TONEDB

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

ride the lightning

metallica

rhythm guitar

AI generatedv1.0

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.

Gear

Gibson Explorerinstrument
ReverbSweetwater
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+amp
ReverbSweetwater
Shure SM57microphone
ReverbSweetwater

ToneDB may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

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

Signal Chain

Instrument: Gibson Explorer

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Microphone: Shure SM57

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

  • Gibson Explorer(guitar)
  • Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+(amp)
  • Shure SM57(mic)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Mesa/Boogie Mark V:90$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

ReverbSweetwater
Neural DSP Fortin Cali Suite$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

ReverbSweetwater
ESP LTD EX-50$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

ReverbSweetwater
PRS MT15 Mark Tremonti$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

ReverbSweetwater
Shure SM57$100-$120

Alternative to: Shure SM57

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

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Insights

No community insights yet. Be the first to contribute!