Metallica Guitar Tunings
Metallica has used standard and alternate guitar tunings across their recorded discography. Below you will find 22 songs with exact string notes and tuning configurations.
Metallica Songs & Guitar Tunings
Metallica's Most Used Tunings
Standard E
Custom Tuning (G#D#G#C#FA#D#)
Drop D Tuning
Half-Step Down / Eb Standard
Open D Minor / Crossnote
C# Standard Tuning
String Pitch Guide: Standard E
Primary tuning reference used for 9 songs in Metallica's catalog.
Metallica Guitar Tuning Overview
Metallica utilizes a dynamic selection of guitar tunings to achieve distinct voice leading, open resonance, and chord voicings across their music. While standard tuning forms the foundation for many tracks, alternate tunings—such as drop tunings and open tunings—play a pivotal role in shaping their signature guitar sound.
Using our interactive tuner above, you can inspect each string note required for Metallica songs, tune your guitar using microphone pitch detection, and explore chord voicings for each song.