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lead guitar from “sad but true” by metallica | ToneDB

sad but true

metallica

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

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.

Gear

ESP Explorerinstrument
Reverb$1499Sweetwater
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+amp
ReverbSweetwater
Shure SM57microphone
ReverbSweetwater
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808processing
Reverb$120Sweetwater

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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 Explorer

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808

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

  • ESP Explorer(guitar)
  • Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+(amp)
  • Shure SM57(mic)
  • Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Mesa/Boogie Mark V:90$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

ReverbSweetwater
Neural DSP Fortin Cali Suite$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

ReverbSweetwater
ESP E-II Explorer$1200-$1400

Alternative to: ESP Explorer

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

ReverbSweetwater
Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer Reissue$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+

ReverbSweetwater
Epiphone Explorer$300-$400

Alternative to: ESP Explorer

Budget Explorer option that with pickup upgrades can deliver similar mahogany body tone and aggressive character

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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