Kirk Hammett Pedalboard Philosophy: How To Sound Like Metallica
Kirk Hammett is one of the Metal’s most popular lead guitarists. Effects are particularly important for metal, as one of its main characteristics is that highly ampilified, chugging distortion.
According to past interviews, Kirk Hammett prefers sending a clean Tube Amp signal and allow his effects to take over for the overdrive.
So, what effects are needed to put together a Kirk Hammett pedalboard?
Unique Kirk Hammett Pedalboard Effects
Kirk Hammett has a unique inclusion on his pedal board; a modified Wah Wah pedal. In fact, it seems he uses the electronics of a Dunlop Crybaby, but encase in an Ernie Ball volume pedal casing. So if you are basing yourself off picures of his pedalboard, keep this in mind. It’s A Kirk Hammett Pedalboard staple.
Gut this…
Ernie Ball Volume Pedal
…and add this:
Dunlop Classic Wah Crybaby
Kirk Hammett Pedalboard Essentials
Kirk Hammett also has a few stompboxes and other pedals, such as:
Ernie Ball Wah
Yes, it seems Kirk Hammett employs additional Wah pedals other than his custom Dunlop/Ernie Ball.
Ibanez Tubescreamer
A staple in most artists’ pedalboards and one of the most popular guitar pedals, this is the pedal Kirk Hammett uses for his main distortion, in which he pushes a clean tube sound. A Kirk Hammett pedalboard essential.
Lovetone Meatball
Another Wah-type pedal.