"Don't Tread On Me" by Metallica

Metallica's “Don’t Tread On Me” from their iconic 1991 self-titled album, commonly known as The Black Album, stands out as a hard-hitting anthem loaded with powerful riffs and essential guitar techniques. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson breaks this track down into digestible sections, teaching you every nuance of James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett's playing. Whether you're a budding metal guitarist or an experienced player aiming to strengthen your rhythm and lead skills, this lesson provides the tools to level up your playing. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarists

"Don't Tread On Me" is built around heavy mid-tempo riffs and is a showcase of Metallica’s refined songwriting in the early '90s. James Hetfield handles the bulk of the rhythm guitar work with his trademark down-picked precision, while Kirk Hammett adds flare with blues-influenced lead work and expressive solos.

James Hetfield is widely recognised as one of the tightest rhythm guitarists in metal, known for his aggressive picking hand and tight execution. Learning his parts teaches rock-solid timing and the essence of metal rhythm guitar. Kirk Hammett, with his soulful bends and modal soloing, brings melodic depth and technical flair. Studying his solos provides a valuable education in phrasing, tone, and expressive lead guitar techniques.

Key Guitar Techniques in "Don't Tread On Me"

Palm Muting

The song relies heavily on palm-muting to create its heavy, chugging groove. Palm muting adds tightness and aggression to riffs, making it a cornerstone of metal rhythm guitar. Mastering this technique sharpens your timing and control while improving tone clarity during fast, percussive playing.

Power Chords

Power chords are foundational to the rhythm work in this track. They provide the thick, punchy sound that defines the song’s main riffs. Learning power chords helps build finger strength and confidence with fretting hand positioning and shifting.

Alternate Picking

Precision and endurance are key when tackling Metallica’s riffs. The song includes passages that use alternate picking, which improves speed and efficiency in both rhythm and lead contexts.

Slides

You’ll encounter expressive slides between notes and chords in both rhythm and lead sections. Slides are not only stylistically important, but they also help develop control and smooth transitions across the fretboard.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Several lead phrases and fills use hammer-ons and pull-offs, adding fluidity and speed to your playing. These techniques are essential for building legato phrases and strengthening your fretting hand.

Vibrato

To add expression to sustained notes, Hammett often employs vibrato. Vibrato enriches your solos and melodies with emotion and sustain, and mastering it is key to developing your personal sound.

Pinched Harmonics

Some of Hammett’s signature squeals and accents come from pinched harmonics, which bring aggressive articulation to specific notes. This technique gives lead parts a biting, vocal-like character that cuts through any mix.

String Bending

Expressive string bending plays a vital role in delivering the attitude of the solos. Practicing bends hones your intonation and emotional delivery.

Unison Bends

Hammett also uses unison bends to add a classic rock feel and tension to his solos. These bends are great for improving bending accuracy and finger coordination.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Each of these techniques is a staple in the modern guitarist's toolkit. By learning them in the context of “Don’t Tread On Me”, you not only improve your technical skills but also your ability to perform with confidence and authority. You'll also gain deeper insight into how Metallica crafts their legendary sound—combining tight rhythm guitar with expressive lead phrasing.

Our detailed breakdown ensures that each section is taught at a comfortable pace, with attention to fingering, picking patterns, and phrasing. Whether you're learning for performance, practice, or just for fun, this lesson is designed to make you a better, more versatile guitarist.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Vibrato
• Pinched Harmonics
• String Bending
• Unison Bends