Learn to Play "One" by Metallica

Metallica’s “One” stands as one of the most iconic metal tracks of all time, blending haunting melodies with explosive aggression and showcasing a broad range of guitar techniques that define the metal genre. At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson of “One” delivers an in-depth breakdown of every section, from the clean intro arpeggios to the intense, machine-gun rhythm picking and the blistering solos. This is more than just learning a song—it’s a journey through the essential techniques that shaped an era of heavy music. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists: James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett

"One" features the signature stylings of Metallica's founding guitarist James Hetfield and lead guitarist Kirk Hammett. Hetfield is renowned for his precise rhythm playing, often regarded as one of the tightest and most aggressive right hands in metal. His approach to riff construction and down-picked precision has influenced countless players in metal, punk, and rock. Hammett, on the other hand, brings melody and chaos together in his solos, blending blues-inspired phrasing with speedy runs and exotic scale choices. His use of expressive techniques, including wah and tapping, made him a standout soloist of the late '80s and beyond. Studying both guitarists gives learners access to a powerful duality: tight rhythm and explosive lead.

Intro Arpeggios and Clean Tone Control

The song opens with haunting arpeggiated chord progressions, played clean and delicately. This section introduces the player to dynamics, note separation, and chord voicing accuracy. Mastering clean arpeggios not only develops your finger dexterity and timing but also teaches tonal sensitivity—a skill often overlooked in heavy genres.

Benefit to learner: Practicing these arpeggios improves clarity and precision, which are foundational for both clean and distorted playing. You'll learn to control string noise and develop greater right-hand discipline.

Rhythmic Precision with Palm Muting and Galloping

As the song transitions, tight palm-muted riffs take centre stage. These sections are a prime example of Metallica’s famed galloping rhythms, where the picking hand plays a syncopated triplet feel to mimic a horse’s gallop.

Benefit to learner: This enhances rhythm control, builds stamina, and tightens your alternate picking under high gain. It’s ideal for players looking to strengthen their metal rhythm chops.

Alternate Picking and Tremolo Picking

The rapid, machine-gun-like bridge and solo sections in "One" demand high-speed alternate picking and tremolo picking. Played with militaristic precision, these techniques give the track its aggressive edge and forward momentum.

Benefit to learner: Focusing on these picking techniques helps develop speed and synchronisation between both hands, critical for soloing and tight riffing.

Legato and Hammer-Ons / Pull-Offs

Kirk Hammett’s solos utilise smooth legato phrases that incorporate hammer-ons and pull-offs, creating fluid, expressive runs. These sections require a balanced approach between speed and smoothness, allowing you to glide across notes without the sharp attack of picking every one.

Benefit to learner: This builds finger strength and control, essential for playing fast, expressive lead lines without relying solely on picking.

Two-Handed Tapping and Tapped Harmonics

Later in the solo, Hammett introduces two-handed tapping to deliver rapid-fire sequences across a wide fret range. This is combined with tapped harmonics, which add a shrieking, ethereal quality to the licks.

Benefit to learner: These techniques expand your fretboard reach and introduce a whole new layer of creativity. Tapping unlocks note combinations otherwise difficult to reach and is a staple in modern lead guitar playing.

String Bending and Vibrato

Expressive techniques like string bending and vibrato are used throughout Hammett’s solo to add soul and emotion. These articulations are what make a lead line sing and are often more impactful than sheer speed.

Benefit to learner: Perfecting bends and vibrato enhances your musical phrasing and allows you to connect more emotionally with your playing.

Power Chords and Dynamic Contrast

Throughout the heavier sections of the track, power chords drive the rhythm with authority. Their use adds weight and raw energy, especially when played with dynamic shifts from clean to distorted tones.

Benefit to learner: Power chords form the backbone of rock and metal. This lesson helps solidify your knowledge of chord shapes and how to use them effectively in songwriting and live performance.

Slides and Sustain for Expressive Lead Playing

Hammett also uses slides and sustain to make the solo breathe and feel more vocal. Holding notes and gliding between positions add expressive range to your playing.

Benefit to learner: These techniques encourage note shaping and can turn a basic lick into something emotionally powerful and melodically rich.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Palm Muting
• Galloping Rhythms
• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• Tremolo Picking
• Legato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Tapped Harmonics
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Sustain

This note-for-note lesson on Metallica's “One” at Licklibrary.com gives you not just the song, but a toolbox of powerful guitar techniques used by some of the most influential players in metal history. Whether you're developing your rhythm accuracy or pushing your soloing skills to the next level, this lesson is a must-have for any serious guitarist.