In a recent interview with Guitar World, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett shared his thoughts on his best-ever guitar tone and the greatest solo he’s ever recorded, revealing his deep connection to the band’s 1996 album Load.
Hammett, known for his distinctive sound, stated that the lead tone he achieved on Load remains his favorite, explaining, “I would have to say my lead sound on Load is the best tone I’ve ever gotten. I’m still chasing that sound.” According to Hammett, the tone was crafted using a 1961 SG with PAF pickups, running through a combination of amplifiers—though he admits, “I don’t know if it was 20, but it was definitely more than five.”
His second-favorite tone comes from Kill ‘Em All, where he used his Flying V with EMG pickups and a Tube Screamer, paired with James Hetfield’s iconic Marshall amp. Hammett fondly recalled the purity of the sound, describing it as “real,” with a natural quality that perfectly complemented the music, creating “magic.”
When it comes to his greatest solo, Hammett pointed to Load once again, naming the solo from “Hero of the Day” as his best. He expressed a strong emotional connection to the track, saying, “Every note counts and fits perfectly. I feel like everything is in its right place and the solo lifts the song to another level.” Hammett went on to explain that he always strives to elevate the song with his solos, even though he doesn’t always feel successful. According to him, “Hero of the Day” stands out as one of the tracks where the solo added a new intensity to the song.
The conversation also touched on other moments of Hammett’s career, including his love for the green Stratocaster used in the I Disappear video, which contributed to the memorable solo in “Fuel.” Regardless of the differing opinions surrounding Load and Reload, Hammett’s reflections offer a personal and heartfelt perspective on some of his most iconic work with Metallica.
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