Photo: Ralph Arvesen / CC BY 2.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
Kirk Hammett's career is a masterclass in longevity. Lead guitarist of Metallica since 1983, and a co-founder of Exodus before that, he helped lay the groundwork for thrash metal itself. What I admire most is not just the technical wah-drenched solos that fans can identify in a single bar, but the discipline of staying in one band for four decades through every creative and personal storm. Being co-ranked 23rd on Rolling Stone's greatest guitarists list alongside Hetfield feels almost understated for someone this foundational. His tone is instantly recognizable, and that signature is the real measure of a guitarist who became part of metal's DNA.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Kirk Hammett
- Name (Japanese)
- カーク・ハメット
- Reading
- かーく・はめっと
- Born
- November 18, 1962 (age 63)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Scorpio / Tiger
- Origin
- San Francisco, California, United States
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- guitarist / songwriter / rock musician / composer
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- De Anza High School
- University
- San Francisco State University
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was Kirk Hammett born?
Born November 18, 1962 (age 63).
Where is Kirk Hammett from?
Kirk Hammett is from San Francisco, California, United States.
What does Kirk Hammett do?
Kirk Hammett works as guitarist, songwriter, rock musician, composer.
Guitarist — see all → · Songwriter — see all → · More people from United States →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-16
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.