7 TYPES of GUITAR LESSONS, Part Five – Heavy Metal

7 TYPES of GUITAR LESSONS, Part Five – Heavy Metal

by Rick Cittar

Heavy Metal is the music style that is born from Rock, and yet defines itself through many wonderful and unique characteristics.  Many of my beginning teen-age students are very excited about playing some kind of metal, so before we begin guitar lessons, I like to point out the challenges that lay before them.

Regardless of the genre of metal, (which often depends on the vocal approach to the song arrangement), this style of music is about the guitar.  Replete with dark tones and super-saturated gain, it is the guitar that leads the band through a heavy sonic journey.

It is interesting to listen to Blue Cheer’s version of “Summertime Blues”, which was recorded in a vacant warehouse in the New York City harbour, and to realize that it was comtemporary with Frank Sinatra’s  “Strangers in the Night”.  For Metal was born of the turbulent social changes of the 60’s coupled with the guitar technology that could produce the ultimate tone that suggested raw power and kundalini energy.

Led Zeppelin is one of the first popular bands that was described as a metal band.  It is interesting to acknowledge that Page drew heavily from the Blues for his inspiration.  His tones are not quite as heavy as common tones of today, however his approach is so aggressive and energetic, that he became a musical icon of the entire genre.  Black Sabbath, a Manchester blues band that took the alpha leap to trail blaze a new and powerful style of guitar music, is also a great example of the origins of Heavy Metal.

As a student of metal guitar lessons, you must learn scales, fingering patterns, the modes, and a method to apply them to harmony. You will have to develop an accomplished level of right and left-hand technique, finger-tapping, horizontal melodic movement, and vibrato.  You’re going to have to build up your bag of trick riffs as well.

The reward is an incredible experience.  I have had some of the most memorable times of my life cranking out some metal on stage, blazing through my Marshall amp and playing outstandingly excellent tone. Bring that tone to the table and mix it up with a great and hip rhythm section, and you will make magic.

Arcadia Music Studio, “Dedicated to Building a Community of Musicians and Performers” 925 818 6026