Metallica lead guitarist Kirk Hammett performed at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium this weekend, using his legendary 1959 Les Paul Standard, known as “Greeny,” to anchor the band’s set. During a speaking event at the Academy Theatre, Hammett told The Irish Times that the instrument—formerly owned by Peter Green and Gary Moore—serves as his primary source of emotional inspiration for writing and performing tracks like “The Unforgiven.”
Why Is the “Greeny” Guitar Significant to Rock History?
The 1959 Les Paul Standard is considered a foundational artifact of blues-rock, having passed through the hands of Fleetwood Mac founder Peter Green and virtuoso Gary Moore before Hammett acquired it. According to Hammett, the guitar’s unique tonal quality directly influenced his composition of “The Unforgiven.” He credits a video of Moore playing the instrument as the catalyst for the song’s verse, noting that the guitar acts as an emotive force in his creative process. While collectors often obsess over the instrument’s provenance, Hammett describes his current role as that of a “babysitter” for the legendary piece.
Kirk Hammett discovered his own Irish ancestry through the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, which traced his maternal great-grandmother, Sarah Fulton, to a townland near the Tyrone-Armagh border.
How Has Guitar Education Changed for Modern Musicians?
Hammett argues that the shift from learning by ear to relying on digital tablature and online tutorials has fundamentally altered the development of a guitarist’s personal style. In his interview with journalist Ronan McGreevy, he characterized the process of learning from records as “monotonous” but essential for cultivating individuality. He expressed concern that while modern musicians possess greater technical proficiency, the current standard of pop songwriting has declined. Hammett challenged the next generation of players to apply their internet-acquired skills toward creating original, high-quality music rather than merely mimicking existing techniques.
What Is the Future of Guitar-Driven Music?
The future of the genre likely rests on the ability of modern players to move beyond perfect technique and capture the “visceral” passion found in legends like Rory Gallagher. Hammett cited Gallagher—whose 1961 Fender Stratocaster was recently purchased by promoter Denis Desmond and donated to the National Museum of Ireland—as the archetype of soul-driven performance. According to Hammett, the most successful musicians will be those who combine technical focus with a clear, personal vision, much like the collaborative creative process he shares with Metallica bassist Rob Trujillo.
Pro Tips for Developing Your Sound
- Focus on the ear: Try learning solos by ear before looking up tabs to force your brain to internalize melody and phrasing.
- Find your trajectory: Identify the specific “sound” you want to achieve early to focus your practice time efficiently.
- Study the legends: Look at players like Rory Gallagher or Peter Green not just for their notes, but for how they pull emotion from their instruments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the story behind Metallica’s “Greeny” guitar?
- The 1959 Les Paul was originally owned by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, then Gary Moore, and is now owned by Kirk Hammett, who uses it for emotional tracks like “Orion” and “Nothing Else Matters.”
- How does Kirk Hammett feel about modern guitarists?
- He admires the technical knowledge available today but worries that reliance on digital tools may hinder the development of unique songwriting and individual style.
- Is Rory Gallagher’s guitar still in Ireland?
- Yes, his 1961 Fender Stratocaster was purchased by promoter Denis Desmond and gifted to the National Museum of Ireland.
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