# How to Sound Like Lars Ulrich — Metallica Drum Sound Guide

**Drummer:** Lars Ulrich  
**Band:** Metallica  
**Genre:** Thrash Metal / Heavy Metal  
**Guide URL:** https://metalforge.io/guides/how-to-sound-like-lars-ulrich

## Overview

Lars Ulrich co-invented thrash metal. As Metallica's co-founder, primary songwriter, and driving force since 1981, Lars shaped the sound of heavy music for over four decades. His drum parts on albums like "Master of Puppets" and "...And Justice for All" defined what metal drumming could be. Lars's style prioritizes groove and song service over technical showmanship — his trademark grooves, punchy snare sound, and tight double bass work created the template for countless metal drummers. The thrash gallop he perfected on songs like "Battery" and "Master of Puppets" is one of the most copied rhythmic patterns in metal history.

## Kit Setup

Lars has used multiple kits across his career. Classic albums (Kill 'Em All through ...And Justice for All) featured **Camco** and **Ludwig** drums. His current setup uses **Tama Starclassic** with maple/bubinga shells:

- **Kick Drums:** 22" x 18" (x2) with DW 5000 Series Double Pedal
- **Snare:** 14" x 6.5" Lars Ulrich Signature Snare (hammered bronze shell)
- **Rack Toms:** 10" x 8", 12" x 9"
- **Floor Toms:** 14" x 14", 16" x 16"
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian A Custom Series — bright and cutting to be heard over Metallica's guitars
- **Pedals:** DW 5000 Series Double Pedal
- **Sticks:** Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature (aluminum core for durability)
- **Heads:** Remo Powerstroke P3 Clear (kick), Remo Ambassador Coated (snare), Remo Emperor Clear (toms)

## Tuning & Setup

Lars tunes for punch and attack. His drums cut through rather than boom:

- **Kick:** Medium-tight tension with significant muffling (full pillow or blanket). The kick should "thump" not "boom" — critical for fast gallop patterns.
- **Snare:** High tension for maximum crack. Batter head tight — it should crack, not ring. Snare wires medium-tight for sensitivity. Minimal muffling.
- **Toms:** Medium-high tension with one Moongel each. Attack with controlled sustain — not too much ring.

## Technique Tips

Lars uses **matched grip** with a powerful, arm-based stroke for crashes and a wrist-focused approach for snare work. Groove and feel over technical complexity — every hit serves the song.

**Signature patterns:**

- **The Thrash Gallop (180–220 BPM, Intermediate):** Lars's trademark gallop drives songs like "Battery" and "Master of Puppets" — eighth notes on kick with syncopated snare accents. Start slow and lock in the feel before adding speed. It's a march, not a blur.
- **Punchy Snare Fills (Variable, Beginner-Intermediate):** Direct and powerful fills, often simple patterns played with maximum conviction. Every hit at the same volume — consistency is key.
- **Double Bass Drive (160–200 BPM, Intermediate):** Lars uses double bass to add intensity without constant 16th-note barrage. His patterns follow guitar riffs — learn the riffs first.

**Key songs to study:** *Master of Puppets* (1986) · *Battery* (Master of Puppets, 1986) · *One* (...And Justice for All, 1988) · *Enter Sandman* (Black Album, 1991) · *Blackened* (...And Justice for All, 1988)

## Gear Shopping List

| Item | Lars's Spec | Budget Alternative |
|------|-------------|-------------------|
| Drum Kit | Tama Starclassic Maple/Bubinga | Tama Imperialstar (~$600) |
| Snare | Lars Ulrich Signature Snare 14" x 6.5" (Hammered Bronze) | Tama SLP or Ludwig Supraphonic |
| Cymbals | Zildjian A Custom Series | Zildjian S Series Pack (~$300) |
| Double Pedal | DW 5000 Series | DW 3000 Double Pedal (~$200) |
| Sticks | Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature | Vic Firth 5B |
| Kick Head | Remo Powerstroke P3 Clear | Evans EMAD |

**Starter budget path (~$1,000):** Tama Imperialstar + Zildjian S Series + DW 3000 pedal. See [/brands/tama](https://metalforge.io/brands/tama) and [/brands/zildjian](https://metalforge.io/brands/zildjian).

## Practice Routine

1. **Gallop Groove Builder (15 min daily):** Eighth notes on kick with snare on beats 2 and 4, then add syncopated snare hits between kicks. Start at 120 BPM with a metronome and increase gradually. Goal: solid gallop at 200+ BPM.
2. **Locked-In Double Bass (20 min daily):** Learn Metallica guitar riffs and play the exact rhythm on bass drum. Focus on lock-in with the riff, not just speed. Goal: perfect guitar/kick unison.
3. **Power Fill Development (10 min daily):** Practice simple fills (single strokes around toms) at maximum power with perfect consistency. Goal: every hit at the same volume.

**Common mistakes:** Playing too busy (Lars leaves space); weak snare hits (commit to every stroke); ignoring the guitars (lock in with the riffs); focusing on speed over groove.

## FAQ

**Q: What drums did Lars use on Master of Puppets?**  
A: Lars used Camco drums on Master of Puppets, not Tama as is commonly assumed. He later switched to Tama. For the classic "Master of Puppets" sound, Camco or older Ludwig kits tuned tight and punchy are the reference point.

**Q: How do I get the Lars Ulrich drum sound?**  
A: Tune tight and punchy — heavily muffled kick that thumps, high snare for crack, toms with controlled sustain. Zildjian A Custom cymbals provide the bright projection he's known for. Focus on serving the riff rather than showing off technically.

**Q: Why does Lars get criticized by other drummers?**  
A: Lars prioritizes feel and groove over technical perfection. His live performances can be inconsistent, but his studio work and songwriting contributions are undeniable — he co-wrote the thrash metal vocabulary that every metal drummer now uses.

**Q: Does Lars Ulrich use drum triggers?**  
A: Lars uses triggers live for consistency, especially on kick drums. Studio recordings on classic albums like Master of Puppets were largely acoustic, contributing to that warm but punchy sound.

**Q: What is Lars Ulrich's thrash gallop pattern?**  
A: The thrash gallop is eighth notes on the bass drum with snare accents on beats 2 and 4, plus syncopated snare hits between the kick notes. It creates a driving, forward-pushing momentum that defines songs like "Battery" and "Master of Puppets." Start at 100 BPM and build speed gradually.

---

**Full interactive guide:** [https://metalforge.io/guides/how-to-sound-like-lars-ulrich](https://metalforge.io/guides/how-to-sound-like-lars-ulrich)  
**Drummer profile:** [https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich](https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich)  
**Related guides:** [Dave Lombardo](https://metalforge.io/llms/guides/how-to-sound-like-dave-lombardo.md) · [Joey Jordison](https://metalforge.io/llms/guides/how-to-sound-like-joey-jordison.md)

*Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io) · Last updated: 2026-06-19*