Metallica's "One"

Metallica's "One" is an iconic track, not only for its gripping lyrical content but also for its remarkable guitar work that blends melody and aggression. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com takes you deep into the song, dissecting every part to ensure you can master the techniques that make this track stand out. This comprehensive breakdown of Metallica's "One" will help you perfect your playing, incorporating a range of guitar techniques that are essential for any aspiring metal guitarist. Jamie Humphries breaks down this iconic metal track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "One"

James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett, two of the most influential metal guitarists of all time, crafted the sound of "One" with their distinct playing styles. Hetfield is known for his precise, rhythmic riffing, while Hammett adds melody and flair through his blazing solos. Together, their dual-guitar attack creates a complex and powerful sonic landscape that has influenced countless guitarists. Learning "One" will give you insight into Hetfield’s masterful rhythm playing and Hammett’s exceptional lead work.

The Influence of James Hetfield

Hetfield is often recognised as one of the tightest rhythm players in metal. His down-picking and palm muting techniques have become a signature sound in metal. In "One," Hetfield’s use of clean arpeggios and power chords combined with heavy, percussive riffing sets the foundation of the track. Mastering his playing in this song will improve your ability to handle complex rhythms and transition smoothly between clean and distorted tones.

The Influence of Kirk Hammett

Kirk Hammett's lead work in "One" showcases his blend of melodic phrasing and shredding techniques. His use of techniques like legato, alternate picking, and tapping make his solos stand out. By learning Hammett’s parts in this song, you’ll develop speed, precision, and creativity, enhancing your lead guitar skills significantly.

Breaking Down the Techniques in "One"

The lesson on "One" will cover various guitar techniques used throughout the song, each critical to developing a versatile guitar skill set. Here are the key techniques focused on in the song's lesson, along with their benefits:

Clean Arpeggios

The song opens with a haunting clean guitar part, utilising arpeggios to create a flowing, melodic feel. Learning to play arpeggios cleanly helps improve your finger control and timing, as it requires a delicate touch and precise picking.

Palm Muting

Throughout the heavier sections of "One," Hetfield uses palm-muting to add a tight, percussive sound to the rhythm guitar parts. Palm muting is essential for metal guitarists, as it controls sustain and creates a heavier, more defined riffing style.

Alternate Picking

Hammett’s solos in "One" feature rapid alternate picking, a technique that enhances speed and efficiency. Practicing alternate picking will help you build up the stamina and precision needed for fast, technical lead passages.

Legato

The solo also includes fluid legato runs, which involve hammer-ons and pull-offs to create a smooth, connected sound. Legato is crucial for playing fast, melodic lines while reducing pick noise and allowing for faster transitions between notes.

Tremolo Picking

The outro of "One" involves fast, aggressive tremolo picking to maintain intensity and drive. This technique improves your picking hand speed and accuracy, helping you build endurance for long, rapid-picked sections.

Two-Handed Tapping

In the final solo, Hammett incorporates two-handed tapping for a flashy and fast melodic run. Tapping helps to expand the fretboard range and allows you to perform intricate lines that are otherwise hard to execute with traditional picking techniques.

Galloping Rhythms

The iconic "machine gun" section features Metallica’s signature galloping rhythm, which requires tight coordination between both hands. Mastering this technique enhances your ability to maintain rhythmic precision while playing fast-paced riffs, a must for metal rhythm guitarists.

String Bending and Vibrato

Hammett uses a mix of string bending and vibrato to add expression to his lead lines, giving the solo a more vocal-like quality. These techniques are essential for adding emotion and character to your playing.

Power Chords

The heavier sections of "One" rely on driving power chords to deliver the song’s crushing riffs. Power chords are a staple in rock and metal, providing a solid foundation for building riffs and songs.

Syncopated Rhythms

The song’s rhythmic complexity is highlighted through syncopated rhythms, which challenge your timing and rhythmic feel. Syncopation improves your ability to play with groove and to lock in with a drummer or other rhythm instruments.

Techniques Featured in "One"

By working through our lesson on Metallica’s "One," you'll master these essential techniques:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggios
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Galloping Rhythms
• Tremolo Picking
• String Bending
• Power Chords
• Syncopated Rhythms

Mastering these techniques will not only help you nail Metallica's "One," but they will also enhance your overall guitar playing ability, preparing you for countless other songs and styles. Whether you're looking to perfect your rhythm playing or develop your lead guitar prowess, this lesson will take your skills to the next level.