TONEDB

rhythm guitar from “enter sandman” by metallica | ToneDB

enter sandman

metallica

rhythm guitar

90% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A massively heavy, tight, and percussive rhythm guitar tone with a signature scooped-mid EQ, delivering immense power and clarity for fast palm-muted riffs. This sound defined 90s metal and remains iconic for its aggressive yet polished character.

Signal Chain

Instrument: ESP MX-250 "EET FUK" Custom Explorer (EMG 81 Bridge pickup, EMG 60 Neck pickup often unused for rhythm)

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ Head (EQ set for high gain, scooped mids) driving a Mesa/Boogie 4x12 Straight Cabinet with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers

Microphone: Shure SM57 (close-mic, on-axis to cone edge of one V30) blended with a Sennheiser MD421-II (close-mic, on a different V30 or same speaker, slightly different position)

Processing: API 550A EQ (used for the characteristic mid-scoop, e.g., boost low bass ~100Hz, significant cut ~700-800Hz, boost treble ~6-10kHz), Eventide H3000 Ultra-Harmonizer (MicroPitchShift preset, very subtle mix for stereo width), Aphex Aural Exciter Type C (subtle use for added presence and clarity)

Other: This represents the core rhythm guitar layer. Typically quad-tracked (two distinct performances, each double-tracked) and panned hard left and right. Focus on extremely tight, down-picked playing.

Recording Notes

  • Recorded at One on One Recording Studios, North Hollywood, CA, from October 1990 to June 1991.
  • Produced by Bob Rock, who significantly shaped the album's powerful and polished sound.
  • James Hetfield's rhythm guitars were extensively layered, typically quad-tracked (two unique performances, each double-tracked and panned hard left and right).
  • Multiple amplifiers and cabinets (Mesa/Boogie IIC++, ADA MP-1, modified Marshall JCM800, Mesa and Marshall cabs) were used and often blended to create the composite tone.
  • Heavy reliance on outboard EQ, particularly API 550A modules, to achieve the signature 'scooped-mid' sound.
  • The Eventide H3000 was used subtly for detuning/chorus effects to widen the stereo image without sounding overtly modulated.
  • Extreme emphasis on tight, precise, and aggressive down-picked rhythm playing.
  • Aphex Aural Exciter and BBE Sonic Maximizer were employed to add high-frequency detail and low-end definition.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a guitar equipped with high-output active humbuckers (e.g., EMG 81 in the bridge position).
  • Employ a high-gain amplifier known for tight low-end and articulate highs (Mesa/Boogie Mark series or emulations are ideal).
  • Dial in a significant mid-scoop on your amp and/or post-EQ: boost bass (e.g., 80-120Hz) and treble (e.g., 5-10kHz), while heavily cutting midrange frequencies (around 400-800Hz).
  • Double-track your rhythm parts as a minimum (one performance panned hard left, another identical performance panned hard right). For the full effect, quad-track.
  • Use a noise gate pedal or plugin to ensure palm-muted sections are extremely tight and percussive, eliminating any unwanted string noise or hum.
  • Close-mic your speaker cabinet with a dynamic microphone like a Shure SM57, aiming at the edge of the dust cap for a balanced sound. Consider blending with an MD421.
  • For added width, apply a very subtle stereo chorus or pitch detuning effect (like an Eventide H3000 MicroPitchShift) in your DAW, keeping the mix very low.
  • Ensure your guitar has new strings and is properly set up for optimal tuning stability and clarity, especially with down-tuning (E-flat standard for Enter Sandman).

Sources