James Hetfield’s six favourite guitarists

James Hetfield named six of his favourite guitarists in a 2009 interview, offering a glimpse into the influences behind Metallica’s sound. He said he gravitated towards rhythm guitar and riffs, which he sees as the foundation of a strong song.

His choices were Tony Iommi, Rudolf Schenker, Malcolm Young, Joe Perry, Johnny Ramone and a Misfits guitarist, whom the article suggests may have been Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein. Hetfield praised steady, rhythm-focused playing and down-picking; the article connects those influences to the forceful riffs that helped shape his style.