"One" is one of Metallica's most iconic songs, released as the third single from their 1988 album ...And Justice for All. Written by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, the song is known for its powerful blend of haunting melody, intense rhythm, and dark lyrical content, marking a key moment in the band's evolution toward mainstream success.
The song starts with a clean, melancholic guitar riff that slowly builds tension. The verses, sung by Hetfield in a sombre tone, convey a sense of despair, while the lyrics tell the story of a soldier who has lost his limbs and senses in war, trapped in a state of isolation and agony. Inspired by the novel Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo, the lyrics reflect the emotional devastation of war.
Midway through the song, Metallica's signature heaviness kicks in with pounding drums by Lars Ulrich and aggressive, distorted guitar riffs from Kirk Hammett and Hetfield. This transition from the ballad-like intro to thrash metal is a defining characteristic of "One", capturing the vulnerability and fury of the protagonist. The song's tempo gradually increases, leading to a climactic guitar solo from Hammett that is one of his best, showcasing his technical prowess and emotional intensity.
The production of ...And Justice for All is often criticized for its lack of bass, with Jason Newsted’s contributions being somewhat buried in the mix, but "One" still manages to stand out due to its complex arrangement and dynamic shifts. Lars Ulrich's machine-gun-like double bass drum pattern during the song’s final section is particularly memorable, creating a dramatic sense of urgency and chaos.
The music video for "One" became one of Metallica's most famous scenes from Johnny Got His Gun with the band’s performance, reinforcing the song’s anti-war message. It was also the band’s first official music video, helping them reach a wider audience and eventually earning their first Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1990.
If you want to capture the magic of the metal genre and master the richness of this staple composition, Clay Foster’s detailed guidance on, how to play One on guitar is the perfect start.
Watch this guitar lesson and follow the instructions to learn the “One guitar chords” and master the chord transition techniques for playing One on guitar.
The lesson for the One has the following sections:
- Introduction
- Intro Riff
- Intro Solo
- Pre-Verse and Verse
- Chorus
- Interlude Solo
- Chorus after Interlude
- Heavy Riff in 4/4
- Solo Lesson
- Post Solo Thrash Section
- Song Demo
The One Guitar tutorial is a life saviour for those who want to learn to play this song.
The One Guitar tutorial simplifies learning by breaking it into smaller parts.
Check out the One Guitar Chords to play One on Guitar.
If you enjoyed the One guitar lesson, you can explore guitar lessons on Black Bird and Bite The Pain.
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