The Peter Green/Gary Moore/Kirk Hammett Greeny: A Deep Dive into the Legendary Guitar

Kirk Hammett, the renowned lead guitarist of Metallica, is known for his electrifying riffs and intricate solos. Among his arsenal of guitars, one instrument stands out not only for its unique sonic characteristics but also for its rich history—his 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, affectionately known as “Greeny.” This article explores the story behind Kirk Hammett’s Greeny, its significance in the world of rock music, and the impact it has had on Hammett’s playing style.

The Origins of Greeny

The story of Greeny begins long before it found its way into Kirk Hammett’s hands. Originally owned by the legendary Peter Green, the founder of Fleetwood Mac, this particular Les Paul has a mystical aura due to its previous owners and the music it helped create.

Peter Green’s Ownership: Green purchased the guitar in the late 1960s. It became synonymous with his distinctive blues sound, characterized by powerful, emotive solos.
Gary Moore’s Acquisition: After Green, the guitar was sold to Gary Moore, an Irish rock guitarist known for his incredible tone and passion for blues. Moore used Greeny extensively, further solidifying its reputation.

The guitar’s journey through the hands of these iconic musicians contributed to its legendary status, making it a coveted instrument in the rock community.

Kirk Hammett and the Discovery of Greeny

Kirk Hammett acquired Greeny in 1992 when he was searching for the perfect Les Paul to complement his heavy, intricate playing style.

The Purchase: in 2014 Kirk Hammett purchased ‘Greeny’ from guitar dealer Richard Henry for “less than £2 million” Henry was selling thee guita on behalf of the owner Melvyn Franks, having previously offered to Hammett’s band mate, James Hetfield.

This guitar quickly became a staple in Hammett’s live performances and recording sessions, finding its place on several Metallica albums.

The Sonic Signature of Greeny

One of the defining aspects of Kirk Hammett’s Greeny is its sound profile. The combination of its vintage construction, unique modifications, and Hammett’s playing style contributes to a tone that is both powerful and nuanced.

Greeny is known for its unique tone, which has been described as “magic” by numerous publications and other musicians. The guitar is equipped with PAF Pickups. Early in his career, Green attempted to emulate Eric Claptons’s tone by removing the neck pickup. Eventually it was put back in, but backwards by mistake. This gave the guitar its “distinctly nasal” out-of-phase tone when the pickup selector switch is in the middle position. Kirk Hammett described it as sounding like “a stat through a 100-watt Marshall stack”. The neck pickup also features a flipped alnico magnet, thought to be a factory error or an aftermarket modification. The guitar’s neck has been broken twice, which Hammett feels has also affected its tone. Peter Green, however, felt that there was nothing particularly special about the guitar or his sound. He also stated that he didn’t know what “out-of-phase” even meant.
Sustain and Versatility: Greeny’s sustain is legendary, enabling Hammett to achieve long, singing notes that are a hallmark of his playing. The guitar’s versatility allows him to transition seamlessly between various musical styles, from heavy metal to blues and everything in between.

This unique sound has made Greeny an essential part of Hammett’s musical identity, featuring prominently in songs like “Enter Sandman” and “Nothing Else Matters.”

The Legacy of Greeny in Metallica’s Music

Kirk Hammett’s Greeny has played a pivotal role in shaping Metallica’s sound since it became part of his collection. The guitar’s influence can be seen in both live performances and studio recordings.

Live Performances: During concerts, Greeny has been a prominent feature, contributing to the powerful sound that Metallica is known for. Hammett’s use of the guitar enhances the emotional depth of their music, captivating audiences worldwide.
Studio Albums: Greeny has been featured on numerous Metallica albums, including “Load,” “Reload,” and “Death Magnetic.” Its sound complements the band’s heavier tracks while adding a layer of sophistication to their more melodic pieces.

The enduring legacy of Greeny is a testament to its impact on modern rock music and its significance in Hammett’s career.

The Gibson Greeny Model

In 2020, Gibson unveiled the limited-edition “Greeny” Les Paul Standard, designed to emulate the original guitar that once belonged to Peter Green.

Key Features

Construction: The Gibson Greeny model is crafted with a mahogany body and carved maple top, mirroring the classic Les Paul design. This combination ensures a warm, resonant tone that can be heard in many of Green’s recordings.
Finish: One of the distinguishing characteristics of the Greeny model is its unique finish. While the original guitar underwent significant wear and tear over the years, the Gibson version features a meticulously crafted aged finish that pays homage to Greeny’s weathered look.
Pickups: This model is equipped with custom BurstBucker pickups that emulate the original PAF humbuckers found in vintage Les Pauls. These pickups provide a rich, dynamic sound with great clarity, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.
Neck Profile: The Greeny Les Paul features a comfortable ‘60s slim-taper neck profile, allowing for easy playability and fast solos—a necessity for any serious guitarist.

Significance

The Gibson Greeny model is not just about aesthetics; it represents a part of rock history. Its release serves to honor the legacy of Peter Green, Gary Moore, and the impact of the original Greeny guitar on music. With a limited production run, it has become a coveted piece for collectors and players who seek to own a slice of rock and blues history.

The Epiphone Greeny Model

To make the legacy of Greeny more accessible to a broader audience, Epiphone, a subsidiary of Gibson, introduced its own version of the Greeny guitar. The Epiphone Greeny model captures the essence of the original while offering an affordable alternative for aspiring musicians.

Key Features

Construction: The Epiphone Greeny is built with a mahogany body and maple top, similar to its Gibson counterpart. While it may not feature the same premium woods, it still provides a solid foundation for a rich sound.
Finish: The Epiphone model includes a vintage sunburst finish that gives it an appealing aesthetic, reminiscent of the classic Les Paul designs.
Pickups: Equipped with Epiphone’s Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers, this model offers a warm and articulate tone, suitable for a range of musical styles. These pickups aim to replicate the tonal qualities of the original PAFs, making it a versatile instrument for both clean and distorted sounds.
Neck Profile: The Epiphone Greeny features a comfortable neck profile that facilitates easy playability, making it an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned guitarists.

Significance

The Epiphone Greeny model is essential for budget-conscious players who still wish to experience the legacy of the original Greeny. It offers an accessible entry point into the world of high-quality electric guitars, allowing more musicians to embrace the sound and style that has influenced generations.