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Kirk Hammett: 10 Photos of Stellar ‘Guitar Face’

Kirk Hammett celebrates his birthday on November 18. While his work in Metallica has been celebrated for years, there’s another aspect of his playing that also should be recognized: His…

Kirk Hammett
Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Kirk Hammett celebrates his birthday on November 18. While his work in Metallica has been celebrated for years, there's another aspect of his playing that also should be recognized: His "Guitar Face."

You know, all of those weird facial expressions guitarists tend to make when they're performing and are just feeling it. Some examples of "guitar face" are rather strange, but Hammett's "guitar face" somehow is like an effortless cool.

Want proof? Here are just ten examples of Hammett's variations of "guitar face."

The "Metal is Fun" Guitar Face

GettyImages-174053885.jpgKevin Winter/Getty Images

Look at the joy on his face? And some people think metal isn't wholesome!


The "Ah! I'm walking and playing at the same time" Guitar Face

GettyImages-1124620703.jpgJason Kempin/Getty Images

Seriously, how do more guitarists not fall when walking and playing? It feels like it would be very difficult.


The "Casual Rocking with the Bassist" Guitar Face

GettyImages-1095797352.jpgKevin Winter/Getty Images

Who wouldn't want to casually rock out with Robert Trujillo? He seems awesome!


The "Absolutely Thrashing with the Bassist" Guitar Face

GettyImages-657810340.jpgMauricio Santana/Getty Images

For real, Robert and Kirk have awesome chemistry on stage. Who doesn't love all of their "doodles"? (IYKYK)


The "I just saw a really gross spider and I don't like it" Guitar Face

GettyImages-657810336.jpgMauricio Santana/Getty Images

C'mon...you're telling me you don't make a similar face when you see a really gross spider? If you say you don't, you can't blame us for thinking you're a liar.


The "I just stubbed my toe but I like it" Guitar Face

GettyImages-113125945.jpgKevin Winter/Getty Images

Oh, you think this is a weird way to describe this particular guitar face? Please...how would you describe it? We'll wait...


The "I just hit my funny bone by mistake and it's not so funny" Guitar Face

GettyImages-1073087184.jpgEthan Miller/Getty Images

Don't you just hate when you hit your funny bone? We bet Kirk would agree with us.


The "Man, this is a cool angle photo of me" Guitar Face

GettyImages-630057706.jpgKevin Winter/Getty Images

Sometimes, guitarists just look cool as hell. There's no denying it, and they probably all know it, too.


The "I forgot how heavy a guitar can be until I play it like this" Guitar Face

GettyImages-81137362.jpgNoel Vasquez/Getty Images

For real, it must be a little awkward to play a guitar like that. It must make your forearms burn like hell.


The "That's right, I'm Kirk f-cking Hammett" Guitar Face

GettyImages-824419020.jpgKevin Winter/Getty Images

It honestly must be cool to be Kirk Hammett. We hope he remembers this as he celebrates his birthday.

Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights