Flavor of the Weak

The recording

According to a Guitar World interview the Les Paul was Billy Duffy’s ’59 Les Paul and the ESP was James Hetfield’s black ESP, and both were used during the Maui sessions with producer Bob Rock at Plantation Mixing and Recording. The guitars were recorded with studio equipment provided by Rock; the exact amp and effects remain undocumented, but the Les Paul handled the chordal foundation while the ESP delivered the melodic lead, creating a full pop‑rock sound.

Reported gear

1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard

Guitar

Used for the rhythm tracks on 'Flavor of the Weak', borrowed from Billy Duffy’s ’59 Les Paul as noted in a Guitar World interview.

Black ESP (James Hetfield’s)

Guitar

Used for the lead parts on 'Flavor of the Weak', borrowed from James Hetfield’s black ESP as mentioned in a Guitar World interview.

Alternatives

Gibson Les Paul Standard 1959 Reissue

Reissue · for the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard

$2,200 to $2,800

ESP LTD EC-1000

Modern equivalent · for the Black ESP (James Hetfield’s)

$600 to $800

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Select the bridge pickup on the Les Paul for bright rhythm chords.
2. 2.Apply moderate overdrive to the ESP for the lead melody.
3. 3.Alternate‑pick the verses with tight, consistent rhythm.
4. 4.Add light palm‑mute on rhythm parts to tighten the groove.