ESP KH series
Signature guitar with active humbuckers for high-gain leads.
Gear & Tone AtlasVerified
Kirk Hammett
San Francisco, United Statesthrash metal, heavy metal
Metallica lead guitarist famed for wah-soaked, melodic solos.
Guitarist Profile
Artistry & Style
Signature Techniques
wah-driven leadspentatonic phrasingfast legato
Key Takeaway for Players
“A signature effect can make even simple licks instantly recognizable.”
Origin & Era
San Francisco, United States
37.77° N, -122.42° W
Gear & Tone Atlas
VerifiedEquipment & Sound
The instruments, pedals, amplifiers, and signal chain that shape the sound of Kirk Hammett.
What defines the sound
Signature Tone
Hammett drives his Metallica leads with ESP signature guitars loaded with active humbuckers into high-gain Marshall and Mesa/Boogie amplifiers. A Tube Screamer tightens and pushes the gain for smooth sustain. His most recognisable trait is heavy use of a wah pedal, which gives his solos their vocal, expressive sweep.
From guitar to amp
Signal Chain
- guitarConfirmed
ESP KH series
Signature guitar with active humbuckers for high-gain leads.
- overdriveConfirmed
Ibanez Tube Screamer
Tightens and boosts the high-gain amp.
- wahConfirmed
Dunlop KH95
Signature wah central to his lead phrasing.
- ampConfirmed
Mesa/Boogie
High-gain amp for tight rhythm and smooth leads.
Instruments
Kirk Hammett Guitars
Confirmed
On the board
Pedals & Effects
Dunlop KH95
Signature wah central to his lead phrasing.
wah
Sources
SourcesEquipboard
Ibanez Tube Screamer
Tightens and boosts the high-gain amp.
overdrive
Sources
SourcesEquipboard
Amplification
Kirk Hammett Amps
Mesa/Boogie
High-gain amp for tight rhythm and smooth leads.
Sources
SourcesEquipboard
For players
How to Sound Like Kirk Hammett
Key tone ingredients
- a humbucker guitar
- a high-gain amp
- a Tube Screamer
- a wah pedal
Affordable alternatives
- any humbucker guitar
- a high-gain modeller with a wah block
Suggested effect settings
- Tube Screamer to tighten gain
- wah swept slowly for leads
Amp settings
- high gain with present mids
- tight low end
Playing technique tips
- use the wah as a vocal filter
- practise melodic pentatonic phrasing
What to avoid
- overusing the wah until it tires
- scooped mids that lose clarity
Verification
Sources
Every gear claim links to a source. Items marked probable or inspired-by are not fully confirmed.
Keep exploring