Metallica – Until It Sleeps

Mastering Until It Sleeps by Metallica is an essential step for any guitarist looking to develop a solid foundation in expressive rock and metal guitar playing. This in-depth LickLibrary guitar lesson offers a note-for-note breakdown of this iconic mid-'90s track from Metallica’s Load album. You'll uncover the nuances of James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett’s guitar work, focusing on the powerful techniques that define the song’s dynamic and emotive tone. Whether you're looking to replicate the exact feel of the track or enhance your own technique arsenal, this lesson is packed with value. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

Released in 1996, Until It Sleeps marked a stylistic shift for Metallica, leaning into more introspective lyrics and groove-oriented playing. The song features haunting clean sections, heavy grunge-influenced distortion, and emotionally charged solo work—all of which provide a rich ground for exploring a variety of guitar techniques.

This guitar lesson dissects every section of the track, from the clean arpeggiated intro to the heavy distorted riffs and melodic lead lines. Perfect for intermediate and advanced players, it’s a well-rounded challenge that helps build control, tone, and phrasing.

Guitar Techniques Featured in Until It Sleeps

Palm Muting

The driving rhythm guitars in Until It Sleeps heavily rely on palm muting to create a tight, punchy sound. This technique involves lightly resting the edge of the picking hand on the strings while picking, resulting in a controlled chug that's a cornerstone of Metallica’s rhythm style.

Why Learn It?

Palm muting enhances rhythmic precision and dynamic control. It’s essential for developing that classic metal sound and building right-hand discipline.

Slides

Throughout the track, you’ll hear smooth transitions between notes using slides, both in the clean intro and the heavier sections. This technique adds expressiveness and fluidity to your phrasing.

Why Learn It?

Mastering slides improves your fretboard navigation and adds vocal-like qualities to your lead playing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Several melodic passages utilise hammer-ons and pull-offs, particularly in the intro arpeggios and lead motifs. These legato techniques help create a smooth, flowing sound.

Why Learn Them?

They enhance speed and fluidity in your solos and are essential for expressive melodic playing.

String Bending

Emotive string bending is a key component of Kirk Hammett’s lead work on this track. These bends add soul and emotion to the solo sections, often mimicking vocal phrasing.

Why Learn It?

It teaches you pitch control and enhances your ability to express emotion through lead guitar work.

Vibrato

Hammett’s signature wide vibrato is on full display here. This technique involves subtly oscillating the pitch of a note, adding depth and sustain.

Why Learn It?

Vibrato gives your playing personality and helps sustain notes effectively in solos.

Arpeggios

The clean intro is built on beautifully voiced arpeggios, which outline the underlying chord progression and set the emotional tone of the song.

Why Learn It?

Arpeggios strengthen your understanding of harmony and finger independence while improving precision.

About the Guitarists: James Hetfield & Kirk Hammett

Until It Sleeps showcases the combined power of Metallica’s dual guitar attack—rhythm master James Hetfield and lead maestro Kirk Hammett. Hetfield’s tight, percussive right-hand technique has set the gold standard for metal rhythm guitarists for decades. His down-picked riffs and meticulous timing provide the backbone of Metallica’s signature sound.

Kirk Hammett, known for his expressive solos and unique phrasing, brings a melodic sensibility to Until It Sleeps that contrasts beautifully with Hetfield’s aggression. His ability to blend classic rock influences with modern metal phrasing makes his lead work both accessible and inspiring.

Together, these two guitarists forged a dynamic partnership that helped shape modern metal. Learning this track offers insight into their complementary roles and techniques.

Why Learn Until It Sleeps?

This song is a masterclass in dynamics and feel. Unlike some of Metallica’s faster, thrash-heavy tracks, Until It Sleeps demands restraint, touch, and timing—skills that every guitarist should develop. The combination of clean arpeggios, chunky riffs, and melodic lead lines provides a well-rounded workout for both hands.

Whether you're working on tightening up your rhythm playing or adding expressive lead techniques to your toolbox, this lesson gives you the tools to improve across the board. And with LickLibrary's note-for-note approach, you can be confident you’re learning it exactly as played.

Techniques Used in Until It Sleeps

• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Arpeggios

Ready to dig in? Start your lesson today and master the expressive, emotional depth of Until It Sleeps—only at LickLibrary.