Song Rig
Wherever I May Roam
Kirk Hammett · Metallica · 1991
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
From the Black Album — Kirk's tone evolved significantly from the earlier thrash records. The Mesa Boogie replaced the Marshall for the Black Album sessions, producing a tighter, more controlled high-gain sound with better note articulation at the slower, mid-paced tempos of the new material.
Signal Chain
- 1ESP M-I Custom (EMG 81/60 pickup set)
- 2Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ (lead channel)
- 3Marshall 4×12 cabinet
- 4Dunlop Crybaby from Hell wah
Amp Settings
Mesa Boogie rather than Marshall — the IIC+ has a tighter low end and more precise midrange articulation than the JCM800. The Black Album guitar tone is distinctly more polished and controlled than the thrash era recordings.
Technique
How to Play It
Wah-heavy lead playing — Kirk uses the Dunlop Crybaby From Hell throughout the solo to add vocal expressiveness to the melodic lines. The wah is rocked slower and more deliberately than his earlier technique.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
EMG 81-equipped guitar → Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier or Peavey 5150 → Dunlop Kirk Hammett Signature Wah → Boss DD-3 delay at subtle settings.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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