Play electric guitar like Kirk Hammett

Here you will learn everything about Kirk Hammett's guitars, amplifier model, effects and accessories. We show you equipment from all price ranges with which you can emulate Kirk's sound and look. Enjoy browsing!

About Kirk Hammett

Kirk Hammett was born on November 18, 1962 in San Francisco . Even as a child and teenager, the young Kirk Hammett showed great interest in his older brother's extensive record collection , which included albums by Led Zeppelin , Black Sabbath, the Rolling Stones and UFO , among others. However, his biggest influence was Jimi Hendrix . After Kirk learned to play on a department store guitar at the age of 15, he switched first to the Fender Stratocaster and then to the Gibson Flying V and Les Paul. Kirk joined Metallica in 1983 , after his predecessor Dave Mustaine was fired from the group due to drug and alcohol problems. Shortly afterwards, Kirk recorded their first album Kill 'Em All with Metallica . To further improve his guitar playing, he took lessons from Joe Satriani himself . Although Kirk is primarily a solo guitarist , he has also been involved in songwriting since the '80s. One of his most famous riffs is of course the intro to Enter Sandman .

Cheap electric guitars in the Kirk Hammett style

Signature models and high-end instruments from Kirk Hammett

In addition to being a guitarist, Kirk is also passionate about collecting guitars. He is an endorser of Gibson and ESP Guitars , both guitar brands he usually plays on stage. Here you will find a selection of guitars in the upper price range , which Kirk also plays.

Kirk Hammett's guitars

As a long-time guitarist, Kirk Hammett naturally has a passion for good instruments and is a guitar collector with heart and soul. Kirk has now amassed a considerable collection of guitars , including some real rarities. Longtime fans are probably familiar with his black 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom , which he used on numerous Metallica albums and tours. Kirk is also the one who currently owns the famous 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard Greeny and loves playing this guitar in the studio and on stage. In addition, he also plays various Flying V models from Gibson and similar models from ESP . Of course he also has his green Fender Strat , which you can also discover in the video for I Disappear, for example . His success and passion for Gibson guitars have earned him an endorsement with the historic guitar manufacturer.

Expert opinion

You don't necessarily have to spend thousands of dollars to get close to Kirk's sound . There are numerous inexpensive instruments that are comparable to Kirk's guitars. Since Kirk usually plays heavily distorted , you should also think about choosing the right amplifier and the right effects devices .
If you really want to invest more, you should take a look at the following guitars beforehand. We have put together a selection of electric guitars from other manufacturers that have similar specifications to Kirk's own guitars and that closely resemble his originals in look and sound .

High-end alternatives for the perfect Metallica sound

Kirk Hammett's amplifier model and speakers

For his perfect sound , Kirk Hammett relies mostly on amplifier model and loudspeakers from Marshall and Mesa/Boogie. At home he practices on a Boss Katana Air.

Kirk Hammett's effects pedals

Kirk mostly plays distorted and particularly likes to use the two classic Tubescreamer pedals TS-9 and TS-808 from Ibanez. Kirk also uses some Boss pedals, which are a little cheaper.

The ideal accessory for your Metallica sound and look

With the following accessories you can perfect your look and sound and sound even more like Kirk Hammett. Whether it's sides, picks or other accessories, you'll find everything a Metallica fan's heart desires here!