Kirk Hammett

Kirk Hammett was born in El Sobrante, California, to a Filipino mother and an Irish-American father. He became interested in music at an early age, initially playing the drums before switching to guitar after hearing Jimi Hendrix. In 1979, he co-founded the thrash metal band Exodus, which became a key act in the Bay Area thrash scene. His tenure with Exodus lasted until 1983, when he was invited to join Metallica after the departure of Dave Mustaine. Hammett's first recording with Metallica was the 1983 album Kill 'Em All, which helped define the thrash metal genre.

As Metallica's lead guitarist, Hammett has contributed to all of the band's studio albums from Kill 'Em All onward. His playing is characterized by fast alternate picking, aggressive palm-muted riffing, and expressive wah-pedal solos. He cites influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Michael Schenker, and UFO's lead guitarist, as well as jazz and blues players. Hammett's solo on "One" (1988) is widely considered one of his finest, and he has been ranked among the greatest guitarists of all time by publications like Rolling Stone and Guitar World.

Hammett's guitar collection is one of the most extensive in rock, featuring vintage instruments from the 1950s and 1960s, including a 1959 Gibson Les Paul and a 1963 Fender Stratocaster. He is particularly associated with the ESP guitar brand, having used ESP signature models since the late 1980s. His signature sound also relies heavily on the Dunlop Cry Baby wah pedal, which he uses for solos and atmospheric effects. Hammett has collaborated with ESP to create several signature models, including the KH-2 and the KH-3, which are used by many metal guitarists.

Beyond Metallica, Hammett has pursued side projects and collaborations. He released a solo EP, Portals, in 2022, which explores instrumental and cinematic music. He has also contributed to soundtracks and guest appearances on albums by other artists. Hammett is an avid collector of horror movie memorabilia, and his collection has been featured in exhibitions and documentaries. He has been an advocate for music education and has supported various charitable causes. His influence on metal guitar playing is immense, and he continues to inspire new generations of guitarists.

Thrash metal

A subgenre of heavy metal characterized by fast tempos, aggressive guitar riffs, and high-energy performances.

Wah pedal

A guitar effects pedal that alters the tone of the signal to create a distinctive 'wah' sound, often used for expressive solos.