Kirk Hammett, the legendary lead guitarist of Metallica, has a distinctive guitar style that has shaped heavy metal music since the 1980s.
He is known for playing a variety of ESP guitars, which include his signature models like the KH-2 and KH-3.
His most famous guitar, the 1959 Gibson Les Paul known as “Greeny,” adds to his iconic sound and history as a musician.
As you explore the world of Kirk Hammett’s guitars, you’ll find that each one has a story and has contributed to Metallica’s signature sound on classic albums.
From powerful solos to crunchy rhythms, his choice of instruments plays a crucial role in the heavy metal genre.
You might be surprised to discover how his personal preferences and unique gear choices have influenced his music and the bands that followed.
Understanding Kirk’s guitar gear can inspire your own music journey.
Whether you’re a budding guitarist or a longtime fan of Metallica, diving into the specifics of what Kirk Hammett uses can change the way you listen to his music and play your own.
Key Takeaways
- Kirk Hammett uses a variety of guitar brands, mainly focusing on ESP models.
- His signature sound has contributed significantly to Metallica’s success.
- Exploring his gear can provide insights into his influential music style.
Iconic Guitars and Gear
Kirk Hammett’s sound and style are shaped by a unique blend of guitars and gear.
These instruments and equipment not only define his playing but also set the stage for Metallica’s legendary performances.
The ESP Connection
When you think of Kirk Hammett, the ESP guitars immediately come to mind.
His relationship with ESP began in the late 1980s, and it has produced some of his most iconic models.
The KH-2 is perhaps his signature piece, featuring EMG pickups, a Floyd Rose tremolo system, and a sleek look that screams rock.
Kirk also has models like the KH-V and the KH-WZ, each offering distinctive designs and tonal qualities.
The Ouija guitar, with its unique artwork, is another standout.
These guitars are built for speed and precision, allowing you to unleash those killer solos effortlessly.
Legacy of the Gibson Les Paul
Before his partnership with ESP, Kirk relied heavily on Gibson guitars, particularly the classic Gibson Les Paul.
The 1959 Les Paul is one of his prized possessions, known for its warm, thick tones that work perfectly for heavy metal.
He often pulls out the Gibson Flying V, another classic that adds to his diverse sound palette.
The blend of these guitars, paired with active EMG humbuckers, creates a powerful and recognizable tone that makes your heart race during guitar solos.
Amplifiers and Effects
Kirk is just as particular about his amps.
He often uses Mesa Boogie products, like the Mark IIC+ and Mark IV.
These amps deliver the punch and clarity needed for his heavy riffs.
The Marshall JCM 800 is another favorite, known for its aggressive sound.
To take things up a notch, he incorporates effects like the Ibanez Tube Screamer for that extra grit.
Also, devices like the Digitech Whammy WH-1 add creative flair to his performances.
With this setup, you can see why his tone is so iconic in the metal scene.
Musical Milestones and Key Albums
Kirk Hammett has been a vital part of Metallica’s journey, marked by a series of groundbreaking albums.
Each release not only showcased his guitar skills but also shaped the metal genre.
Here’s a closer look at three pivotal moments in his career.
Rising with ‘Master of Puppets’
Released in 1986, Master of Puppets is a landmark album for both Metallica and Kirk Hammett.
It features some of his most iconic riffs, like in the title track and “Welcome Home (Sanitarium).” The album’s sound was heavier and more complex than previous works, showing Kirk’s creative growth.
This album helped define thrash metal and solidified Metallica’s place in rock history.
The combination of James Hetfield’s powerful vocals and Kirk’s intricate guitar solos created a unique sound.
Songs like “Battery” and “Disposable Heroes” became fan favorites and remain staples in their live performances.
Evolving with ‘The Black Album’
The Black Album, released in 1991, marked a significant shift for Metallica.
The band aimed for a more mainstream sound, and Kirk’s guitar work adapted beautifully.
This album includes hits like “Enter Sandman” and “Sad But True.”
Here, Kirk’s playing became more melodic, focusing on crafting memorable solos that complemented the lyrics.
The new sound helped the album achieve massive commercial success, reaching millions of fans worldwide.
It was a bold step, and it showed how versatile Kirk could be as a guitarist.
Continued Success and Experimentation
Following The Black Album, Metallica continued to push boundaries with albums like …And Justice for All and Load.
Kirk contributed to the band’s evolving sound by experimenting with different styles and techniques.
In …And Justice for All, the intricate riffs and solos stood out in tracks like “One.” Meanwhile, in Load, he incorporated more bluesy elements, showcasing his ability to merge various genres.
Kirk’s contributions as a songwriter became even more prominent, as he injected creativity into the band’s music.
Through each album, Kirk Hammett’s guitar work consistently elevates Metallica’s sound, making him a key figure in the band’s success.
Influence and Legacy
Kirk Hammett’s contribution to music goes beyond just his guitar playing.
His impact on thrash metal and songwriting helped shape the sound of Metallica and influenced countless musicians.
Impact on Thrash Metal Genre
Kirk Hammett is a key figure in thrash metal, a genre that rose to prominence in the 1980s.
Alongside James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, he helped define the sound of Metallica with his fast, aggressive guitar riffs.
His use of techniques like palm muting and speedy alternate picking became standard in thrash metal.
Tracks like “Master of Puppets” and “Ride the Lightning” showcase his skill and creativity.
These songs not only pushed the boundaries but also set a high bar for guitarists in heavy metal.
Hammett’s style inspired a wave of new guitarists to explore complex solos and intricate riffs.
His work laid the groundwork for future metal bands.
Contributions as Songwriter and Lead Guitarist
As a songwriter, your guitar work is essential to Metallica’s success.
Kirk’s creative input blends with Hetfield’s lyrics, resulting in powerful tracks.
His ability to craft memorable solos enhances the emotional depth of songs.
For example, “Fade to Black” features a haunting solo that perfectly complements the song’s theme.
Kirk’s background in various music styles allows him to incorporate diverse influences into Metallica’s sound.
He also pushed the band to experiment with different song structures and tempos.
His contributions helped Metallica evolve from a raw thrash band to a more polished heavy metal group, reaching wider audiences.
Kirk Hammett’s influence in both performance and songwriting has cemented his legacy in heavy metal history.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Kirk Hammett’s guitar choices, you’re in for a treat.
Here’s a closer look at the gear that has shaped his sound and some interesting facts about his collection.
What’s the main guitar Kirk Hammett played on ‘Master of Puppets’?
On the iconic album “Master of Puppets,” Kirk primarily used an ESP guitar.
His sound was sharp and dynamic, helping to create some of the album’s most memorable riffs.
Can you dig into Kirk Hammett’s guitar lineup? What treasures has he got stashed there?
Kirk’s lineup includes several models, mainly from ESP.
He also owns various custom guitars that showcase unique designs and features, each with its own story.
What axe is Kirk shredding on in the iconic track ‘One’?
In “One,” Kirk used a modified ESP guitar.
This guitar helped produce the haunting leads that are a highlight of the song.
James Hetfield’s got his go-to guitars, but what does Kirk usually jam on?
While Kirk loves his ESPs, he also plays Gibson and Fender guitars.
His varied selection allows him to explore different sounds and styles in Metallica’s music.
How big is Kirk Hammett’s guitar collection, anyway?
Kirk’s collection is quite large, boasting over 100 guitars.
Each piece reflects his journey as a musician and adds to his distinctive sound.
Kirk Hammett and guitar brands – he’s been spotted with ESP, but does he ever swing a Gibson?
Yes, Kirk has been known to play Gibson guitars, especially his Flying V. This brand is part of his history, adding depth to his sound and stage presence.