9. Kirk Hammett
James Hetfield might be the greatest rhythm guitarist in the history of thrash/heavy metal. If that’s the case, then Hammett should be considered one of the great lead players of the genre. Just listen to Metallica classics like “For Whom the Bell Tolls (1985), “Master of Puppets” (1986) and “One” (1988). Hammett’s playing then, and to this day, was/is not about just speed. He might be the most melodic lead guitarist in all of metal.