Which Metallica song on The Black Album features an acoustic guitar introduction written by James Hetfield?
Answer
Nothing Else Matters
Answer
Nothing Else Matters
"Nothing Else Matters" is the Metallica song on The Black Album featuring an acoustic guitar introduction written by James Hetfield.
Hetfield originally developed the opening while playing guitar during a phone call. He initially regarded the material as private and did not expect it to become a Metallica song, but drummer Lars Ulrich encouraged him to develop it for the band.
The finished recording is notable for its clean acoustic opening, orchestral arrangement, and unusually personal lyrics. It broadened the band's audience while retaining the emotional intensity associated with Metallica's songwriting.
Kirk Hammett does not play guitar on the studio recording, although he appears in the music video and performs the song live with the band. This detail is a frequent source of confusion when fans discuss the track's guitar parts.
Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026