Kirk Hammett (Metallica)

Name: Kirk Lee Hammett
Born: 18th November, 1962 (San Francisco)

Profile: An Irish and Philippines descendant, and the lead guitarist and a songwriter in "Metallica"

History: Before joining "Metallica", he formed and named a band called "Exodus". After picking up a 1978 Fender Stratocaster, Hammett attempted to customize his sound with various guitar parts, eventually falling for a 1974 Gibson Flying V. Hammett also took a job at Burger King as a youth to saved enough money for his Marshall amplifier. At the time of recording 'Kill 'Em All' album, Hammett was taking private guitar lessons from Joe Satriani.

In 2003, Kirk Hammett was ranked 11th in Rolling Stone's list - The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

Influences: Motorhead and Joe Satriani.

Axology: ESP Flying V, Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom, Jackson Randy Rhoads signiture series guitars, Dunlop KH95 Kirk Hammett Signature Crybaby, Ibanez Tube Screamer and DigiTech Space Station.

Signature song(s): Creeping Death - Metallica (Ride the Lightning, 1984) and Master of Puppets - Metallica (Master of Puppets, 1986)

Link(s):

http://www.metallica.com (Metallica's official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKiormZsvEg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0glNez9zqhY