Kirk Hammett: The Shredder of Metallica

Before joining Metallica, Kirk was a founding member of the thrash metal band Exodus. His work with Exodus in the Bay Area scene was influential in its own right, and he was already a respected guitarist before getting the call to join Metallica.

Unlike James and Lars, who are known for their intensity and control, Kirk is often seen as the "calming influence" within the band. His laid-back personality has been credited with helping the band navigate interpersonal conflicts over the decades.

Hammett is famous for his extensive use of the wah-wah pedal in his solos. It has become a signature part of his sound, allowing him to add vocal-like expression to his lead playing, famously heard on tracks like "Enter Sandman" and "The Unforgiven".

Kirk suffered a significant creative setback prior to the recording of "Hardwired... to Self-Destruct" when he lost his phone containing hundreds of riff ideas. As a result, he has no songwriting credits on that album, a first for him since joining the band.

Kirk is a student of the legendary guitarist Joe Satriani. He took lessons from Satriani while he was in Exodus and continued to study with him even after joining Metallica, honing the skills that would allow him to perform the complex solos on "Ride the Lightning" and "Master of Puppets".

Kirk is an avid collector of horror movie memorabilia. His collection is one of the most extensive in the world, featuring props, costumes, and posters from classic horror films. He has even hosted his own horror convention, "Kirk Von Hammett's Fear FestEvil", and released a book showcasing his collection.

Hammett owns the legendary 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard known as "Greeny". Previously owned by Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green and Thin Lizzy's Gary Moore, this guitar is famous for its unique "out-of-phase" tone. Kirk plays it regularly live and in the studio, keeping its legacy alive.