Which Metallica album track is the only one on which Kirk Hammett does not play guitar?

Nothing Else Matters is the only Metallica album track on which Kirk Hammett does not play guitar.

James Hetfield wrote and recorded the guitar parts for the song, including its prominent acoustic opening. Hammett does not appear on the studio recording, although he appears in the music video and later performed the song live with the band.

The song began as a private guitar idea Hetfield played while touring. Its finished arrangement expanded that intimate beginning into a major album ballad, including an orchestral arrangement by Michael Kamen and contributions from the London Symphony Orchestra.

Listeners sometimes assume Hammett must be present because the song is associated with Metallica's full four-member lineup and because he performs it onstage. The distinction is between the studio recording and live performances: Hammett's absence applies to the album track itself.