Editing Kirk Hammett (section)

==Equipment and techniques==
Hammett is known for consistently taping sections of his right (picking) hand in order to protect his skin from abrasions from his use of [[palm mute|palm muting]] and fast picking techniques over lengthy tour cycles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://explicate.blogspot.com/2007/03/kirk-hammett-why-taped-hand.html |title=Kirk Hammett: Why the taped hand? |date=March 12, 2007 |publisher=Explicate.blogspot.com |access-date=November 4, 2011 |archive-date=October 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009182816/http://explicate.blogspot.com/2007/03/kirk-hammett-why-taped-hand.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Guitars===
Hammett's touring guitars over the years have included:
[[File:Kirk Hammett Sao Paulo.JPG|thumb|right|Hammett playing at the [[Estádio do Morumbi|Morumbi stadium]] in São Paulo, 2010]]
* '''ESP MM-250/MM-270 "Zorlac"''' – Hammett's first custom-made instrument by [[ESP Guitars]]  was the precursor to the whole KH series. Featuring vertical skulls and crossbones as opposed to the horizontal ones featured on today's KHs, and an upside down [[Jackson Guitars]] style headstock which is what Hammett originally intended. The threat of potential lawsuits from Jackson Guitars over this model meant it was withdrawn as a custom shop option forever. As a result, the headstock was changed to the typical modern era [[ESP Guitars|ESP]] style, but flipped upside down, the inlays were rotated 90 degrees and those became the modern -day KH series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.guitarscollector.com/1986---esp-mm-270--zorlac-.html |title=Photo of Hammett |access-date=November 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227112655/http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/zorlac/kirkzorlac.jpg |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/zorlac/zorlackh2.jpg |title=Guitar photo |access-date=November 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227112710/http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/zorlac/zorlackh2.jpg |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
* '''ESP KH-2 MM-290 "Skully"''' – Hammett's main touring guitar and first modern-era KH model. This signature model is based upon the modifications he made to his original ESP custom model.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/Skully/skully1.jpg |title=Image |access-date=November 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227112731/http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/Skully/skully1.jpg |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
* '''[[ESP M-II|ESP M-II Standard]]''' – with [[EMG Inc.|EMG]] and [[Seymour Duncan]] pickups. Hammett used this a lot in the studio and live.
* '''ESP KH-2 "Bride of Frankenstein"''' – New for 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalremains.com/news/images/tour2009/07july2209_pic07.jpg|title=Image of Hammett at Metalremains.com}}</ref>
* '''ESP KH-4 Chrome''' – New for 2009. A remake of his former KH-4 guitar, with a chrome pickguard, chrome hardware, and chrome EMG pickups.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espguitars.com/images/gallery/09/kh-mirror.jpg |title=Image |access-date=November 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928002245/http://www.espguitars.com/images/gallery/09/kh-mirror.jpg |archive-date=September 28, 2011 }}</ref>
* '''ESP MII-NT''' – New for 2009. It is custom finished with Occult-themed graphics.
* '''ESP KH-2 M-II "[[Boris Karloff|Boris Karloff Mummy]]" #I''' – This has been Hammett's favourite guitar for many years. It features a [[Boris Karloff]] Mummy I graphic which Hammett owns the rights to. It will not be released by ESP. Hammett has two of these guitars, one with ''Eye of Horus'' inlays and the other with hieroglyphics inlays.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/mummy1/mummy.jpg |title=Image |access-date=November 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227112719/http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/mummy1/mummy.jpg |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
* '''ESP KH-2 M-II "Ouija"''' – This guitar contains two spelling errors. It sports the words "WILLIAM FUED TALKING BAARD SET" but it in fact should say "WILLIAM FULD TALKING BOARD SET". Hammett also now plays a white version of this guitar on tour.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/ouija/ouija1.jpg |title=Image |access-date=November 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227112724/http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/ouija/ouija1.jpg |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://i25.tinypic.com/mlntpy.jpg |title=Image |access-date=November 4, 2011 |archive-date=September 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910030429/http://i25.tinypic.com/mlntpy.jpg |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* '''ESP KH-2 M-II "Greenburst"''' A standard KH-2 with a custom green sunburst finish, green inlays, and green logo.
* '''ESP KH-3 Eclipse''' – [[Pushead]] Spider graphic. It is taken from a classic [[Gibson Les Paul Junior|Les Paul Jr.]] shape with a Floyd Rose vibrato and EMG pickups.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guitarsatbmusic.com.au/esp/guitars/sigseries/hires/kh3.jpg |title=Image |access-date=November 4, 2011 |archive-date=February 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218191903/http://www.guitarsatbmusic.com.au/esp/guitars/sigseries/hires/kh3.jpg |url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''ESP Flying V copy''' – Cherry Red with white pickguard and gold hardware. Hammett uses this live mostly for the song "[[Seek & Destroy]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalmonster.fr/img/equipements/photo_kirk.jpg |title=Image |access-date=November 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009181822/http://www.metalmonster.fr/img/equipements/photo_kirk.jpg |archive-date=October 9, 2011 |url-status=usurped  }}</ref>
* '''ESP Michael Schenker Flying V'''<ref>[http://dashboard.metallica.com/ivergence/image/11nov1808_pic27.jpg Image]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* '''[[ESP VIPER|ESP VIPER Baritone]]''' – Used for performances of "[[The Unnamed Feeling]]".
* '''[[Gibson Les Paul|Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom]]''' – Mostly on ballads such as "[[Fade to Black (Metallica song)|Fade to Black]]" and "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)".<ref>[http://media.photobucket.com/image/1968%20Les%20Paul%20Custom%20Kirk/Stryke-Azrael/Kirk_Hammet_Les_Paul_by_karpett.jpg 1968 les paul custom kirk image by Stryke-Azrael on Photobucket] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809132520/http://media.photobucket.com/image/1968%20Les%20Paul%20Custom%20Kirk/Stryke-Azrael/Kirk_Hammet_Les_Paul_by_karpett.jpg |date=August 9, 2011 }}. Media.photobucket.com. Retrieved on November 5, 2010.</ref>
* '''Gibson Les Paul Standard''' – Used on songs from ''[[St. Anger]]''.<ref>[http://dashboard.metallica.com/ivergence/image/10oct2008_pic06.jpg Image]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* '''[[Ibanez RG]]''' – Used during the [[Wherever We May Roam Tour|Wherever We May Roam American and European]] tour. It was used as a stunt guitar and for [[Deep Purple]] covers.
* '''[[Jackson Randy Rhoads]] Model RR1T''' – Custom made specifically for Hammett. It is usually tuned one step down from standard tuning, and used for songs like "[[Sad but True]]" and "[[The Memory Remains]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/RhoadsV/kirkjacksonrhoads2.jpg |title=Image |access-date=November 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227112738/http://filepit.freewebs.com/montyjay/kirkguitars/RhoadsV/kirkjacksonrhoads2.jpg |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
* '''TC Customs Death Magnetic Flying V''' – Used on the [[World Magnetic Tour]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tscustoms.de/images/products/Death%20Magnetic%20V%202009/Mr.Moby.JPG |title=Image |access-date=November 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910030450/http://tscustoms.de/images/products/Death%20Magnetic%20V%202009/Mr.Moby.JPG |archive-date=September 10, 2011 }}</ref>
* '''Teuffel Birdfish''' – Designed and produced by German guitar designer/builder, Ulrich Teuffel. The model is limited (500 made) and is made to amplify sound using various pickups. This guitar is used live for "[[The Judas Kiss (song)|The Judas Kiss]]".<ref>[http://www.teuffelguitars.de/english/guitars/birdfish/birdfish_main.htm birdfish] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829080018/http://www.teuffelguitars.de/english/guitars/birdfish/birdfish_main.htm |date=August 29, 2009 }}. Teuffelguitars.de. Retrieved on November 5, 2010.</ref>
* '''Teuffel Tesla'''

On the 25th anniversary of Metallica's debut album ''[[Kill 'Em All]]'', Hammett appears on the cover of Feb. 2008's ''[[Guitar World]]'' sporting his new custom ESP. This model is the KH20, the 20th anniversary model from ESP.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/magazine/guitar-world-magazine-covers-gallery#&gid=ci0217150510352578&pid=1208-metallica-kirk_1jpg |title=Guitar World Magazine Covers Gallery: Every Issue from 2008 to 2014 |website=Guitar World |date=January 2014 |language=en-us |access-date=December 15, 2017 |archive-date=December 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216091042/https://www.guitarworld.com/magazine/guitar-world-magazine-covers-gallery#&gid=ci0217150510352578&pid=1208-metallica-kirk_1jpg |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2014, Hammett purchased "[[Greeny (guitar)|Greeny]]", a 1959 [[Les Paul]] formerly used by [[Gary Moore]] and [[Peter Green (musician)|Peter Green]]; using it on tour {{as of|2015|lc=y}} when playing a cover of [[Thin Lizzy]]'s version of "[[Whiskey in the Jar]]".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Scapelliti|first1=Christopher|title=Kirk Hammett Talks About His Prize: Peter Green and Gary Moore's Les Paul |url=http://www.guitarplayer.com/gear/1012/kirk-hammett-talks-about-his-prize-peter-green-and-gary-moores-les-paul--video/51872|website=guitarplayer.com|access-date=May 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423195331/https://www.guitarplayer.com/gear/1012/kirk-hammett-talks-about-his-prize-peter-green-and-gary-moores-les-paul--video/51872|archive-date=April 23, 2015}}</ref>

===Amplifiers and cabinets===
Throughout Metallica's career, Hammett has used a range of different amplifiers. For the first two albums, he used Marshall amplifiers and cabinets, with occasional effects. For the recording of Metallica's third album, ''Master of Puppets'' (1986), he and [[James Hetfield]] bought a [[Mesa/Boogie]] MarkIIC+ amplifier, and used Mesa/Boogie [[Dual Rectifier]] heads. Even when he made his move to [[Randall Amplifiers]] in 2007, he still used Mesa/Boogie amplifiers in his setup, and still does to this day. He currently uses two rackmounted Dual Rectifier 2-channel heads in tandem with his Randalls.

In September 2007, Randall Amplifiers announced a partnership with Hammett to design a line of signature amplifiers, heads, combos and preamp modules.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.randallamplifiers.com/about/news/pr_hammett.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308012258/http://www.randallamplifiers.com/about/news/pr_hammett.asp|url-status=dead|title=Randall Amplifiers Announces Partnership With Kirk Hammett of Metallica|archive-date=March 8, 2009}}</ref>

In December 2011, it was announced by Fortin Amps that they would team up with Randall to start a new line of tube amplifiers based on the Fortin Meathead amplifier. Hammett is currently using a prototype of the amplifier that he used for the Big 4 show at [[Yankee Stadium]] and for all of the shows in India and Asia, and was recently sent a second prototype.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=106530 |title=Rig-Talk • View topic – Announcement: Fortin – Randall – Metallica & more |date=December 9, 2011 |publisher=Rig-talk.com |access-date=March 23, 2012 |archive-date=May 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502062013/http://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=106530 |url-status=live }}</ref>

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* [[Mesa/Boogie]] Rackmounted Dual Rectifier (x2)
* [[Randall Amplifiers|Randall]] RM100KH Signature Model <small>(modified version of the MTS series RM100)</small> (x1)
* [[Randall Amplifiers|Randall]]/Fortin Prototype head (x2)
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* [[Randall Amplifiers|Randall]] 4x12 Cabinets (x4)
* [[Randall Amplifiers|Randall]]/Fortin 4x12 Cabinet
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===Effects===
To avoid problems with pedals being damaged during live performances, Hammett keeps his effect pedals in a rack along with his amplifiers. His [[guitar technician]] controls them through a pedalboard sidestage. The pedal controller allows him to change between different effect pedals and amplifiers.

Although using a wah-wah pedal since [[Kill ‘Em All]], the release of [[Metallica (album)|The Black Album]], saw prominent usage in Hammett's playing thereafter. In 2008, [[Jim Dunlop]] started working in partnership with Hammett to create a signature Wah-wah pedal, the KH95. In 2022 on an interview with [[Rick Beato]], he claimed to own "around 200" wah-wah pedals, citing his favorite one to be the Dunlop  [[Dimebag Darrell|Dimebag]] Cry Baby From Hell.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=GquxuIf8QX9_j6ny&v=lrUXqbfSm6g&feature=youtu.be |title=Kirk Hammett's Wah-Wah Obsession  |date=2023-09-25 |last=Rick Beato 2 |access-date=2024-09-23 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

Hammett said that the [[Ibanez Tube Screamer]] has been an essential part of his sound since he was a teenager, but it was not versatile enough, which started him searching for a better pedal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/kirk_hammett_ibanez_tube_screamer_can_be_a_musically-limiting_pedal.html|title=Kirk Hammett: Ibanez Tube Screamer Can Be a Musically-Limiting Pedal|website=www.ultimate-guitar.com|access-date=August 19, 2020|archive-date=July 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721003504/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/kirk_hammett_ibanez_tube_screamer_can_be_a_musically-limiting_pedal.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, he co-founded KHDK Electronics with sound designer David Karon, hiring Antonin Salva as chief engineer, based in Prague. The company makes guitar pedals in [[Paducah, Kentucky]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.khdkelectronics.com/about/|title=KHDK Electronics|website=KHDK Electronics|access-date=August 19, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802225430/https://www.khdkelectronics.com/about/|url-status=dead}}</ref> They began developing pedals and trying out prototypes. In September 2015, the company launched its first series of pedals, surprising the industry.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/kirk-hammett-launches-gear-company-khdk-electronics-628635|title=Kirk Hammett launches gear company KHDK Electronics|first=Rob Laing28|last=September 2015|website=MusicRadar|date=September 28, 2015|access-date=August 19, 2020|archive-date=August 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819072521/https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/kirk-hammett-launches-gear-company-khdk-electronics-628635|url-status=live}}</ref>

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* [[TC Electronic]] G-Major 2 effects processor
* [[Boss Corporation|Boss]] NS-2 Noise Suppressor
* [[Dunlop Manufacturing|Dunlop]] KH95 Kirk Hammett Signature Crybaby
* [[Ibanez Tube Screamer]] ([[Robert Keeley (instrument maker)|Keeley]] modified)
* [[DigiTech Whammy]] WH-1
* [[Line 6 (company)|Line 6]] DL4 Delay Modeler
* [[Line 6 (company)|Line 6]] MM4 Modulation Modeler
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* [[Shure]] UR-4D Wireless Receiver
* GCX Audio Switcher
* Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro floorboard
* DBX 1074 Quad Gate
* [[MXR]] Eddie Van Halen Flanger
* [[MXR]] Bass Octave Deluxe
* [[DigiTech]] Space Station
* ToneBone Hot British Tube Distortion
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===Accessories===
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* [[Ernie Ball]] "Power Slinky" strings (.11-.48)
* [[Dunlop Manufacturing|Jim Dunlop]] Dunlop Jazz III Kirk Hammett (Green, purple sparkle, black sparkle)
* Levy Custom Straps
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* "Kirk Hammett" - branded boutique custom straps
* Peterson Strobe 420 Tuner
* Bridge position: [[EMG 81]]
* Neck position: Some Guitars [[EMG 81]] Others [[EMG 60]] (EMG 60 usually used for clean and to match harmony sections with James Hetfield)
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