Kirk Hammett Lick from Blackened

This Kirk Hammett-style lick from Blackened captures the essence of Metallica’s thrash metal approach to lead guitar — fast, aggressive, wah-driven, and built on the blues-pentatonic scale with chromatic passing tones. An essential piece of heavy metal vocabulary.

About the Solo

Kirk Hammett’s approach to lead guitar combines blues-based pentatonic phrasing with thrash metal aggression. The wah pedal is a key part of his sound — used not just for tone but as a rhythmic and expressive tool. This lick demonstrates that combination effectively.

What You Will Work On

• Thrash metal pentatonic phrasing — aggressive, fast, committed
• Wah pedal technique — using wah rhythmically for expression
• Chromatic passing tones — adding tension and aggression
• Fast alternate picking — Hammett’s aggressive right-hand attack
• Metal vibrato — wide and fast for maximum intensity

Tips for Learning

• Use a wah pedal if you have one — it changes the character of the lick completely.
• Work on the chromatic elements slowly — they need to be clean even at speed.
• Match the aggressive picking attack — thrash metal is about commitment.
• Listen to the Blackened intro and solo for context.