James Hetfield talks Guitar Strings

"Ernie Ball was the string that is Metallica-proof". Watch Metallica's James Hetfield reminisce about how he started to play Ernie Ball strings...and why he still plays them.

Ernie Ball and Metallica are giving you a chance to win a trip to Metallica Headquarters to hang with James Hetfield & Kirk Hammett, an ESP guitar, an Ernie Ball prize pack, and more. Just purchase qualified packs of strings at Guitar Center or Musician's Friend between now and October 31st for your chance to win!

[gabbonondsq]

You should make an episode of string theory with james

[rileyyoung]

damn, if I met James I would ask him about every single detail of every song on master of puppets. I've listened to the album a million times and I keep finding more. dude is a legend and a genius on the same level as Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler.

[Zergei]

I'll be completely honest, Kirk sold me on the hybrid set and this solidified my apprehensions (I'm restringing my new guitar today) so I'd say your marketing is effective :)

[coversinc.]

Ok so if he uses 11-48s why did chad hold up a 50 in the beginning? Does he replace the 48 with it?

[PTRK]

I use 11-48 in standard tuning on my Tele. Works fine, love the tension.

[Rogeramirez]

This is so true, I stopped breaking strings too

[laurieleiann]

I think James and Kirk should go on an EBall tour. Well, better yet just buy Ernie Ball and the rest is history.

[vig]

Yeah so what was the brand of his strings before??

[aymenyaqoob]

I think if I meet James Hetfield I’d be speechless and have no idea what to talk / ask about

[AngelHernandez-sjnk]

Went from 9s to loving 10-48 now! Kept popping 9s & the bottom 6th string felt too wobbly for chunky riffage even though I only use standard tuning.
Tried 10s & I like 'em but I feel like the bottom 6th again could be better so listened to Kirk & took his advice.
Now, is there a 10-50 set?

[jackboulter]

Live Ernie Ball but this video was really bad. They could have made it much longer but didn’t

[justinkimvlogs]

I use the same string gauge as James Hetfield I get rid of the 48 to the low E and I replace it with a 50 low E

[TheDukeOfPannekoeken]

James sure likes the cash. Send me some strings to, Ernies are the

[MusiciansDaily]

Dig the youtube content! We did a product review on your accessories that you sent on our channel!

[cfh]

Still looking into what acoustic strings he is using. I've tried so freaking many the past 20 years and they're all "okay" and sound great on my guitar but nothing ever jumped out at me. The search continues on.

[felipefernandes]

0:13 Does anyone know what pickups James has on this guitar?

[tvalla]

i wonder which gauge they use for D Standard. I Guess James plays .12 in his Gibson scales and Kirk plays .11 on his Fender Scale (Jackson Randy Rhoads 25.5).

[kaushikanada]

Put the video in half speed and you will hear James completely wasted.

[phantomikeblue]

So What package would James Strings be green 10?

[dafxtone]

Does it's means he didn't play ernies on all of their best album so ? ;)