James Hetfield

Latest about James Hetfield

The body of an Epiphone Explorer 80s EMG electric guitar lying on some sheet metal
“For James Hetfield fans, this guitar is a no-brainer”: Epiphone Explorer 80s EMG review

By Matt McCracken Published

Epiphone's latest Explorer delivers the ultimate unofficial tribute for Metallica fans

Electric Guitars
Daron Malakian and James Hetfield
Daron Malakian on the time he saved a Metallica gig – and ended up filling in for an injured James Hetfield

By Phil Weller Published

Malakian stepped up to sub for Hetfield at the last minute while on tour – and stuck around until he was fully recovered

Guitarists
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA - JULY 26: Guitarist Cody Chavez of Drain performs onstage during day 1 of Warped Tour at Shoreline Waterfront on July 26, 2025 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Inspired by Kiss, Metallica and Dokken, DRAIN’s Cody Chavez is the hardcore hero who isn’t afraid to shred

By Jim Beaugez Published

The Jackson die-hard thought he’d never be good enough to solo – then he surprised himself. He explains how his playing on new album …IS YOUR FRIEND was influenced by Dimebag Darrell, James Hetfield – and one specific George Lynch guitar solo

Guitarists
James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett
EMG founder on why this Metallica guitarist’s pickup set was the most challenging he’s ever made

By Phil Weller Published

The band first started working with the pickup builder before they scored their first record deal

Guitar Pickups
James Hetfield dressed as a kangaroo for Halloween 2025
James Hetfield wins Halloween by donning inflatable kangaroo costume to rip through a thrash classic – and he doesn’t miss a beat

By Phil Weller Published

Two Metallica members didn’t get the Halloween memo for the gig

Guitarists
Dave Mustaine of Megadeth [left] plays his signature Gibson Flying V live. On the right, an archive pic of Metallica frontman James Hetfield playing his white V copy, in his element circa 1984
Dave Mustaine reveals why Megadeth are covering Metallica on their final album

By Jonathan Horsley Published

Megadeth's new album will find Mustaine and co playing a Metallica classic, co-written by Mustaine in the early days, and MegaDave promises us we've never heard Ride the Lightning like this before

Guitarists
James Hetfield of Metallica during K-Rock DFP-7-Tarium at Giants Stadium in E. Rutherford, New Jersey, United States.
Meet Dino Muradian, the pyrographer who makes a living burning artwork into stars’ guitars

By Phil Weller Published

Defecting from his home country by flying himself over the border, the Romanian pilot wound up making guitar art for Metallica, B.B. King and the ESP Custom Shop

Guitars
A still from a YouTube video featuring Kirk Hammett in a white T-shirt with "Let's Go" written on the front. Guitar amps are in the backgound.
Metallica spark Mesa/Boogie mystery as unidentified amp spotted in ESP Guitars video. Could this be a James Hetfield signature?

By Jonathan Horsley Published

Speculation surrounding this unidentified chugging object has been ongoing since 2017 when it was spotted in Metallica's studio

Guitar Amps
Jason Momoa and his James Hetfield OGV replica: Mamoa plays a red-orange Fender bass guitar and wears his trademark hat. His heavy relic'd Metallica replica guitar rests beside its case and against an old station wagon.
Jason Momoa orders super-gnarly replica of James Hetfield’s iconic white Elektra OGV

By Jonathan Horsley Published

Momoa's downstroke game better be on point because Krupi Guitars went to town on recreating the guitar that made Metallica

Electric Guitars
Joe Duplantier ESP
Joe Duplantier explains how he started playing ESP guitars – and why he’s still playing Charvels

By Janelle Borg Published

The Gojira guitarist stunned gearheads with his custom ESP at last year's Paris Olympics opening ceremony – now, he's explaining his relationship with the guitar brand

Guitarists
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