Nothing Else Matters – Metallica

Discover the emotional depth and technical mastery behind one of Metallica’s most iconic ballads with LickLibrary’s note-for-note guitar lesson of “Nothing Else Matters.” This timeless track stands apart from the band’s aggressive thrash roots, providing an ideal opportunity for guitarists to explore expressive phrasing, dynamic acoustic techniques, and the beauty of melodic playing. Our in-depth lesson breaks down every section of the song to help you replicate its signature feel and technique with precision and confidence. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

Released on Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album — commonly referred to as The Black Album — Nothing Else Matters is a powerful, introspective track that showcases a more melodic and emotional side of the band. The song’s simplicity and beauty lie in its dynamics and phrasing, making it a rewarding piece for guitarists at all skill levels to learn.

About the Guitarist

Unusually for Metallica, the guitar solo in Nothing Else Matters was not performed by lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, but by frontman James Hetfield. Known primarily for his tight rhythm work and powerful down-picking, Hetfield demonstrates his melodic sensibility and expressive phrasing in this solo. His performance is tasteful, restrained, and deeply emotional — showcasing his ability to convey feeling through subtle vibrato, bends, and note choice rather than speed or technical flash. Hetfield’s influence as one of metal’s most iconic rhythm guitarists is undeniable, and this track reveals the depth of his musicianship beyond rhythm playing.

Techniques Explored in This Lesson

Finger-Picking

The song opens with an instantly recognisable clean guitar part that is played using finger-picking. This technique involves plucking the strings directly with your fingertips or fingernails, allowing for greater control over dynamics and tone. It is essential for players looking to expand beyond pick-based playing and develop independence between their picking hand fingers.

Arpeggios

The verses and intro are structured around arpeggiated chords, where the notes of each chord are played individually in a sequence. Arpeggios are excellent for developing timing and accuracy, and they offer a more intricate, flowing sound than strummed chords. Learning arpeggios also deepens your understanding of chord construction and note intervals.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Throughout the intro and melodic lines, Hetfield uses hammer-ons and pull-offs to add smoothness and legato phrasing. These techniques allow for quick transitions between notes and help develop fretting hand strength and coordination.

Slides

Slides appear in various transitions throughout the track, lending a vocal quality to the phrasing. Mastering slides helps connect notes fluidly and adds emotional movement to lead playing. This technique is also vital for improving your sense of distance and position shifting on the fretboard.

Vibrato

One of the most expressive elements in Hetfield’s solo is his tasteful use of vibrato. Rather than using fast runs or complex patterns, he relies on sustained notes coloured with gentle vibrato. This approach adds depth and emotion and is essential for any guitarist looking to develop expressive soloing.

String Bending

String bends are used subtly in the solo to heighten emotional impact. Proper string bending requires accurate pitch control and finger strength. This technique allows you to emulate vocal-style inflections, adding intensity and feel to your playing.

Barre Chords

The chorus and bridge make use of barre chords to deliver a full, resonant sound. Barre chords are critical for any guitarist aiming to play across the neck efficiently and are a must-know for rhythm guitarists.

Chord Progressions

The song’s haunting quality stems from its elegant chord progression. Understanding how the chords move and relate to one another is key to grasping the emotional arc of the song. Studying this progression will deepen your compositional awareness and harmonic vocabulary.

Why Learn This Song?

Learning Nothing Else Matters is more than just adding a classic to your repertoire. It provides a rich study in tone, dynamics, and phrasing. You’ll strengthen your finger-picking ability, improve fretting hand dexterity with legato phrasing, and explore the expressive side of lead playing through bends and vibrato. It's an excellent piece for developing musical maturity and control, whether you're focusing on rhythm or melody.

This lesson is perfect for those looking to master subtle articulation and push their expressive range while learning a truly iconic piece of modern rock history.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Finger-Picking
• Arpeggios
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Barre Chords
• Chord Progressions