Who wrote the guitar riff that became the basis of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”?

Kirk Hammett wrote the guitar riff that became the basis of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.”

Hammett’s initial idea developed after he was inspired by Soundgarden’s 1989 album Louder Than Love. The riff was then reshaped with input from Lars Ulrich, who suggested changes to its repetition and structure.

James Hetfield later supplied the lyrics and vocal melody. The lyrics moved away from an early concept focused more narrowly on crib death and instead used broader imagery about nightmares, bedtime rituals, and childhood fears.

The song became the first piece written for the album and ultimately its opening track and lead single. That combination made Hammett’s riff one of the most recognizable musical ideas associated with The Black Album.