Sound Like Kirk Hammett
Kirk Hammett stands as one of heavy metal's most enduring tonal references — aggressive and precise by nature and endlessly studied. Kirk Hammett defined the lead guitar vocabulary of thrash metal — wah-soaked pentatonic runs, Mesa Boogie high gain and a sense of drama in every solo. His KH-2 signature ESP through a Dual Rectifier is the template for aggressive, expressive metal lead playing. These complete rig guides at four budget levels show exactly what gear it takes to get there.
Budget Comparison
Pick Your Budget Level
£500 · Sweet Spot
~£592
- GuitarJackson JS22 Dinky
- AmpBoss Katana 50 MkII
- WahDunlop GCB95 Cry Baby Wah
- DistortionBoss DS-1 Distortion
£1,000 · Pro-Level
~£986
- GuitarJackson JS22 DKA Dinky
- WahDunlop GCB95 Cry Baby Wah
- AmpBoss Katana 100 MkII
- DelayStrymon Timeline
£2,500 · Premium
~£2475
- GuitarIbanez RG550 Genesis Collection
- WahWilson Effects MkII Wah
- EQBoss GE-7 Graphic EQ
- AmpMarshall DSL40CR
- DelayStrymon Timeline
Tone Profile
Kirk Hammett's Sound
ESP KH-2 (EMG 81/60 pickups) into a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier. The Dunlop Kirk Hammett Signature Cry Baby wah is almost always in use — Hammett uses it as a tone-shaping filter on rhythm parts and for the characteristic wah-drenched solos. Very high gain, smooth sustain from the EMGs.
Tone Match
Closest Real-World Tone Match
If you like Kirk Hammett's tone, these players use a similar approach — same gear philosophy, comparable sound characteristics.