Nothing Else Matters
by Metallica
Difficulty Profile
Skill LevelOverall
IntermediateRhythm
IntermediateLead
IntermediateBass
BeginnerWhy "Nothing Else Matters" Works Harmonically
Beyond standard guitar tabs and chord charts, discover the exact music theory mechanics, modal interchange, and voice leading choices that give Metallica's classic its unforgettable emotional power.
The 6/8 Compound Open-String E Minor Triad with Classical Harmonic Dominant (B7)
The intro is famous for requiring zero fretting-hand fingers: the open 6th (E), 3rd (G), 2nd (B), and 1st (e) strings naturally spell an Em triad. By setting this in 6/8 compound meter and introducing the major dominant B7 (borrowed from E Harmonic Minor with its raised D# leading tone), Hetfield fuses heavy metal darkness with classical Spanish elegance.
Harmonic Progression (Roman Numerals)
i - ♭VII - ♭VI - i (with V7 turnaround)Step-by-Step Movement
- •Em (i): Open-string acoustic resonance establishing the dark, expansive E minor tonality.
- •D (♭VII) to C (♭VI): Stepwise natural minor descent generating melancholy ballad weight.
- •G (♭III): Brief major-key illumination connecting the verses.
- •B7 (V7): The classical harmonic minor dominant containing D# leading tone pulling decisively into Em.
Voice Leading & Counterpoint
- ›The open-string intro exploits natural acoustic overtone reinforcement, ringing cleanly across all six strings.
- ›The D# in the B7 chord provides a sharp half-step upward tension into the root E, preventing the progression from sounding like simple cyclical pop.
- ›The 6/8 meter (ONE-two-three, TWO-two-three) gives the arpeggios a sweeping, waltz-like rock cadence.
Fretboard Mechanics
Fingerpick the intro with thumb on bass notes and index/middle/ring on upper strings. In the electric guitar solo, Hetfield emphasizes singing full bends and wide finger vibrato rather than rapid shredding.
Take advantage of natural open-string tunings or open-string triads on the guitar, and never hesitate to use a major V7 chord in a minor key ballad to inject classical gravitas.
The scale supplying the open chords and acoustic verse melody.
The source of the raised D# leading tone inside the B7 chord.
The framework for James Hetfield's electric guitar solo.
The quintessential natural minor mode.
Open Em chord voice leading.
B7 harmonic tension chord.
The iconic epic minor rock progression.
Musical Analysis
🎹 Key & Tonality
⏱️ Song Structure
💡 Understanding E Minor:
E Minor has a darker, more introspective character. The Aeolian (Natural Minor) in 6/8 Compound Meter mode creates tension and emotion. This key is perfect for expressing melancholy or aggressive themes in rock music.
Open string arpeggios, acoustic verse chords, and orchestral backing
James Hetfield's soulful, highly melodic electric guitar solo
The stinging blue note (Bb) inflections during the solo climax
The harmonic character shaping E Minor
Understand minor chord construction and voicings
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in E Minor
E Natural MinorE Natural Minor
Notes: E - F# - G - A - B - C - DNotes: E - F# - G - A - B - C - D
Application: Open string arpeggios, acoustic verse chords, and orchestral backingApplication: Open string arpeggios, acoustic verse chords, and orchestral backing
Interactive Fretboard Map
Chord Progressions & Movement
Main Progression
Epic natural minor progression in 6/8 compound time
💡 Theory Insight:
These borrowed chords from the parallel minor key add darker, more dramatic colors to the progression. This modal interchange gives rock and metal its signature swagger.
Chord Shapes In This Section:
Em
D
C
Harmonic Functions & Roles:
- Open strings (6th E, 3rd G, 2nd B, 1st high E) create pure natural E minor triad resonance
- The 6/8 compound meter (counted ONE-two-three, TWO-two-three) gives the ballad an expansive rocking pulse
- B7 dominant chord introduces D# leading tone, creating sharp classical tension that resolves into Em
- The chorus uses C and A major chords to inject momentary warmth and emotional resolve
Key Techniques
6/8 Open-String Arpeggio Picking
BeginnerPlucking the open E, G, B, and high E strings in precise compound 6/8 rhythm
Uses chords:
Progression:
Open String Intro
Technique Tips:
- •Keep the right hand arched and relaxed above the bridge pickup
- •Count ONE-and-a, TWO-and-a to lock in the 6/8 groove
Expressive Pentatonic Lead Phrasing
IntermediatePlaying James Hetfield's rare electric solo featuring wide vibrato, lyrical bends, and crying doublestops
Uses chords:
Progression:
Guitar Solo
Technique Tips:
- •Support the fretting finger with two fingers behind it for pitch stability
- •Roll pick attack slightly for warm, singing overdrive without harsh treble bite
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of E Minor. Switch instrument sounds (Acoustic Steel, Nylon, Clean Electric, Piano) and practice at your own tempo.
Intro Arpeggio
Open String Arpeggio Riff
The timeless open-string acoustic introduction in 6/8 time that every guitarist learns to play.
- •Zero fretting hand fingers required for the initial measure
- •Maintain pure 6/8 rolling arpeggio pulse
- •Transition into 7th and 12th fret natural harmonics
Verse
Verse Fingerpicking Cycle
Gentle fingerpicked verse moving through Em, D, C, and resolving with the dramatic B7 turnaround.
- •Clean thumb bass notes anchoring each chord change
- •Crisp B7 fingering bringing out the sharp D# note on 4th string
- •Dynamic crescendo leading towards the chorus
Chorus
Chorus Strumming Cadence
'Never cared for what they do... never cared for what they know' triumphant vocal hook.
- •Switch from fingerpicking to flatpick or dynamic thumb strumming
- •Accentuate the A major chord as an uplifting Dorian-flavored lift
- •Hold final Em chord for full two bars to reset the ballad feel
Guitar Solo
Hetfield Melodic Solo Run
James Hetfield's deeply emotive guitar solo featuring singing full bends and heavy vibrato.
- •High-gain distortion with warm neck or bridge pickup tone
- •Full-step bends hitting pitch accurately with sustained finger vibrato
- •Soulful phrasing that emphasizes the vocal quality of the guitar
Equipment & Tone Setup
🎸 Guitar
Recommended Model:
Pickup Type:
EMG 81 bridge humbucker (electric) / Seymour Duncan 59 (neck)
⚡ Amplifier & Settings
Recommended Amp:
Tone Stack Dial-In:
Gain: 8/10
Treble: 7/10
Middle: 4/10
Bass: 7/10
Presence: 6/10
🎛️ Effects Pedals
Overdrive / Distortion:
Mesa/Boogie high-gain lead channel saturation
Reverb / Delay:
Rich stereo hall reverb with 2.8s decay
Modulation / Other:
Boss CE-2 Chorus on clean acoustic parts for lush stereo width
Recommended Learning Path
The Open-String Intro Arpeggio
⏱️ 1-2 weeks
- •Learn the open E-G-B-e fingerpicking pattern using right-hand thumb, index, middle, and ring
- •Practice the 6/8 time signature pulse (1-2-3, 4-5-6)
- •Incorporate the 7th and 12th fret natural harmonics
Verse Chords & B7 Transition
⏱️ 2-3 weeks
- •Master the fretted chord shapes: Em, D, C, and B7
- •Coordinate thumb bass plucking with upper-string arpeggios
- •Build tempo up to 142 BPM in 6/8 time
Electric Guitar Solo & Expressive Dynamics
⏱️ 3-4 weeks
- •Learn James Hetfield's guitar solo note for note with exact pitch bends
- •Master wide, controlled finger vibrato on sustained notes
- •Transition seamlessly between clean acoustic fingerpicking and heavy overdriven lead playing
Practice Notes & Routine
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Playing the intro in 4/4 instead of rolling 6/8 compound time
- •Plucking the open strings too hard causing string clatter against the frets
- •Under-bending the 15th fret high E string in the solo, leaving notes flat
⏱️ Targeted Practice Routine
- •5 min: Right-hand fingerstyle arpeggio warmup on open strings
- •10 min: Slow 6/8 practice of verse progression at 100 BPM
- •15 min: Isolating the guitar solo bends with a tuner to verify exact pitch
- •10 min: Playing along with the studio track focusing on emotional dynamics
🎯 Key Focus Areas
- •Even 6/8 arpeggio velocity and timing
- •Clean B7 chord voice-leading into Em
- •Singing vibrato and accurate 1-step bends in the solo
⏱️ Metronome Drills
- •Set metronome to dotted-quarter clicks (~47 BPM) or eighth notes (142 BPM)
- •Accentuate beat 1 and beat 4 to maintain compound 6/8 swing
- •Ensure no rushing on the quiet acoustic intro measures