Welcome, fellow metal enthusiasts! Whether you’re already rocking out or looking to crank your skills up to eleven, this guide is your ticket to mastering the essential techniques that make the metal guitar so electrifying.
Fender Coach Sydney Ellen will dive into power chords, pinch harmonics, palm muting, and more.
The Foundation: Power Chords
A Metal Essential…probably some of the most common chords used in Metal are power chords. These bad boys are the backbone of many metal riffs and are surprisingly simple. These types of chords have a very dark and heavy sound to them, especially when used with distortion or overdrive.
A power chord is typically made up of just two notes: the root and the fifth. For example, an E5 power chord involves playing the E note on the 7th fret of the A string and the B note on the 9th fret of the D string.
Master both the 2 and 3-finger power chord shapes and you’ll be able to handle some of the biggest metal hits.
Pinch Harmonics: Scream Like a Demon
A slightly different technique than natural harmonics. Pinch harmonics are that squealy, screechy, screaming sound you hear in guitar solos. This advanced technique takes time to practice but over time it will add an extra punch to your guitar sound.
Metal masters: Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde are known for adding vibrato to their pinch harmonics for their iconic sound.
To achieve pinch harmonics, you need to graze the string with your thumb immediately after picking it.
When you pick the note, let the edge of your thumb lightly touch the string just after you strike it. You might need to experiment with your picking hand’s position to find the sweet spot, but once you do, you’ll be producing squeals in no time.
Palm Muting: The Secret Sauce
Palm muting adds that chunky, percussive sound that makes metal riffs so powerful. Some songs will use a combination of holding a palm mute and lifting it off in between notes. These complex riffs are both fun to play and a great challenge for the strum hand!
To palm mute, lightly rest the edge of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge while you pick. This technique dampens the strings, giving you a tight, controlled sound.
How to Execute Palm Muting
- Position Your Hand: Place the edge of your palm (the part closest to your pinky) on the strings near the bridge of the guitar. You want to mute the strings, but not completely silence them. Finding the right spot takes practice.
- Apply Light Pressure: Rest your palm lightly on the strings. Too much pressure will completely mute the strings, while too little will not mute them enough. Aim for a balance where the notes are dampened but still audible.
- Pick the Strings: Use your picking hand to strike the strings while maintaining the mute with your palm. Start with downstrokes to get a feel for the technique, then incorporate upstrokes for alternate picking.
Gallop Strumming: Rhythm Techniques
Metal isn’t just about solos; it’s also about killer rhythms. Galloping is a common metal rhythm technique that involves playing a quick succession of notes in a pattern that mimics a horse’s gallop.
Gallop strumming is characterized by a quick succession of notes followed by a rest, creating a pattern that sounds like a gallop. This pattern is typically played on the lower strings, producing a percussive and powerful sound that is a staple in many subgenres of metal.
If you like metal, don’t put off learning 16th notes. Some of the greatest metal hits include this rhythm. Some riffs will use this pattern on the low E string, or some will play this pattern with power chords. It’s the driving force behind some of our favorite tunes.
Famous Songs Featuring Gallop Strumming
To get a feel for how gallop strumming is used in real songs, check out these metal classics:
- "Run to the Hills" by Iron Maiden: A classic example of gallop strumming in the main riff.
- "Master of Puppets" by Metallica: Features gallop rhythms throughout the song, particularly in the main riff and chorus.
- "Hallowed Be Thy Name" by Iron Maiden: Another Iron Maiden classic with prominent gallop strumming.
Drop Tunings
Some artists are known for their experimentation with drop tunings. Drop tunings are a hallmark of metal guitar playing, offering a deeper, more powerful sound that standard tunings can't quite match. In essence, drop tuning involves lowering the pitch of one or more strings, typically the lowest (or sixth) string, to a lower note. This creates a heavier, darker tone and facilitates easier fingerings for power chords and riffs.
A common tuning to try out is Drop D, but some groups will play in D standard, C# standard, and even lower! It’s best to consult your local guitar tech or guitar luthier if you’re looking to play in these lower tunings long-term. They’ll help you get set up with an appropriate string gauge and guitar setup to handle the low tuning!
Common Drop Tunings
- Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-e): The low E string is tuned down to D. This is the simplest drop tuning and a great starting point for beginners. It’s used by bands like Metallica and Avenged Sevenfold.
- Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D): All strings are tuned down a whole step, and the low E string is dropped an additional step to C. This tuning is popular in metalcore and heavy metal bands like Killswitch Engage and Bullet for My Valentine.
- Drop B (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#): Similar to Drop C, but every string is tuned down another half step. Bands like Slipknot and Bring Me the Horizon often use Drop B for its incredibly deep and heavy sound.
- Drop A (A-E-A-D-F#-B): Used primarily in djent and progressive metal, Drop A provides an extremely low tuning, often employed by bands like Periphery and Meshuggah.
There you have it, fellow metalheads,—a crash course in metal guitar techniques! Remember, the key to mastering these skills is practice, patience, and a passion for the genre. Don’t be afraid to experiment and push your limits. With time, dedication, and a bit of attitude, you’ll be shredding in no time.
Learn More With Fender 1:1
Fender 1:1 coaches are accessible and flexible. They work on your schedule, so they are there for you when and where you need them. You can rewatch your sessions as many times as you need without the added fees other private coaches add on. Fun fact - lessons with Fender coaches typically cost 30% less than a standard in-person coach.
All lessons, sessions, and learning drills are personalized to you. Fender coaches listen to your goals and help you develop a pathway to accomplishment. The Fender 1:1 partnership with Blayze requires all coaches to go through an extensive application process, so you know you are getting the best out there.
Explore more details on our coaching sessions here. Start on your musical journey today for only $29!
