What guitar did James Hetfield use on Sad But True?

James Hetfield used an ESP Explorer guitar equipped with EMG pickups during the recording of "Sad But True." This guitar was part of his main setup during the Black Album sessions at Little Mountain Sound Studios.

What amp did Metallica use for the Black Album?

Metallica primarily used Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifiers for the guitar tones on the Black Album, including "Sad But True." The Mark IIC+ was essential for achieving the album's signature scooped midrange sound and tight low end.

How to get Metallica Black Album guitar tone?

The Black Album tone requires a high-output humbucker guitar through a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ with scooped mids, boosted bass and treble. Use a Tube Screamer with low drive to tighten the sound, and record with an SM57 close-miked on the speaker cone.

What microphone was used to record Metallica guitars?

Metallica's guitar tones on the Black Album were recorded primarily using Shure SM57 dynamic microphones positioned close to the speaker cone. This microphone choice contributed to the focused, aggressive sound of tracks like "Sad But True."

Did Metallica use Tube Screamer on Black Album?

Yes, Metallica used an Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 during the Black Album recordings to tighten the low end and add midrange focus to their Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifiers. The pedal was used with relatively low drive settings as a boost.

lead guitar from "sad but true" by metallica

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Tone Profile

A heavy, scooped-midrange rhythm tone that is aggressive and powerful, yet remains articulate. The sound is characterized by its tight low-end and biting high frequencies, perfect for driving, impactful riffs.

Shop This Rig

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ESP Explorer(instrument)
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+(amp)
Shure SM57(microphone)
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808(processing)

The Story

"Sad But True" was recorded during Metallica's self-titled "Black Album" sessions at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver with producer Bob Rock. James Hetfield used an ESP Explorer guitar with EMG pickups through a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier, with the guitar sound captured using a Shure SM57 microphone. The recording featured multiple guitar layers and the distinctive scooped EQ approach that defined the album's sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Bob Rock

Engineer: Randy Staub

Recorded at: Little Mountain Sound Studios, Vancouver

Signal Chain

Instrument: ESP ExplorerShop on Reverb

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+Shop on Reverb

Microphone: Shure SM57Shop on Reverb

Processing: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808Shop on Reverb

Recreation Tips

Start with a guitar that has high-output humbucker pickups to drive the amp's input.
Use a Tube Screamer with the drive set low to tighten the low end and boost the mids slightly.
Dial in a scooped-midrange tone on the amp, emphasizing the bass and treble frequencies.
Experiment with different microphone positions to find the sweet spot on the speaker cone.
Use a dynamic microphone like the Shure SM57 for its focused sound and ability to handle high SPLs.
Double-track the guitar parts for added thickness and width.

Original Gear

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ESP ExplorerShop on Reverb(guitar)
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+Shop on Reverb(amp)
Shure SM57Shop on Reverb(mic)
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808Shop on Reverb(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Mesa/Boogie Mark V:90Shop on Reverb$2400-$2600

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

The Mark V includes a IIC+ mode that recreates the original circuit and delivers the same aggressive midrange scoop and tight low end

Neural DSP Fortin Cali SuitePlugin Boutique$100-$150

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Accurately models the Mark IIC+ amp circuit with the scooped midrange character essential for this Black Album tone

ESP E-II ExplorerShop on Reverb$1200-$1400

Alternative to: ESP Explorer

Modern version of the Explorer with EMG pickups that provides the same high-output humbuckers and aggressive attack

Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer ReissueShop on Reverb$180-$220

Alternative to: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808

Exact reissue of the original pedal used to tighten the low end and add midrange focus to the Mark IIC+

Epiphone ExplorerShop on Reverb$300-$400