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rhythm guitar from “ride the lightning” by metallica | ToneDB

ride the lightning

metallica

rhythm guitar

75% ai confidence

Tone Profile

A tight, aggressive high-gain rhythm guitar tone with scooped mids, providing clarity and punch for fast-paced riffs. It's a classic thrash metal sound with a raw, slightly unpolished edge.

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The Story

Metallica recorded "Ride the Lightning" at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen with producer Flemming Rasmussen. James Hetfield's rhythm guitar tone was achieved using his Gibson Explorer through a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier, close-miked with a Shure SM57. The characteristic scooped mid EQ and tight, aggressive sound helped define the thrash metal genre and became a template for countless metal recordings.

Production Credits

Producer: Flemming Rasmussen

Engineer: Flemming Rasmussen

Recorded at: Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen

Recreation Tips

  • Start with a Gibson Explorer or similar guitar with high-output humbucker pickups.
  • Use a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amp model or similar high-gain amplifier.
  • Dial in a scooped mid EQ setting, boosting the bass and treble frequencies.
  • Experiment with microphone placement on the cabinet to find the sweet spot.
  • Add a touch of compression to tighten up the sound and enhance sustain.

Original Gear

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Substitutions & Recommendations

Mesa/Boogie Mark V:90Shop on Reverb$2800-$3200

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Modern successor to the Mark IIC+ with multiple channels including a faithful recreation of the original Mark IIC+ circuit for authentic Metallica tones

Neural DSP Fortin Cali SuitePlugin Boutique$100-$150

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

High-quality digital recreation of Mesa Boogie circuits including Mark series amps, offers the scooped mid character essential for this tone

ESP LTD EX-50Shop on Reverb$400-$500

Alternative to: Gibson Explorer

Budget Explorer-style guitar with high-output humbuckers that delivers the aggressive pickup output needed for thrash metal rhythm tones

PRS MT15 Mark TremontiShop on Reverb$700-$900

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

15-watt tube head designed for modern metal with tight, focused gain structure similar to the Mark series scooped character

Shure SM57Shop on Reverb$100-$120

Alternative to: Shure SM57

The exact same microphone used on the original recording, still the industry standard for close-miking guitar cabinets

Sources

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