"For Whom The Bell Tolls" by Metallica

At Licklibrary.com, our mission is to provide world-class, note-for-note guitar lessons that help players of all levels unlock the secrets behind iconic songs. One of the standout tracks in our catalogue is Metallica’s legendary “For Whom The Bell Tolls”. This heavy metal classic, from their 1984 album Ride the Lightning, is not only a powerful track musically, but it also provides guitarists with the opportunity to master a variety of essential rock and metal techniques. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Its Legacy

“For Whom The Bell Tolls” is a mid-tempo metal anthem built around a crushing groove, haunting harmonic overtones, and aggressive riffing that cemented Metallica’s place in the metal hall of fame. From the dramatic bell intro to the grinding main riff, the song showcases Metallica’s unique approach to song structure and tone. The guitar work is deceptively simple at first listen, but it’s full of nuances that challenge both rhythm and lead players.

Guitar Techniques Explored in This Lesson

Our note-for-note guitar lesson for “For Whom The Bell Tolls” breaks down each section of the song, carefully guiding you through every technique used by Metallica’s guitarists to create their signature sound.

Palm Muting

One of the defining elements of James Hetfield’s rhythm style is his precise and aggressive palm-muting. Used throughout the song’s main riffs, palm muting adds a tight, percussive chug to the guitar tone. Mastering this technique helps players develop tighter rhythmic control and is essential for replicating classic metal and thrash guitar parts.

Power Chords

The backbone of Metallica’s rhythm playing, power chords are used extensively in this track. These simple yet powerful shapes are crucial for building a heavy wall of sound. Learning to shift these chords efficiently helps guitarists with fretboard navigation and playing with confidence in a band setting.

Slides

Throughout the intro and into the verse riffing, slides are used to create seamless transitions between notes and add fluidity to the phrasing. This technique helps players build strength and dexterity in both hands, while also introducing expressive elements into their playing.

Harmonics

One of the song’s standout features is the eerie use of harmonics in the intro riff. These bell-like tones are created using lightly fretted or tapped notes, adding a haunting atmosphere. Learning harmonics introduces guitarists to the physics of string vibration and teaches better control over picking dynamics.

Vibrato

Kirk Hammett’s lead guitar phrases are laced with expressive vibrato, adding depth and emotion to sustained notes. Vibrato enhances a guitarist’s phrasing and is a hallmark of confident, professional playing.

Alternate Picking

To execute the song’s faster sections cleanly, students will also practice alternate picking. This fundamental picking technique improves speed and accuracy and is a cornerstone of efficient guitar playing in many genres, especially metal.

Trills

Some lead phrases include rapid trills, which involve quickly alternating between two adjacent notes. Practicing trills helps develop finger independence and builds strength in the fretting hand.

About the Guitarists

The guitar work in “For Whom The Bell Tolls” is primarily performed by James Hetfield (rhythm guitar) and Kirk Hammett (lead guitar). Hetfield’s right-hand discipline and tight rhythm playing are legendary, laying down the sonic foundation that defines Metallica’s sound. Hammett, with his fast, emotive solos and use of techniques like vibrato and harmonics, brought a unique melodic touch to the band’s heavier edges.

Both players have heavily influenced generations of guitarists, combining the aggression of punk with the precision of classic metal and the flair of lead-focused hard rock. Studying their work not only strengthens technical ability but also deepens a player’s understanding of how tone, phrasing, and rhythm work together to create unforgettable music.

Why Learn "For Whom The Bell Tolls"?

Whether you're an intermediate player looking to expand your metal vocabulary or a seasoned guitarist exploring Metallica’s essential catalog, this lesson offers invaluable insights. You'll:

• Build tighter rhythm control through palm muting and alternate picking
• Learn how to craft a memorable riff using power chords and harmonics
• Improve finger strength and expression with slides, vibrato, and trills
• Understand the stylistic elements that made Metallica pioneers of heavy metal

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Slides
• Harmonics
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Trills

Ready to unlock the sound of Metallica and elevate your playing? Dive into our note-for-note lesson on “For Whom The Bell Tolls” today, only at Licklibrary.com.