James Hetfield

James Hetfield is the main songwriter, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and founding member of the band Metallica. He is known for his stage presence, muscular riffing style and often-imitated signature growl, which has become more melodic as he has grown older.

Equipment

Guitars

James has been a major endorsee of ESP guitars since 1991, and is best known for playing custom-made Explorer-style guitars with an EMG 81/60 set for pickups. Arguably the one person who made the model famous, his popularization of the model was considered by some to be a major catalyst in Gibson's decision to sue ESP over loss of profits (Gibson made the model in the later 1950's and has allowed other companies to build replicas, but has been known to eventually sue such companies). He also collects guitars made in 1963, the year of his birth. James' main guitar from the early days, his Flying V, was an Epiphone, and he used this low-end guitar almost exclusively until it broke in the mid 1980's.

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Amplifiers

James currently uses Mesa Boogie Strategy 400 amplifiers. He was arguably one of the first investors in the company during its rise to fame in the 1980's, having used their coveted Mark IIC+ amp, which is to this day considered one of the very best in the business for high-gain guitar sounds.

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Speaker cabinets

• Mesa Boogie 4x12" Speaker Cabinet

Accessories

• Dunlop Custom Nylon Picks
• Ernie Ball strings