In a recent interview with multi-instrumentalist, producer and teacher Rick Beato, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett opened up about the hardest thing about being in the band with James Hetfield. Hammett said that it can be challenging to try to keep up with Hetfield‘s songwriting prowess, but that it’s also what makes the band so great.
“The hardest thing about being in Metallica with James is trying to write riffs that are as good as his,” Hammett said. “He’s such a talented songwriter, and I always feel like I’m playing catch-up. But that’s also what makes it so much fun. We’re constantly pushing each other to be better.”
“‘Moth Into Flame,’ there’s a rhythm thing where I never heard this on an album — it’s like a gallop with a pull-off. No one’s ever done that before!” Hammett explains. “He doesn’t really even have to work at it. He can fall out of bed, pick up a guitar and, man, there’s 16th notes coming out effortlessly and I love that.” he added.
Hammett went on to say that he and Hetfield have a very close working relationship, and that they often bounce ideas off of each other. “We’re always talking about music,” he said. “We’re always trying to come up with new ideas. It’s a very creative process.”
The guitarist also said that he’s grateful for the opportunity to work with Hetfield. “He’s one of the best guitarists in the world,” Hammett said. “I’m lucky to be able to call him my bandmate.”
Hammett‘s comments are a testament to the creative and collaborative spirit that has helped make Metallica one of the most successful heavy metal bands of all time. The iconic guitar riffs that have serve as inspiration for generations are the product of two talented musicians pushing each other to be better, and it’s that drive that has kept them at the top of their game for over 40 years.