Sad But True (Riff) - Metallica

Mastering the Iconic Riff from "Sad But True"

Metallica’s "Sad But True" is one of the heaviest and most powerful tracks from their self-titled 1991 album, commonly known as "The Black Album." The song is driven by a crushing, down-tuned riff that showcases the band's signature tight rhythm playing. Our lesson on LickLibrary.com takes you through this iconic riff note for note, breaking down the key techniques used by James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett to achieve that unmistakable sound. Andy James breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Power Chords

The foundation of "Sad But True" lies in its massive power chords. These chords, played with a combination of palm muting and sustain, create the song’s heavy and authoritative tone. Power chords are a fundamental part of rock and metal guitar playing, helping to build strong rhythmic and harmonic structures in songs. Mastering them improves your left-hand strength and right-hand precision, making your playing more aggressive and controlled.

Palm Muting

One of the defining features of this riff is the use of palm muting, which gives the guitar a tight, percussive sound. This technique involves resting the side of the picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge while picking. It is crucial for achieving the chugging, rhythmic drive that Metallica is known for. Practicing palm muting enhances right-hand control and rhythm accuracy, which is essential for playing tight metal riffs.

Alternate Picking

James Hetfield’s powerful picking technique relies heavily on alternate picking for efficiency and speed. By alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, this technique ensures fluid motion and articulation, especially in fast-paced riffs. Developing strong alternate picking improves precision, endurance, and speed, making it easier to tackle complex metal rhythms.

String Bending

Though "Sad But True" is primarily rhythm-focused, Kirk Hammett incorporates string bending in his lead parts, adding expressive tension to the notes. Bending a string allows you to reach notes outside the standard fret positions, enhancing musicality and expressiveness. Working on this technique strengthens finger control and pitch accuracy, crucial for lead guitar playing.

Pick Slides

Another classic Metallica element found in this riff is the pick slide, where the pick is scraped along the lower strings to produce a gritty, aggressive sound. This technique adds a raw, high-energy effect to transitions between sections, making it an excellent way to create dramatic emphasis in a riff.

Altered Tuning (D Standard)

Unlike most Metallica songs, "Sad But True" is played in D Standard tuning (D-G-C-F-A-D), which gives the guitar a heavier, deeper tone. Playing in different tunings expands a guitarist’s creative options and allows for more dynamic sonic textures. Learning to adjust and play in altered tunings improves versatility and adaptability in different musical styles.

About the Guitarists Behind "Sad But True"

James Hetfield

As the rhythm guitarist and vocalist of Metallica, James Hetfield is renowned for his incredibly precise downpicking and powerful rhythm playing. His ability to create heavy, intricate riffs with absolute tightness is a key component of Metallica’s sound. Mastering Hetfield’s playing style enhances timing, stamina, and overall control for aspiring metal guitarists.

Kirk Hammett

Kirk Hammett, Metallica’s lead guitarist, brings expressive lead work and blues-influenced solos to the band’s music. His use of techniques such as bending, vibrato, and fast legato runs adds a melodic contrast to Hetfield’s aggressive rhythm playing. Learning from Hammett’s approach helps guitarists develop fluid lead phrasing and expressive soloing skills.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Pick Slides
• Altered Tuning

By learning and mastering these techniques, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Metallica’s playing style and build the skills necessary to tackle more advanced metal riffs and solos. Dive into our lesson and start playing "Sad But True" with the power and precision of Metallica!