“None of These Other Big Bands Are Using These New-Fangled Things” – James Hetfield’s Guitar Tech Explains How He Got the Metallica Riff King to…….

“None of These Other Big Bands Are Using These New-Fangled Things” – James Hetfield’s Guitar Tech Explains How He Got the Metallica Riff King to Switch to Modeling Amps

For decades, Metallica’s James Hetfield has been synonymous with bone-crushing tone, fueled by high-gain tube amps that have defined the sound of thrash metal. But in a surprising twist, the riff master himself has embraced modern modeling technology—something his longtime guitar tech, Chad Zaemisch, admits wasn’t an easy sell.

 

Speaking in a recent interview, Zaemisch revealed the behind-the-scenes battle to convince Hetfield that modeling amps were more than just a gimmick. “James was skeptical at first. He’d say, ‘None of these other big bands are using these new-fangled things,’” Zaemisch shared. “But once he heard the consistency and flexibility they offer, he was hooked.”

 

Metallica has always been known for their crushing tone, built on a legacy of tube amplifiers like the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and Diezel VH4. But as touring demands grew and technology advanced, the idea of a more streamlined setup became appealing—even to a purist like Hetfield.

 

“The problem with tube amps is their inconsistency,” Zaemisch explained. “One night, they sound perfect, the next, they’re slightly different due to power fluctuations or temperature changes. With modeling amps, we dial in James’s signature tone and it stays the same every single night.”

 

After years of resistance, Hetfield finally gave modeling amps a shot during pre-production for Metallica’s latest tour. “We ran an A/B test, and he was blown away by how close the model was to his real rig,” Zaemisch said. “The turning point was when he realized he could switch tones seamlessly without losing that raw, aggressive attack he’s known for.”

 

While Metallica hasn’t ditched tube amps entirely, Hetfield now incorporates modeling technology into his live rig—something unthinkable for the old-school metal icon just a few years ago.

 

So, what does this mean for the future of heavy metal guitar? If a staunch traditionalist like James Hetfield is willing to embrace modeling amps, it’s only a matter of time before more bands follow suit.

 

“James still loves his tube amps, but he also understands the practicality of modern tech,” Zaemisch concluded. “If it helps us deliver a better show, why not use it? At the end of the day, it’s about the music, not the gear.”

 

With Metallica continuing to push boundaries both sonically and technologically, it seems even the heaviest riffs of the future might come from “new-fangled” things after all.