James Hetfield is a household name in the world of rock and metal music, known for his powerful vocals and incredible guitar skills. As a co-founder and frontman of the legendary band Metallica, Hetfield has been an inspiration to countless musicians over the years. If you’re looking to up your guitar game, there’s no better teacher than Hetfield himself. In this blog post, we’re going to dive deep into one of Hetfield’s most iconic guitars: the “So What” axe.Renowned for his epic riffs and incredible talent, the guitar virtuoso has solidified his status in the guitar world. The “So What” axe, Hetfield’s signature model designed in collaboration with ESP Guitars, is a revered instrument in the guitar community. In this blog post, we will explore the unique features of the “So What” guitar and the playing style of its creator, James Hetfield, to help you learn from the best and master the art of guitar playing.
Whether you’re an experienced musician or just starting out, there’s no denying the importance of studying great guitarists like James Hetfield. By exploring his techniques and playing style, you can learn a lot about the art of guitar playing and how to craft your own unique sound. In this blog post, we’ll go beyond the basics and dissect the “So What” guitar and Hetfield’s playing style to help you take your guitar skills to the next level. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets of this iconic instrument and the masterful musician who wields it.
The “So What” Guitar
The “So What” guitar was designed in collaboration with James Hetfield and ESP Guitars. The guitar features a unique body shape designed for Hetfield’s playing style, as well as a set of EMG pickups that deliver a powerful sound. The guitar’s dark purple finish perfectly complements the heavy metal sound it produces. Hetfield has used the “So What” guitar on many of Metallica’s hit songs, showcasing its versatility and power.The guitar’s F-sharp tuning gives it a distinct sound that stands out in the heavy metal genre. In addition to its unique features, the “So What” guitar is also known for its build quality and attention to detail. From the smooth contours of the body to the precise placement of the controls, every aspect of the guitar has been designed to enhance its playability and sound. If you’re serious about mastering the art of guitar playing, the “So What” guitar should definitely be on your radar.
Despite its unconventional look, the “So What” guitar is incredibly versatile. Hetfield himself has used it on countless hit songs and albums, proving its sound and playability. The guitar’s EMG pickups provide a powerful, high-output tone that is perfect for heavy metal and hard rock styles. However, the guitar can also be used for a wide variety of other genres, thanks to its unique sound and build quality. The guitar’s set-neck construction and high-quality materials ensure that it will provide excellent tone and playability for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the “So What” guitar is a must-have for anyone looking to take their playing to the next level.
Hetfield’s Playing Style
Hetfield’s playing style is heavily influenced by classic rock and punk rock music. He combines these styles to create his own unique sound, which is often described as aggressive and powerful. One of the most notable elements of Hetfield’s playing style is his use of downpicking, which gives his riffs a tight, precise sound. He’s also known for his use of palm muting, which helps to create a more percussive, rhythmic feel. By mastering these techniques, you can improve your own playing and develop a more focused approach to guitar.Another important aspect of Hetfield’s playing style is his use of power chords. These simple, yet effective, chord shapes are a staple of heavy metal and hard rock music. Hetfield often uses them to create huge, soaring riffs that drive the song forward. In addition, he’s also adept at using alternate picking, which allows him to play faster, more complex riffs with ease. By incorporating these techniques into your playing, you can take your guitar skills to the next level.
But Hetfield’s playing style isn’t just about technique. He’s also a master of phrasing, using dynamics and timing to create a more expressive, emotional sound. For example, he might play a riff softly and then suddenly increase the volume to create a dramatic, powerful effect. He also uses vibrato and bending to add more feel and personality to his playing.
In addition to these techniques, Hetfield is also a master of rhythm guitar playing. He’s known for his ability to lock in with the bass and drums to create a tight, cohesive sound that’s essential to the heavy metal genre. By honing your own rhythm guitar skills and focusing on timing and feel, you can create a more powerful, impactful sound like Hetfield’s.
Mastering the “So What” Axe
To master the “So What” guitar, first, you need to spend time getting to know the guitar itself. Begin by understanding its unique features and how they contribute to its tone and feel. Experiment with tone knobs, volume knobs, and the pickup selector switch to see how each aspect of the guitar affects the sound it produces. Be sure to try out different techniques as well- pluck the strings hard or soft, try palm muting, playing closer to the bridge, etc. This will let you understand how the guitar reacts in different scenarios and help you determine how to get the sound you’re looking for from it.
As you become more comfortable with the “So What” guitar, start incorporating elements of James Hetfield’s playing style into your own toolbox. This might include downpicking, alternate picking, or palm-muted power chords. Take the riffs that inspired you and try to emulate them as closely as you can. Pay attention to the nuances in Hetfield’s playing style, such as the timing of his notes and the subtleties in his rhythm. These small details can make the difference between a mediocre riff and an epic one. Ultimately, mastering the “So What” guitar requires dedication and a willingness to put in the time to understand the guitar’s nuances – but the payoff can be immense.
Conclusion
It’s worth noting that while it’s essential to learn from other musicians and their techniques, we shouldn’t forget to develop our own style and approach to the instrument. To that end, don’t be afraid to experiment with different playing styles; find what resonates with you, what you enjoy playing, and continuously iterate on your sound. Ultimately, the goal is to express yourself authentically through the guitar and create your unique sound that people can identify even without being told. The “So What” guitar can be an incredible tool in that pursuit- use it as a launchpad to experiment with different sounds and playing techniques, an extension of yourself.
As you continue your guitar journey with the “So What” axe, consider recording yourself to hear how your playing sounds. Recording gives you feedback and helps you take a critical look at your performance. You can then identify areas of improvement and refine your playing style accordingly. Aside from that, try playing with other musicians and participate in open jam sessions. Not only will you learn new playing techniques, but you’ll also get to experience other musical styles, inspire from it, and create your music. Remember, ultimately, guitar playing is a personal journey, so enjoy it, be patient with yourself and strive to improve every day.
Hi there! I’m Casey Marshall, a guitar enthusiast and repair specialist. With years of experience playing and repairing guitars, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the instrument. Through this blog, I share tips and advice on guitar repair and maintenance, as well as insights into the world of guitar playing.
