the best rhythm guitarist." "Rhythm guitarists are underrated." Both of these can be true.

[@pacovl46]

@@EknonCo you can twist and turn if for as long as you want, but James Hetfield is so NOT underrated!

[@EknonCo]

@@pacovl46 I agree.

[@KazyaKurosawa]

Yes. For next great example i would call Rammstein and Richard Kruspe. Lindemann's voice and singing in german always steals the limelight from the fact that those riffs are easily the most important singled out reason of their success.

[@karadajz_zvani_dokolenko]

james is probably one of if not the most talented rhythm guitarists, and the fact he can also sing while doing it all is so fascinating to me

[@highlovevibration]

Definitely! his skills and talents blow my mind... never seen anything like it. Never

[@coolpool4191]

The best ever

[@m.r.4455]

Then, from live, he sings and entertains simultaneously. And consider he wrote so many masterpieces... my god he is unbelievable. No one can beat him.

[@natedog9452]

What about Tony Iommi?

[@tudor8963]

One man can. His name is Dave mustaine

[@charrlessdee9753]

@@tudor8963 The only one worthy of the throne.

[@crosbyshow977]

Mustaine..singss like shit....Dont move on stage. James is 100x times better as frontman...Mustaine is a statue on stage.....

[@soundsfromthestreet]

dave mustaine would like to have a word with you

[@tristanjohnson4477]

One of the greatest right hands in music history.

[@jcurwen]

Outside of music business I am quite sure that my right hand is greatest. It has it's own magic touch.

[@Romper_Stomper_]

Yup. Mike from Rigor Mortis, Dimebag, and maybe Jon from Cryptopsy are some of the few in the same realm.

[@dudemanwow9751]

Y’all should definitely check out the album Carnival Is Forever by Decapitated if you want more right hand insanity. Specifically the song Homo Sum. Though, Vogg doesn’t sing.

[@johnjacob1412]

@@Romper_Stomper_ Dimebag would come up with a riff and play it through an entire damn song. Probably why he was fed a bullet.

[@vin_9028]

@@johnjacob1412 whoaaa nobody fuck with this edgelord

[@rjc7289]

James may be a raging control freak where Metallica is concerned, but there's no denying he set the standard for what it means to play focused and super-tight thrash metal rhythm guitar. His picking hand is like a precision machine!

[@pelicanpants5949]

come to think of it, so is his left hand.

[@RobertMJohnson]

don't apologize for his being a control freak. rock n' roll is teeming with control freaks

[@Turboy65]

His control freakishness and vision combined are what made Metallica the raging success story that they have become.

[@Nightdare]

@@RobertMJohnson The best bands aren't a democracy

[@Barbro247]

James should go full control freak and kick everyone from Metallica but himself. Hire musicians that really can play and a new vocalist.

[@bx3556]

Based on my research, the theory is that James Hetfield and Dave Mustaine casted a spell together back in the 1980s and the spell just wore off right around 1994. Dave entered rehab and James cut his hair... It was midnight, Cinderella had to return her shoes.

[@ef9087]

this checks out

[@2cthetruth]

Deal with the devil…for their sake I hope not…maybe why James is a depressed alcoholic…knows time is short.

[@Raerae239]

@@2cthetruth wtf are u going on about 😂

[@dirthpool]

Oh no! One guy finally got help for himself and the other one cut his hair. Oh the horror! Idiot.

[@rabidfish]

The Conjuring!

[@the392s4]

James is a monster, and no shit can be talked about his playing. I still remember how I felt the first time I heard these songs in the 80’s, and I’m still blown away

[@bojangles6444]

I was like a little kid back in the 80’s. I always wondered how people found out about Metallica was it word of mouth? I never heard anything on the radio before the black album. I remember when master of puppets was too heavy for rock radio lol

[@siegfrieddejong1836]

@@bojangles6444 I was 8 years old when my cousin taped it for me. He bought the record. We had aardschok/ metalhammer magazine to find out

[@LRRPFco52]

@@bojangles6444 Metallica spread through aggressive touring, excellent branding with their distinct logo and color selections for albums and t-shirts, college radio, and Bootleg tapes. My first Kill 'em All, RTL, MoP, and Justice tapes were all bootlegs my brother cut for me from CDs. When I was older working a job or 2 in HS, I was able to go to the mall and buy the real tapes in the late 1980s. Before that, we would go cruising with our friends in his car, blasting Metallica or Ozzy, just riding around town with girls in our laps. It was a golden age in music and being a kid.

[@bojangles6444]

@@LRRPFco52 yeah I had a brother your age about 10 years older than me. I always thought it would have been a more fun time to be a teen than the 90’s. But I don’t think it’s gotten any better since lol. My bro wasn’t into metal though, he was more into classic 70’s music. Pink Floyd and stuff like that. I always liked everything except for bubble gum pop- depends what I am in the mood for. I liked Ozzy a lot, but I was more into his guitar players than him. It’s hard for me to appreciate now knowing how his wife (the manager) totally screwed the band basically paid them nothing. That’s why Jake E Lee quit. No wonder Zakk Wylde was always doing solo stuff.

[@andrewk2625]

He is one of the best guitarist ever. He's such an influential guitarist.

[@TheFbiFilesRepeat]

Mustaine is better

[@tallycahamuhlhetru26]

@@TheFbiFilesRepeat Kirk Hammett is better than ☝

[@TheFbiFilesRepeat]

@@tallycahamuhlhetru26 this is how denial looks like

[@CosmicHarmony58]

@@TheFbiFilesRepeat same could be said to you than 🙄🤷‍♂️

[@tudor8963]

@@tallycahamuhlhetru26 Mustaine is the best thrash metal guitarist. He is better than Kirk on lead, better than james on rythm. With a few days of practice he could switch with kiko to play lead and play every md solo. He is incredibly good

[@arthurgabriel4325]

1:11 This riff reminds me of a baby's cry. Absolutely genius.

[@beinmetal]

Oh shait, you're right! Very on point with the song's theme

[@cleitondiesel6163]

So can you hear your babies crying now?

[@arthurgabriel4325]

@@HansHammer Sleep my friend and you will see

[@christopher4443]

Not for me

[@lucasmedeiros5383]

what? cant hear that at all. all i hear is DEAR MOTHER DEAR FATHERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[@kt420ish]

On stage, James is on another level. His voice is always on point. He always has a crazy look on his face. And he always backs away from the microphone and screams shit at the crowd. Love it!

[@shaftlamer]

His voice is fucked since the mid 90s,but ok

[@Apprentice_of_the_Leonine]

@@shaftlamer Wrong, check out a recent upload on Metallica's channel of them performing "Dirty Window" from the St. Anger album in 2022. He's got it back, mostly.

[@RKDriver]

@@Apprentice_of_the_Leonine He has got his voice back from just a couple years ago. Then he looked like he was aging hard, overweight and drinking heavily. Amazing what cleaning up will do.

[@dawnkeyballs4898]

I e seen sooooooo many bands and fests multiple times etc. Seen Metallica 4 times. Forever said no one owns a crowd like James. He is so electric

[@Killerkarotte1]

@@shaftlamer Hey bullshitter...how ya doing?

[@friedrichsorensen9823]

James is my god of music long live papahet

[@winterholdguard8755]

He always double tracked his recordings, meaning he played songs perfectly once, but then went back and played it so perfectly on the second track, that it is seamless

[@nighthawk9532]

All Bands do this don’t they?

[@Beechhill]

@@nighthawk9532 No. They record take upon take until the musician nails it. They then dub that single take in layers.

[@kryzs_kornhell]

No he didn't. There was heavy cutting/editing back then too, with "And justice for all ..." for instance.

[@synishere]

I’m pretty sure AJFA used more than 2, if I’m correct he used 4.

[@krabuh]

@@Beechhill What? No, the majority double track or quad track their guitars

[@jas8012]

It's called practice. It's why these guys were the best. A time when practicing and perfecting your craft was absolutely everything.

[@Elevenbravo_ABN]

So why do they suck so bad now?

[@plasmakitten4261]

@@Elevenbravo_ABN stopped practicing in the 90s lol

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

@@Elevenbravo_ABN that was 35 years ago,they are all near 60

[@Elevenbravo_ABN]

@@trillrifaxegrindor4411 That’s no excuse. Dream Theater just released a new album and they’re the same age as Metallica, yet they keep getting better. Mike Mangini (DT’s drummer) is older than Lars, yet he’s arguably the best drummer on the planet.

[@alexknox1596]

Yeah they were constantly touring back then, practice makes perfect

[@Joetrout]

Even Dimebag said in a guitar world interview early 90’s that James was the king of shred! No one could speed pick like him

[@na-tv6rn]

Master of Puppets is the pinnacle of heavy metal and I will never be convinced otherwise. It's just everything that metal should be, done better, more powerful and with lyrical connect that nobody could touch then or has since.

[@WILLNOTCOMPLY72]

FK YES!!!! AGREE 10000% BRO!!! MASTER OF PUPPETS IS GOD LEVEL METAL!!

[@Walamonga1313]

Ehh idk about that. I still think Justice is way better. If only it had bass :l

[@thomasingram8713]

I mean Rust In Peace and Vulgar Display Of Power give MOP a run for its money, but that is my top 3 metal albums.

[@ukaszp9650]

Aaaand they are not even close to Pantera, and things Dimebag did there.

[@MongooseTacticool]

@@Walamonga1313 Justice is dark, broody and melancholy with great riffs. It's my favourite Metallica album. Written by a group of people who experienced loss at a young age.

[@HvyMetal4Ever]

Even if you go outside of his "prime" The riff for "That was just your life" is a fucking monster. 95% of that Metallica sound is from that heavy down picking he does. If you try alternate picking most of the Metallica album, it sounds off. I don't know how the hell he does it after 40 years.

[@Cyborg_Lenin]

It really wouldn't. A non guitarist won't even hear it unless you point it out. Guitarists aren't a lot better, most of the ones I know guessed that I was downpicking, but I wasn't. Just experiment with it, some parts are really different, and others are barely noticeable. But it's much easier to play.

[@diegaspumper8501]

He’s a machine that’s how!

[@musicalADD_theband]

He has that massive forearm for all the down picking

[@romulocasas4906]

when i was 17-23 i could down pick all of master of puppets along with the record, now at 33 i cant even finish the whole intro into the first verse with downpicking. i dont know how in his 50s he can pull that off

[@SatanClaus69]

@@romulocasas4906 almost 30 here, I play about 2 hours a day to keep up the stamina for it. It's hard to find time but it only gets bad if I don't do it. Often ill just load a random Metallica concert and play along to it, really helps because it's not constant downpicking, it's a lot of changes throughout a set. Much like a hiit training thing. Hope this helps, cheers!

[@wulfstevens9495]

If you’re an aspiring guitarist, learn some old Metallica songs. They will teach you some awesome techniques that can be applied to any genre. Plus they are awesome songs that are fun to play.

[@ericclark9770]

Eddie Van Halen made me want to play guitar - James Hetfield taught me how to play guitar.

[@birdysama2980]

the first songs I learnt when I got my guitar were unforgiven and nothing else matters. Both good starters indeed. I could easily simplify certain parts and add on top until I could play it easily.

[@kaj750]

Metallica songs is where I started. You learn a LOT

[@alexcaminiti]

So much rock is about the chug. When your right hand can chug and mute chug, that's the ticket to rock. Anyone can solo and only a handful of people care. If you can't chug, it sounds sloppy and no one wants to listen to sloppy playing.

[@metalmichael1998]

I agree. Master of puppets took a year to master, but it taught me so many useful techniques to use for other Metallica songs and hell even pantera

[@MrKennyBones]

James Hetfield has incredible rhythm and holds everything together. Even when Lars messes up the tempo, James manages to compensate and pull Lars back in

[@bencollins82]

Without beating his head in as he has probably wanted to so many times. Some kind of monster documentary pretty much sums it up. I wish I had the patience of that man, "through the never" he has gone through and still remains such a heartful guy. The whole lot of them are so wholesome

[@ogregasm9908]

Disposable heroes…I don’t even know what else to say, it was a masterpiece.

[@dscan01]

i been working on that lately. sometimes I can get trough it... sometimes I start the E gallop and I just know I don't have the strength!

[@Saul-Wolfden]

@Mastodon1976 It was the first non-ballad I got into with Metallica and it's my favorite song to this day of theirs.

[@dethjnr2253]

been playing for 7 years and even now it baffles me ;D

[@jakew2263]

I have 112 Metallica songs on my Spotify, and heroes Is one I just can't get my self to like, I have no clue why it just doesn't sit well with me lmao

[@MarioHernandez-zc7dv]

Disposable is my favorite track off Master of Puppets, The war drum like intro, the way James carries the whole song with his unbeatable rhythm and gnarly vocals, Kirk going crazy during the solo, Cliff playing that bass line in disposable is simple yet hard hitting, and Lars was actually playing well on the track. 10/10 song. It's in my top 3 favorite metallica songs and it could damn well been N°1 if Fade to Black was never written.

[@johnday4073]

Precision and speed is impressive, but he wrote the some of the most amazing iconic riffs of all time. That’s what puts him in GOAT territory

[@termsofusepolice]

Lars hummed those riffs. James just converted the humming to guitar.

[@scottdelany7390]

Anthems

[@brianpinion5844]

he only goat in that field , maybe give dave little love , just a little , na fuck dave , he sold me bad meth , said it was "megameth" i know thats what i said , i should of seen that a coming ,

[@marcellee4212]

He makes metronomes stay in time

[@mcswordfish]

I remember the first time I PROPERLY heard the bridge/mid-section in Damage Inc - I'd listened to the song many times, but it was a while before I heard just how precise, detailed, and complex that rhythm part was. I had to sit down and rewind it 2-3 times just to make sure I wasn't imagining it. This was the moment I began to understand what an absolute monster he was. It was a wee while later I realised he downpicked everything, and I don't think I've been the same since.

[@seanshamblin1131]

Interestingly, the riff you're talking about is actually one of the ones written by Kirk Hammett. Hetfield recorded it, for tightness, but it is one of Kirk's.

[@mcswordfish]

​@@seanshamblin1131 I didn't know that. Kirk's a bit like George Harrison in that he plays on every track, rarely has a writing/compositional credit, but when he does, it takes the song to the next level. I just checked the sleevenotes to the Black Album to make sure he had one for Unforgiven - not sure if he wrote part of the song, or if it's just for the Solo Of His Career, but I'm glad his name's listed there.

[@seanshamblin1131]

@@mcswordfish Off the top of my head, I know he wrote that mid-section riff on Battery, too. Some guitar snobs act like Hammet is the worst metal lead guitarist ever, and I can kinda see why, sometimes. But he really is a big part of the Metallica sound.

[@themetalone7739]

Fun Fact: James became this way because of a negative reaction to one of Metallica's early demos. Some dude in the studio made a comment about the guitars not being in time with the drums, and it just stuck in James' craw.

[@hugolafhugolaf]

They should've sacked Lars, as the issue was clearly not the guitars.

[@bry2k]

@@hugolafhugolaf Church!

[@tmp1k]

So much so he would resort to recording some tracks detuned and slowed down and then speed them up in post.

[@redrick8900]

@@hugolafhugolaf Sure, fire the brains of the operation and the most creative member of the band. That's gets you places.

[@mdnblues]

@@hugolafhugolaf Lars has always owned the rights to everything, including the Metallica name. They can't sack him because this is his own band. They could all leave the band, but they would have to also leave the Metallica name and use another name.

[@nhoodfan]

Those are more than triple tracks, according to Michael Wagener, he received 6 rhythm guitar tracks when mixing Master of Puppets, and Justice sounds like it has even more.

[@ericcartmansstrengthandpow5960]

Actually both albums feature... Bout tree fiddy rhythm guitar tracks.

[@RsBanez]

I read somewhere Justice has 9 or something like that

[@nhoodfan]

@@ericcartmansstrengthandpow5960 God dammit loch ness monster!

[@nhoodfan]

@floppa floppovich The rhythm guitar sounds of Metallica's 2nd through 5th album all consist of James Hetfield multitracking his guitars for a thicker sound. For example, in Master of Puppets, he played the same thing 6 times to get an extremely thick "wall of sound" effect, in order for this to sound good, it has to be played tightly, that is, with very little variation between takes, when they're all played together on the final album, it sounds MASSIVE.

[@buster9879]

3 per side then... that makes sense

[@kendrasdustyroad]

Still is superhuman. At 58 he's still out pleasing crowds killing it at what he loves doing. The man is a legend.

[@redderpom]

I’ve always loved Metallica songs primarily for James’ rhythm guitar and riffs, not for Kirk’s fancy handwork and solos. James is the king. Without question, a blessed gift to music. I feel fortunate to be alive while James is, to have seen him in concert, to have listened to new albums as Metallica released them. We should consider how good we have it. Future generations can only discover Metallica in the retrospective abstract, not in the flesh, not celebrating with them as they release new work and tour. We lived through a blessed time.

[@Walamonga1313]

Same. Metallica has always been James for me, his riffs are cool and sometimes even overpower Kirk's solos imo lol. Like Frayed Ends of Sanity, Kirk has a great solo... but James made an even better riff behind it

[@crypthulu7900]

That comment damn near brought a tear to my eye.

[@jdsv8601]

That transition from Blackened to One was insane

[@kraken8159]

In some of his interviews. He’s said it takes a lot of hours in practicing to achieve what he’s done. That said. He’s at the top of the rhythm guitar list for sure!!!

[@shredhed572]

They say 10,000 hours to master something. He played like he'd done it 20,000!

[@mc12358]

Well there's definitely a progression from Kill to Puppets where James either sounds better as production quality increased and/or his down picking actually got a lot tighter during 85-86. Maybe a little of both. As a beginner guitarist I'm jealous of his tempo here, imagine the Puppets tour with him playing 2 hours of nonstop brutal thrash, that has GOT to hurt!

[@lyjaugs]

get ready for some "havE yoU heArd Of mEgaDeTh bRO"

[@shredd5705]

@@mc12358 It doesn't really hurt, because if it hurts, you can't play tight and into "pocket" anymore. You have to get it to a point where it's mostly relaxed no matter how long you need to go on. Small motions from the wrist, no wasted movement, no hard movements, hard picking just sounds messy. Stamina is also it's own thing, lot of people who can shred really fast (short blistering solos) can't do the stamina thing, it's like marathon runner vs. sprinter. You have to practice stamina particularly, to be thrash rhythm guitarist (source, I'm a thrash guitarist who can play everything on this video, close to same tightness). It's just hours and hours of doing the same downpicking motion, there is no shortcuts or hacks. Although, lot of people actually neglect their up picking, without realizing that it affects your ability to downpick. It's healthy to try the same songs with strictly up strokes, it does wonders to your downpicking too. It's possible to get them sound almost the same, with practice

[@khall187]

"takes a lot of hours" uhh... no s*&t sherlock.

[@thebigz3786]

I always liked Hetfield, and I strongly appreciated how Metallica sounded as great live as they did in the studio.

[@thebigz3786]

@Northern Realist in concerts today you'd be right. Back then they were so great, they won Grammys for best live performance.

[@thebigz3786]

@Northern Realist I'd normally choose record over live with any band (except Devil's Child by Judas Priest). I still really appreciate how good they sounded live back then.

[@jsunh98]

They were way better live.

[@jsunh98]

@Northern Realist your crazy

[@jsunh98]

@Northern Realist dont need to. Those early albums were mixed like shit. They sound way better live.

[@J_Braz_]

I used to obsess over every Metallica riff when I started my learning of guitar. Justice has some of my favorite riffs. As a teen I would go to my friend's to get on their internet and by hand I would write tablature onto notebook paper. Painstakingly I would transcribe whole songs. Guitar World and guitar player magazines were worth every penny to me. Still have a stack waist high.

[@dawnkeyballs4898]

Lmao it's like I said this myself word for word Literally the exact same experience And 1000% agree about Justice

[@quelmattia7961]

When he was still practicing..

[@tkbone32221]

The "Master" & the "Justice" will always be the greatest Metallica albums, & the "Master" will always be a reference for a pretty much perfect Metal rhythm guitar sound.

[@bojangles6444]

What about the grandmaster peck ping

[@bojangles6444]

Justice lacks Cliff. Ride the lightning gets the tip of the hat imo. He always had his own thing going on adding textures and depth. Jason didn’t even play chords he just played roots like a guitar player who took up bass to get a gig. I dunno what Rob is doing, he was better with Ozzy and the funky inmate bands. Rocking the prison wear on stage what for I will never know.

[@termsofusepolice]

Ride and Master were the apex of the band IMO.

[@bojangles6444]

@@termsofusepolice no doubt I think most who are musically inclined would agree. Justice was good but the production value was not good. Jason never replaced Cliff- wether you could hear him or not was kind of irrelevant he was just copying Het anyway. That’s really all he ever did. I didn’t think and Jason for all was any kind of improvement. Just sounded like a more amateur remix imo. I dunno if it was Cliff’s absence or what but nothing ever came close to Puppets. Load was the point where I just lost interest completely. Now watch some triggered fan is going to say how dumb I am and how Load is the greatest masterpiece of all time. I am getting sick of this.

[@Neonmirrorblack]

Yet the album production on Justice is terrible, especially compared to MOP.

[@manifestgtr]

I’ve always maintained that James has one of the best right hands in thrash. It’s precise but there’s still feeling and emotion in his playing

[@klmrk9961]

Flemming Rasmussen said that he nailed it mostly on the first try during the recording of Ride the Lightning and Master if Puppets.

[@TPFB129]

1:00 sounds even more haunting with just the guitar

[@MannElite]

I remember learning to play master of puppets, it was so crazy to see a song with sliding powerchords like that. The powerchords slide so quick and tight, it makes you a better player to learn songs like that. Really dynamic as well, like the chorus is a completely different style and feel than the verse. If you think its easy, look up the tab and try to play along, and then remember, this guy wrote that rhythm then you realize how awesome they rhythm guitar in metallica is lol

[@waxlthegreat]

ок

[@search895]

Well half of the riffs of that song are heavily influenced and based on riffs by other bands. They were kinda copying them but their own style.

[@waxlthegreat]

@@search895 All right. Well, talk to me when you get some hard evidence.

[@yaze3316]

This song is phenomenal. Makes me a better guitarist. And I cant believe the speed and skill he had so young... ive been playing off and on for about 20 years and if you give me about 5 hours to warm up i might be able to play this at 180bpm. And im giving myself a lil too much credit, lol.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

@@waxlthegreat listen to kill em all,MASSIVE and i mean MASSIVE sabbath influence......you need to understand guitar and chord structure to know how much they borrowed

[@heydavid4883]

From Michael Wagener, who worked on master of puppets: "it was a concious decission by Lars and James that the bass should take second seat to the low end of the guitars. We had long discussions about that, but the band had a pretty fixed idea on how they wanted the album to sound. As to the guitars: they had recorded six track of rythm guitar. They were panned: one hard left, the second one (playing the same riffs) to about 11 o'clock. The other two main tracks (playing slightly different riffs than the left side) where panned the same way to the right side, one full the other to about 2 o'clock. Then there were two tracks chugging just the low E string on the actual "chunks" and those were panned hard left and right as well and were responsible for all the low end of the guitars. No compression (a guitar amp compresses enough IMO) and just a little short room from a Quantec QRS Room Simulator."

[@zachw2538]

Thanks for confirming, i always thought they overdubbed the open chugs to get everything super even. The guitars are too dynamic for there to be much compression so i figured that could be the only realistic workaround.

[@Schwaaaang]

This level of precision from 6 tracks... wtf

[@F0untain]

There is no need for compression of playing this tight and consistent, it would only diminish the magic that came from his hands. Master Of Puppets is untouchable

[@rustatum2382]

@@Schwaaaang He down tuned and played it slower on recording, then sped it up the tape to normal speed to be in tune. Yes, James can play it even faster live, but the slowing down definitely helped the precision of all those tracks being exact.

[@stefanfyhn4668]

@@Schwaaaang in the studio you just keep trying until you get it right ;)

[@AriannaEuryaleMusic]

... Therefore kudos to Kirk Hammet for Keeping up with James timing.

[@juozapasbockus9360]

AFAIK Kirk didn't record rhythm parts on Metallica albums. I could be wrong tho. James played alone because it's way easier to get such precise riffing than when two guitarists are playing. Even if they are both very good.

[@brownhooque]

@@juozapasbockus9360 referring to live. Yeah, Hetfield did all rhythm tracks until load.

[@AriannaEuryaleMusic]

@@juozapasbockus9360 Still, Whether they play just the Solos, or Bass, they are always under James´s supervision, so that´s what I meant.

[@redrick8900]

@@juozapasbockus9360 Kirk played rhythm on Load and Reload at least.

[@RevoltingRudi]

@@juozapasbockus9360 but kirk usually doubles the rythm live and when james guitar broke you can hear him how well he can do the riffs if needed.

[@jovanjensen6285]

The fact he played at the immense speed of the songs is just unreal

[@cracktalestuff1176]

honestly the man still is in his prime, or at least he was when he recorded Hardwired, that riff is as impressive as the one in Battery

[@ramon2008]

That’s quite a statement. I gotta give it another chance but honestly I get bored of it pretty quickly. There’s so many other cool bands out there Metallica’s new stuff just doesn’t do it. Although I gotta say they’re still my favorite band haha

[@cracktalestuff1176]

@@ramon2008 definitely give it another listen, i think it's their best work from the contemporary era but of course it's personal taste

[@joonapoutanen854]

Happy birthday legend my idol and my favourite rhythm guitarist 💪🤟

[@onemeans.o.b.7565]

I can honestly say that Dyers Eve was one of the top 5 most difficult Metallica songs I ever learned how to play when I was a teenager in the 1980s

[@Cshredz]

Can't even describe how sick he sounds playing Blackend in this... Unbelievable. Probably had it on repeat for the last 5 minutes and its just perfection. The tone is bang on too. Best rhythm guitarist alive! (Dime is his only rival imo) \m/

[@vorshack8968]

and Dave.

[@yessir6427]

dime has more creative and intricate riffs. james has a primitive style. james is tight as f. you have to have played rhthym guitar to understand how impressive it is to be this tight.

[@roybrewer5558]

Metallica is the reason I first picked up a guitar, and sometimes even I forget how great James is at his best!

[@richardrichardson6816]

The rhythm guitars on MoP were recorded slowed done with a lower tuning and then sped up, so that's where the sound (along with tone of course) and tightness on the album come from. James though is no doubt a great rhythm guitarist, just to the info.

[@tavicotavio]

yes, like 5% slower, its still impressive

[@erichand7548]

That is not correct sir. Shhhh!

[@NickSwe]

seriously? where did you get that info? sounds quite interesting from a recording from the mid 80s.

[@A_Final_Hit]

"Rasmussen recalls that in order to achieve the desired optimal sonic tightness, he had Metallica tune their instruments slightly lower than usual when recording "Master of Puppets" so they could mix with the tapes running faster and still have the end result sound in tune."

[@genustinca5565]

@@tavicotavio I've never heard that before about the MoP recording. Do you have a source? Down picking at 212bpm or 201 bpm (5% slower) makes a world of difference while tracking.

[@tonzofelephants1196]

The fact that he can play these INSANE riffs while singing just blows me away.. ive only just started getting into Metallica and boy have i been missing out

[@danielhopgood5202]

You got a lot to look forward to. Look at live in Seattle 89. That will blow you away

[@drumhailer547]

Been listening since they started when i was 7 or 8 had an older relative that got me into metal Young

[@justinwakeling8669]

The guy just loves music with a massive passion. Such a superstar

[@yvettehugues]

A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! to this talented man

[@jamesvuk9761]

I can't believe I've been listening to these guys for 35 years now still love them, rock on !!!!!

[@emerealm3779]

Disposable heroes and One are both insane. I've never heard music that compares in the metal genre.

[@Venom-ky2ht]

Hetfield brought rhythm guitar to a new level. I remember my good friend and I at the record store and flipping through the embarrassingly small metal section and him picking up Kill 'Em All saying these guys look heavy. Putting it on and music history change forever for me(well both of us). Ulrich was so powerful and the master down picker playing rhythm guitar like nothing before. A new genre.

[@dont.ripfuller6587]

I can't imagine what itust ja e been like to experience them coming up for the first time- being like "I never heard of these guys or this music🤔 I wonder what it sounds like..." 🤯

[@Saskidan]

Kill em All was my first metal album. I was 12 and it blew my mind.

[@hellyeah2299]

Even more impressive is Hetfield's ability to play well and sing at the same time. Not everyone can do this with intricate guitar pieces. I saw him live and that was the most impressive part of the show to me. I think Hetfield is underrated as a guitarist. Except among guitar players. We know how good he is.

[@USMCTexan]

Seriously, try playing the main riff to Blackened with the speed and precision that he does it on the record. I can play Disposable Heroes, Creeping Death, Master of Puppets, and a few others from start to finish (rhythm parts), but Blackened absolutely kicks my ass when I try.

[@DylanDylan-lb4kt]

I think a lot of people think they can play these songs. But to actually emulate the sound and aggressive playing is so difficult

[@derekcleffi6476]

It’s fucking murder on both hands. Blackened will be the death of my arms I swear

[@MehYam2112]

Disposable is the final boss for me. Blackened doesn't seem so bad in comparison, even if you're trying to nail all the original clarity, tone, feel etc

[@guyfauks2576]

@@derekcleffi6476 try dyers eye

[@USMCTexan]

@@MehYam2112 blackened being downpicked like James is insanely hard, Disposable is obviously a gallop that HAS to be alternate picked...plus the tail end of the main riff of Blackened requires on-point hand synchronization compared to the older stuff. Justice was their album that the band was at their technical height without a doubt.

[@DavidMiller212]

I play Metallica riffs all the time and James precision is just ridiculous. He's a human metronome.

[@paulmdevenney]

I have never improved my rhythm playing more than trying to double track what I'm practicing. This level of tightness is beast-mode

[@DanAnkers]

He's not just a musician. He's a full-on composer... In the classical sense I mean. This guy makes high-level art disguised as metal. Or at least he used to

[@stevejones148]

Their last album was a certified classic. Spit out the bone is a top 10 song for me.

[@willielast]

@@stevejones148 and its the first time on their own label too!

[@johnd5398]

No he didn't. Cliff did. James just made it sound nice. Metallica died with Cliff. RIP Clifftallica.

[@DrScott666]

At least he used too! 😂🤣😭🤣😂🤣🤣😂😭🤣🤣😂😂🤣😭🤣😂😂🤣😭😂😂🤣😭

[@TGMS77]

A metal fan saying metal isn't art is a whole new direction I ain't going 😂

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

What a comfort it must be having such a great “rhythm” guitarist like James. Crazy.

[@manfrombritain6816]

doing it on album is one thing... playing it faster, live, while singing, and coked up/drunk as fuck is way more impressive

[@ericunderwood8080]

James would walk around Downey High School with a smile smirk on his face with his head bobbin up and down like he was playing a tune in his head.... everyday! Eric Underwood class of 81 Downey High School California 👍

[@joshpratt4448]

You went to school with James?

[@ericunderwood8080]

@@joshpratt4448 Yes I did..High School...Cool guy .. haven't talked to him in decades...we grew up in different parts of Downey...James still talks with some of his neighborhood buddies... found that out from sharing rehab stories with someone we both know...

[@deleaud]

CV Class of 83. A couple behind Cliff but his legend was already cemented. Used to listen to him practice Sabbath at Stanton Arms Apartments where I believe his mom ran the place.

[@ericunderwood8080]

@@deleaud hey...Castro Valley right? Yeah James spoke about practicing Black Sabbath...Cool! I never met Cliff...James was helluva good guy... Happy for him! ✌️👍

[@kennethsalter9998]

Always thought James was very underrated....So many riffs that carried the songs!...

[@micahj894]

James was and is badass! He's truly underrated as guitarist.

[@truthhurts79]

@@ThatWasPrettyFunny underrated 💩 for brains

[@fathomrum]

Underrated??? Lolololol

[@fathomrum]

@@ThatWasPrettyFunny under appreciated??? Lololol in what world

[@shawn_bullock]

Not underrated. He's an Icon, Rock n Roll Hall of Famer, they've earned over a billion dollars over the bands lifetime, and are arguably on of the most successful, if not THE most successful rock bands of all time. Just search KZbin for people learning to play guitar or doodling around with their new distortion amps and 9/10 times they are playing a Metallica (James Hetfield rhythm guitar) riff. [The other 1/10 is split between a Rust in Piece Mustaine riff and then randomly someone else, LOL

[@ghengisdong6714]

Disposable Hero’s shreds so hard. Definitely an underrated jam.

[@unromanoarecareanaveragero8275]

James: Master of downpicking!

[@ahriman8462]

Happy birthday james papahet the table hetfield my favorite guitarist and biggest influence

[@sierravalleyandharborjunction]

many have said, Het is the absolute best at rhythm guitar no matter what speed ...always precise and always a great sound, his harmony with lead solos is also worth mentioning and you can give some much deserving credit to Cliff, James learned a ton of great discipline from Cliff in the all too very short time they had....pure magic

[@TwstedLizard]

I love these because it shows how tones that sit well in a mix aren’t the best sounding on their own

[@Ghost-vs3du]

Yeah actually I get discouraged a bit if I don't have a backing track to support the amazing riffs being played

[@floki5605]

Exactly, the tone sounds thin and meh on its own but in a mix it's HUGE

[@eschultzz]

But you k is what makes a thin tone like this REALLY work in a mix? TURNING THE BASS ALL THE WAY DOWN

[@TwstedLizard]

@@eschultzz cant tell if this is sarcastic or not but no that would make it sound like its going through a nokia 3310

[@TwstedLizard]

@@Ghost-vs3du especially on ride the lighting all the guitar tones sound horrible on their own,i dont like the mixing on that album anyway