I am going with lalimacefolle on this one, James Hetfield is not only a monster rhythm player ( still don't know how he plays battery and sings at the same time ) but he can EASILY take on Kirk Hammett and win. I am a HUGE met fan and love both of them, but James can beat Kirk hands down, anybody ever here him play Ecstacy of Gold live,

in youtube type in "metallica Ecstacy of Gold live 2009". James plays the solo and KILLS IT!!! He even uses the wah and doesn't overpower the solo with it. He is a really underrated lead guitarist