1. The Unforgiven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckom3gf57Yw A potentially controversial choice for the top spot, but judging by everything that makes this one up and the fact it's one of Kirk's personal favourites we think it's much deserved. Born out of Kirk being routinely hammered by new producer Bob Rock who hounded him for "not doing his homework" i.e. studying and practicing for his recording sessions, one day he was berating him in the studio, accusing him of not being ready, only for Kirk to bust out the flawless take they used on the record. It's got the perfect mix of his older academic approach to melodic writing, some stadium-sized crowd-wowing bends, and a feel throughout that lets anybody take a listen and come away with a newfound appreciation for Hammett as a player. Being endlessly anthemic it's one of his most fun to replicate, just as much as you can tell whenever he breaks it out live that Hammett is always having a blast playing. With so many separate licks comprising a piece that ebbs and flows before ending on some stylish, bluesy bends, there's nothing quite so well put together from every angle as this. What are your favourite solos? What would you swap out or take out altogether from our choices? Let us know in the comments!