Metallica’s Kirk Hammett About His Guitar Skills: ‘I Should Be A Lot Better Than I Am. Where Did I Go Wrong?’

Metallica’s lead guitarist, Kirk Hammett, recently offered a candid and self-deprecating perspective on his own guitar skills in the context of today’s highly talented musicians, many of whom showcase their abilities online. In a recent interview with Metal Hammer, the 62-year-old axeman, who joined Metallica in 1983 and helped forge their distinctive sound, discussed his admiration for new players and his own approach to the instrument.

Hammett expressed genuine impressiveness when discussing the plethora of skilled guitarists found on platforms like YouTube. “I see a lot of [people on YouTube] and I’m frigging impressed,” he said. “There are some amazing players out there, where I’m just shaking my head like, ‘Why aren’t these guys working? Why aren’t they recording?’ But then I think… maybe they can’t. Maybe they have jobs, or families, or something they can’t leave behind.”

This observation led to a moment of introspection, with Hammett humorously admitting he sometimes questions his own development as a guitarist. “I should be a lot better than I am,” he confessed, laughing. “I see some of these younger guitar players and I’m like, ‘Where did I go wrong?’ Ha ha!”

Despite this self-critical tone, Hammett emphasized that his focus has always been on emotional expression and instinct rather than technical wizardry or the pursuit of perfection. “It’s hard for me to be objective or subjective for where I stand in all of this,” he explained. “I just know that I like playing the way I do; I know if I keep on playing from my cajónes, somebody is going to be able to relate to that.”

He made it clear that he doesn’t feel the need to engage in flashy displays or prove his technical prowess. “I don’t need to show off or get egotistical by being like, ‘Hey, check out this three-octave arpeggio with tapping in the middle.’ I can’t be f**king bothered!” Hammett stated. “I have a bombastic way of playing – I’ve always been that way, even when I was just in my room.”

Meanwhile, Metallica is on the road for their M72 2025 world tour, featuring support from acclaimed acts such as Pantera, Suicidal Tendencies, Limp Bizkit, and Ice Nine Kills on various dates.

Upcoming M72 Tour Dates for 2025:

• May:
  • May 7: Blacksburg, VA – Lane Stadium
  • May 9: Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple @ Historic Crew Stadium
  • May 11: Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple @ Historic Crew Stadium
  • May 23: Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field
  • May 25: Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field
  • May 28: Landover, MD – Northwest Stadium
  • May 31: Charlotte, NC – Bank of America Stadium¹
• June:
  • June 3: Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • June 6: Tampa, FL – Raymond James Stadium
  • June 8: Tampa, FL – Raymond James Stadium
  • June 14: Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
  • June 20: Santa Clara, CA – Levi’s Stadium
  • June 22: Santa Clara, CA – Levi’s Stadium
  • June 27: Denver, CO – Empower Field at Mile High
  • June 29: Denver, CO – Empower Field at Mile High²
• July:
  • July 5: Birmingham, England – Villa Park
• November:
  • Nov 1: Perth, Australia – Optus Stadium
  • Nov 5: Adelaide, Australia – Adelaide Oval
  • Nov 8: Melbourne, Australia – Marvel Stadium
  • Nov 12: Brisbane, Australia – Suncorp Stadium
  • Nov 15: Sydney, Australia – Accor Stadium
  • Nov 19: Auckland, New Zealand – Eden Park
• December:
  • Dec 3: Sakhir, Bahrain – Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre
  • Dec 6: Abu Dhabi, UAE – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix