Nothing Else Matters

The recording

‘Nothing Else Matters’ was recorded at One on One Studios in Los Angeles during the 1990‑1991 sessions for Metallica’s self‑titled ‘Black Album’. James Hetfield tracked the clean finger‑picked arpeggios using a Tom Anderson ProAM through a Roland JC‑120 Jazz Chorus, taking advantage of the amp’s built‑in stereo chorus for a spacious sound. Kirk Hammett later recorded the solo on his 1991 ESP KH‑2 signature guitar, routing the signal through a Cry Baby wah, a digital delay, and a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head, which provided the saturated yet articulate lead tone. Bob Rock produced the track, and the mix places the clean rhythm prominently in the left/right field while the solo sits centrally with a touch of reverb.

Tuning Standard E A D G B E

Reported gear

Tom Anderson ProAM

Guitar

James Hetfield used a Tom Anderson ProAM, a Strat‑style guitar borrowed from Kirk Hammett, for the clean fingerpicked arpeggios in the verses.

Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus

Amp

The clean rhythm tracks were run through a Roland JC‑120, whose built‑in stereo chorus gives the arpeggios their shimmering width.

ESP KH-2

Guitar

Kirk Hammett recorded the lead solo on a 1991 ESP KH‑2 signature model equipped with EMG 81/60 pickups.

Dunlop Cry Baby GCB-95

Pedal

A Cry Baby wah is heard shaping the phrasing of the solo, adding expressive sweeps.

Boss DD-3 Digital Delay

Pedal

A digital delay creates the subtle repeats heard after each solo phrase, helping the lead sit in the mix.

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Amp

The solo and heavier sections were amplified through a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+, delivering a high‑gain, thick tone that still retains note clarity.

Alternatives

Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster

Budget alternative · for the Tom Anderson ProAM

$400 to $500

Dunlop Cry Baby GCB-95 (used)

Budget alternative · for the Dunlop Cry Baby GCB-95

$40 to $70

Roland JC-09 Jazz Chorus

Modern equivalent · for the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus

$300 to $400

TC Electronic Flashback Mini

Budget alternative · for the Boss DD-3 Digital Delay

$100 to $130

ESP LTD KH-2

Modern equivalent · for the ESP KH-2

$500 to $700

Mesa/Boogie Mark Five: 25

Modern equivalent · for the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

$1,500 to $2,200

Practical playing approach

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

1. 1.Pick the verses with thumb‑plus‑index finger for a warm, even arpeggio.
2. 2.Keep the right‑hand attack light on the clean parts to preserve the JC‑120’s chorus shimmer.
3. 3.During the solo, use the bridge pickup and apply a subtle wah sweep on each phrase.
4. 4.Set the delay time to match the song’s half‑note tempo and let the repeats decay naturally.
5. 5.Maintain a relaxed wrist for smooth bends on the lead notes.