What guitar did Metallica use on The Unforgiven?

While the exact guitar model used on 'The Unforgiven' hasn't been specifically documented, Metallica primarily used Gibson Explorers and ESP guitars during the Black Album sessions. James Hetfield was known to favor Gibson Explorers for rhythm and lead parts during this period.

What amp did Metallica use on The Unforgiven lead guitar?

Metallica used Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifiers extensively during the Black Album recording sessions. This amp was central to their high-gain, scooped-midrange sound throughout the early 1990s.

How to get Metallica's The Unforgiven guitar tone?

Start with a high-output humbucker guitar through an Ibanez Tube Screamer into a Mesa/Boogie Mark series amp or similar high-gain amplifier. Scoop the midrange with the graphic EQ and use moderate gain settings for the clean-to-heavy transitions in the song.

Who produced Metallica The Unforgiven?

Bob Rock produced 'The Unforgiven' as part of Metallica's Black Album. The album was recorded at One On One Recording Studios in North Hollywood with Randy Staub engineering.

What pedals did Metallica use on The Unforgiven?

Metallica commonly used the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 during the Black Album sessions to boost their Mesa/Boogie amps and add sustain. The exact pedal chain for 'The Unforgiven' specifically hasn't been fully documented in interviews.

lead guitar from "the unforgiven" by metallica

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Tone Profile

A high-gain, scooped-midrange lead guitar tone with a slightly compressed and smooth character, perfect for melodic solos and powerful riffs. The sound is big and impactful, with a touch of reverb for added depth.

Shop This Rig

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

The Story

The lead guitar tone on Metallica's 'The Unforgiven' was recorded at One On One Recording Studios by producer Bob Rock and engineer Randy Staub. While specific gear details for this track aren't fully documented, Metallica was known to use Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifiers and Gibson guitars during this era, with the signal chain typically including an Ibanez Tube Screamer for added sustain and drive.

Production Credits

Producer: Bob Rock

Engineer: Randy Staub

Recorded at: One on One Recording Studios, Los Angeles

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson 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 Gibson Explorer or similar guitar known for its sustain and aggressive tone.
Use a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier or a similar high-gain amplifier with a graphic EQ to scoop the mids.
Add an Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 to boost the signal and add sustain.
Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot on the cabinet.
Apply moderate compression and EQ during mixing to polish the tone.

Original Gear

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Gibson 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 VIIShop on Reverb$2400-$2600

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Modern recreation of the Mark series circuitry with the IIC+ mode, delivering the same scooped high-gain character

Gibson Explorer StudioShop on Reverb$1200-$1400

Alternative to: Gibson Explorer

Offers the same mahogany body and humbucker pickup combination for aggressive sustain and tone

Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer ReissueShop on Reverb$170-$200

Alternative to: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808

Exact reissue of the original circuit used to tighten the low end and add sustain to the Mark IIC+ tone

Neural DSP Archetype PetrucciPlugin Boutique$100-$120

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Features accurate Mark series modeling including IIC+ modes, ideal for home recording this style of lead tone

Epiphone ExplorerShop on Reverb$350-$450