Kirk Hammett does not play on the recorded guitar solo of Metallica's “Nothing Else Matters.” James Hetfield recorded the song's guitar parts, while Hammett does not appear on the studio recording.
The song began as a private guitar piece Hetfield played while touring. It later developed into a full Metallica arrangement, with orchestral elements added through the work of arranger Michael Kamen and the London Symphony Orchestra.
The credit can be confusing because Hammett appears in the song's music video and performs it live with the band. In concert, he has played the acoustic introduction and other guitar parts, creating an association between him and the song's guitar sound.
“Nothing Else Matters” became one of Metallica's best-known power ballads and was released as the album's third single in April 1992. Its studio personnel remain distinct from its live presentation.