| As many guitar players before you can attest, | | | | down-picking (as opposed to alternate picking; i.e. |
| starting out on your musical adventure can be | | | | up-down-up-down) which is the M.O. of most heavy |
| confusing and daunting. I'm going to give you tips on | | | | metal songs. Guitarist/Vocalist James Hetfield is |
| how to make the transition from novice to | | | | idolized as one of the most influential guitar players in |
| competent heavy metal guitar player more quickly. | | | | Heavy Metal history and on enterprising young guitar |
| This method worked for me and I continue to | | | | players interested in learning easy heavy metal songs. |
| recommend it to friends. So without further ado... | | | | Hetfield's unparalleled and relentless approach to |
| The guitar is a magical instrument and the most | | | | heavy metal guitar and songwriting has shaped my |
| crucial matter to aspirant guitar players is playing their | | | | playing and numerous others to do the same. |
| favourite bands music. If heavy metal is your musical | | | | "Downpicking" contrary to alternate picking (up-down, |
| genre, I'd propose setting out with Metallica as the | | | | up-down) when done rapidly can and will grant you |
| band to emulate. Their compositions might sound | | | | the dexterity and hand strength to manipulate your |
| complex to novice guitarists but in fact, they are the | | | | guitar to a greater extent as string skipping (one |
| most transcribed band on the internet. When | | | | string to the next) becomes more comfortable with |
| beginning to play, search out Metallica's less | | | | this approach. |
| complicated and less hurried songs such as "Fade to | | | | 2) Metallica's songs' center on the Phrygian mode |
| Black", "The Thing that Should Not Be" or "Escape" | | | | throughout much of their music. |
| (to name a few) which may be rehearsed and | | | | This mode will assist in building your song-playing skills |
| studied reasonably fast. Eventually you will find | | | | as they are a more common focus in the world of |
| yourself seeking out faster songs such as "Master of | | | | heavy metal. Their song construction is not generally |
| Puppets" and Damage Inc". These songs, along with | | | | excessively elaborate (there are exceptions) and |
| tablature (and practice of course!) will improve and | | | | dominating their method will allow for you to advance |
| acquaint an undeveloped guitar players psyche to the | | | | to more complicated kinds of music within the musical |
| domain of heavy metal guitar. | | | | genre. |
| Here are a few reasons I believe Metallica to be the | | | | Of course you may have other bands you'd like to |
| easiest and best band to start playing along with. | | | | play right away, I strongly believe that getting |
| 1) Metallica's songs will increase your picking hand | | | | acquainted with Metallica's musical arrangements and |
| dexterity/speed. | | | | song structures will pay future dividends as a guitar |
| Metallica's songs require a massive dose of | | | | player learns the ropes. |
