lead guitar from “the unforgiven” by metallica | ToneDB
the unforgiven
metallica
lead guitar
AI generatedv1.0
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.
Gear
- Gibson Explorerinstrument
- ReverbSweetwater
- Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+amp
- ReverbSweetwater
- Shure SM57microphone
- ReverbSweetwater
- Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808processing
- Reverb$120Sweetwater
ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
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 Explorer
Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+
Microphone: Shure SM57
Processing: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808
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
- Gibson Explorer(guitar)
- Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+(amp)
- Shure SM57(mic)
- Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808(pedal)
Substitutions & Recommendations
Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+
Modern recreation of the Mark series circuitry with the IIC+ mode, delivering the same scooped high-gain character
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Gibson Explorer
Offers the same mahogany body and humbucker pickup combination for aggressive sustain and tone
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative 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
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+
Features accurate Mark series modeling including IIC+ modes, ideal for home recording this style of lead tone
ReverbSweetwaterAlternative to: Gibson Explorer
Budget alternative with similar body wood and pickup configuration for the fundamental Explorer tone character
ReverbSweetwaterFrequently Asked Questions
Community Insights
No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!