Metallica is one of the most influential metal bands of all time, and their songs have inspired countless guitarists to pick up the instrument. But what key are most Metallica songs in? And what tuning is Metallica using?
Advertisement
The answer is not so simple, as Metallica has used different tunings and keys throughout their career. However, we can try to give a general overview based on their albums and live performances.

Most Metallica songs are in the key of E minor, which is the natural minor scale starting from the open low E string. This key is very common in metal music, as it allows for easy power chords and riffs using the open strings. Some examples of Metallica songs in E minor are:
– Enter Sandman
– Master of Puppets
– For Whom the Bell Tolls
– Seek and Destroy
However, Metallica has also used other keys, such as D minor, C minor, B minor, A minor, and G minor. These keys are usually achieved by changing the tuning of the guitar, or by using a capo. For instance, some songs from the album “Load” are in D minor, which is achieved by tuning down all the strings by one-half step (Eb standard tuning). Some examples of Metallica songs in D minor are:
Advertisement
– Until It Sleeps
– King Nothing
– The Unforgiven II
Another example is the song “The Thing That Should Not Be”, which is in C minor. This is achieved by tuning down all the strings by two half steps (D standard tuning). This is also the tuning used for the entire album “Master of Puppets”, which features songs in different keys, such as C minor, D minor, E minor, and F# minor.
Metallica has also experimented with drop tunings, which involve lowering the pitch of the lowest string by one or more steps. This allows for heavier riffs and easier power chords using one finger. For example, some songs from the album “St. Anger” are in drop C tuning, which is achieved by tuning down all the strings by two half steps, and then lowering the lowest string by another whole step. Some examples of Metallica songs in drop C tuning are:
– St. Anger
– Frantic
– Some Kind of Monster
As you can see, Metallica has used a variety of tunings and keys throughout their career, and there is no definitive answer to what key are most Metallica songs in or what tuning is Metallica using. However, if you want to learn some of their songs, you can find tabs online that will tell you the exact tuning and key for each song.


Leave a Reply