Here’s an acoustic guitar adaptation of one of Metallica‘s best-known songs, “Nothing else matters”. The song was released in 1991 on the “Black Album”, the band’s fifth album.
Why this song.
One of my musical activities is giving guitar lessons in the 20ᵉ arrondissement of Paris, near my home. I really enjoy this activity. Firstly because I play my instrument, and also because it allows me to create links with the neighborhood.
With two of my adult students, Eric and Michael, we worked on Nothing Else Matters on acoustic guitar. So I thought it would be interesting to try and come up with a personal arrangement in this way.
Music.
I discovered Metallica‘s “Black Album” when it came out. An aunt had given it to me for Christmas. At the time, I was a teenager and only listened to punk rock. That’s why metal bands weren’t part of my world, and I shunned this album. It was only much later, as an adult, that I rediscovered the talent of Metallica and in particular this “Black Album”. The sound is incredible. “Nothing Else Matters” is clearly a masterpiece.
Metallica plays Nothing Else Matters in E minor. This is a perfect key for guitar. Indeed, you can take full advantage of the low E in the open while playing high notes. Take Forbidden Games, for example, and you’ll see just how suitable E minor is for guitar.
For singing, this key also corresponds to my tessitura. It’s ideal for my voice. So I had no reason to change the original tone!
Gear.
I recorded the sound with my Zoom H6, using only the built-in stereo pair. I didn’t have any other microphones that day. I took advantage of this to highlight the room’s sound ambience. It was up to me to manage the balance between voice and guitar.
Video capture.
In the end, I made this video recording quite quickly. I already had a good grasp of the piece after playing it several times with Michael and Eric. Thanks to them! 🙂
In the end, it took me 4 or 5 takes to get a version that seemed right.
Score and tablature.
If you wish, the score and tablature are available in PDF format below. This is a non-commercial sharing.