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the main riff from “enter sandman” by metallica | ToneDB

enter sandman

metallica

the main riff

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Tone Profile

A crushing, tight, and heavily scooped high-gain rhythm tone with immense power and clarity, defining the sound of 90s metal.

Signal Chain

Instrument: ESP MX-220 'EET FUK' Explorer with EMG 81 (bridge) / EMG 60 (neck) pickups

Amp: Modified Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head into Mesa/Boogie 4x12 cabinet with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers

Microphone: Shure SM57 (close-mic, slightly off-axis on cone)

Processing: Aphex Aural Exciter (model 104 Type C), BBE Sonic Maximizer (model 422A or 822A), Parametric EQ (e.g., Sontec or GML, for mid-scoop and shaping)

Other: This is one of James Hetfield's primary rhythm guitar tracks, typically double-tracked and panned. The IIC+ was heavily modified (often referred to as the 'Crunch Berries' amp).

Recording Notes

  • Recorded by Bob Rock at One on One Recording Studios, North Hollywood, CA, in 1990-1991.
  • Extensive use of guitar layering was employed, often involving two distinct amp sounds (Mesa and Marshall) for James Hetfield's rhythm parts, each double-tracked and panned for a wide stereo image.
  • James Hetfield's main rhythm sound was a blend of his modified Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and a Marshall Plexi/JCM800.
  • Kirk Hammett primarily used an ADA MP-1 preamp into a Mesa/Boogie Strategy 400 power amp for his parts, leads, and some overdubs.
  • EMG active pickups (typically EMG 81 in the bridge and EMG 60 in the neck) were crucial for the tight, articulate, and high-output sound.
  • Significant EQ, both subtractive (mid-scoop) and additive (bass/treble enhancement), was applied during tracking and mixing.
  • Multiple microphones and placements were experimented with and often blended to achieve the final tones.

Recreation Tips

  • Use a guitar equipped with active high-output humbuckers like the EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 60 (neck).
  • Employ at least two distinct high-gain amp sounds for layering: one Mesa Mark series-style (for tightness and focused gain) and one Marshall Plexi/JCM800-style (for aggressive midrange and attack).
  • Apply a significant mid-scoop using a graphic or parametric EQ, typically cutting frequencies broadly centered around 500Hz-800Hz.
  • Boost bass frequencies (around 80-120Hz) and treble frequencies (around 5-7kHz), ensuring the low-end remains tight and not muddy.
  • Double-track your main rhythm guitar parts meticulously and pan them hard left and right to create a wide and powerful stereo image.
  • Utilize a noise gate to achieve very tight staccato riffs and clean palm-muted sections.
  • Focus on aggressive down-picking and precise rhythmic execution, characteristic of James Hetfield's playing style.
  • Consider subtle use of an Aphex Aural Exciter and BBE Sonic Maximizer (or their plugin equivalents) to add clarity, punch, and harmonic richness if aiming for maximum authenticity.

Sources