Kirk Hammett

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Kirk Hammett's place among the greatest guitarists in rock history is well-earned. He has been named one of the top guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone on two occasions, ranking 11th in 2003 and co-ranking 23rd in 2023. Joel McIver's book The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists placed him at number 15 in 2009. His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Metallica in 2009 capped a career that helped define thrash metal. Hammett's signature riffs and solos, particularly on Enter Sandman and Master of Puppets, have become iconic, influencing countless guitarists worldwide.

AwardsAs a member of Metallica, Hammett has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2009). Individually, he has been recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, ranking number 11 in 2003 and co-ranking number 23 in 2023. In 2009, Joel McIver's book The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists placed Hammett at number 15.

Honours & Distinctions

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame·2009

Inducted as a member of Metallica.

Rankings & Lists

#11

Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time

Rolling Stone·2003

#23 (co-ranked with James Hetfield)

Rolling Stone's Greatest Guitarists of All Time

Rolling Stone·2023

#15

Joel McIver's The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists

Joel McIver·2009

Records & Feats

First thrash metal album to crack the Billboard Top 40

Career Milestone·1986

Metallica's Master of Puppets (1986), on which Hammett played lead guitar, reached No. 29 on the Billboard 200, a first for thrash metal.