James Hetfield’s Ernie Ball Power Slinky Strings

Since the late ’80s, James Hetfield has favored Ernie Ball Power Slinky strings, which measure .011, .014, .018p (plain steel), .028, .038, .048 (nickel-wound steel). These gauges provided the heavy tone and durability needed for Metallica’s powerful riffs.

In more recent years, Hetfield teamed up with Ernie Ball to create his own signature string set, Papa Het’s Hardwired Master Core, designed specifically to meet his unique playing style and demands.