Here is a trick in the style of metal guitarists Kirk Hammett and Dave Mustaine. They use this technique frequently in their solos. You can also try this on different strings and change the picking pattern. This is derived from the minor pentatonic scale, so it is also included in the notation tab below. p = pull-off

Here is a cool pull-off lick idea using the E natural minor scale (Aeolian mode). This is also a good exercise for pull-offs, alternate picking, and dexterity. In my example I play it at 4 different speeds: 100 bpm, 180 bpm, 220 bpm, and 260 bpm. I tried to go for 280 bpm, but I'm just not that fast! To save room on the notation tab, each section of the lick is only notated once.

This is the 5th mode of the harmonic minor scale. Its formula is (H, 1-1/2, H, W, H, W, W). This means you can start on any note, then apply this formula and have the scale. Let me explain this formula. H = half step (any 2 notes 1 fret apart) W = whole step (any 2 notes 2 frets apart) 1-1/2 = One and one half steps (any 2 notes 3 frets apart) Using this formula, I created the box diagram shown in the above image. In my sound example the scale is played in a sequence of fours. This means I play the first four notes up the scale, starti...

Here is a little lick idea using the Spanish Gypsy Scale (5th mode of the Harmonic Minor Scale). The diagram of the scale is shown in the above image. I start off slow and then speed it up, finishing it off with a pinch harmonic. The formula for this scale is: H, 1+, H, W, H, W, W. H = Half Step W = Whole Step 1+ = One and a half steps

Here is another idea for a pull-off lick using the natural minor scale (Aeolian mode). This descending group of patterns works perfectly with the classic chord progression of: Emin, Dmaj, Cmaj, Bmaj. In my example I play it at 4 speeds: 100 bpm, 140 bpm, 180 bpm, 220 bpm. To save space each section of the lick is only notated once, but in the audio example it is played twice.

This is a dark sounding Japanese pentatonic scale. The diagram above is an extended box pattern that works well with this scale. The formula is: H, 2, W, 1+ ,W H = Half Step W = Whole Step 1+ = One and 1/2 Steps 2 = Two Steps In my example all strings are tuned down a full step.

Here is a cool way to spice up a C chord with hammer-ons and pull-offs. It is frequently played this way in country and bluegrass music. In my example I tuned all the strings down a full step, so it's actually a B-flat major chord pitchwise. You can try this with other open chords too, like Am, G, D, etc. Have Fun!

Here is an exotic alternative to the natural minor scale (Aeolian mode). It's the Aeolian mode without the 4th and 7th notes, making this a 5-note (pentatonic) scale. It has a cool Japanese sound. The sound sample is in the Key of G.

This is an exotic alternative to the Locrian mode. It is the Locrian mode without the 3rd and 6th notes, making this a 5-note (pentatonic) scale. This scale has a mystical sound and is used frequently in traditonal Japanese koto music. The sound sample is in the key of D. Enjoy!

Here is a Mediterranean sounding scale. It's also called the Hispano-Arabian Scale. It has both Spanish and Middle-Eastern qualities. I've included the chords I used in my example below. All strings are tuned down a full step.

This is an update of an older trick of mine. This time I tuned up to E. This is an example of fast palm-muted alternate picked notes used in speed/thrash metal. This goes very well with double-bass notes on the drums. In my example there are 5 tracks: Drums, Bass, Rhythm Guitar, Lead 1, Lead 2. Believe it or not, all the guitar tracks were recorded directly into the soundcard clean, no effects. Then I used an effects plug-in called Amplitube for the tones.

This is a Chinese-sounding pentatonic (5-note) scale and sounds good using a lot of hammer-ons & pull-offs. All strings are tuned down a full step in my example. It makes you want to go watch a Bruce Lee movie.

This is an exotic, middle-eastern sounding alternative to the Aeolian mode(natural minor scale). I've used this scale in another Metal-Style trick but I wanted to show how it can be used with acoustic styles as well. This example is in the key of D, and is tabbed using 3 octaves. Enjoy!

Above is the diagram for this 6-note eastern scale. The red dots indicate the root or key of the scale. This scale probably originated in southeastern asia where it would have commonly been played on a variety of 2 and 3 stringed instruments.

Here is a really exotic sounding diminished scale called the Persian scale. This scale is traditionally played on a variety of Middle Eastern stringed instruments. On the diagram above, the red dots indicate the root note or key of the scale. The sound example is in the key of E. The formula for this scale is: H, 1+, H, H, W, 1+, H. H = Half step W = Whole step 1+ = 1 and a half steps

When soloing, it is a good idea to use different scales to avoid sounding too repetitious. In my example I use four scales. I start off with the natural minor scale (Aeolian mode), then use the Phrygian mode, then use a Japanese scale (Hirajoshi) which is a shortened form of the Aeolian mode, then I finish by using the classic Pentatonic minor. These are all minor scales.

Here is another cool sounding japanese pentatonic (5 Note) scale. This scale is used in traditional Japanese koto music and is also used quite a bit by Marty Friedman. The red dots in the above diagram indicate the root notes(key) of the scale. The Formula for this scale is: W, H, 2, W, 1+ W = Whole step H = Half step 2 = Two steps 1+ = One and a half steps Enjoy.

Here is an example of how to play the Indian Minor Scale (Raga Todi) using a drone. This closely resembles the way it's played in the traditional classical music of India. In this example, I've tuned down all strings a whole step and used 2 tracks to create this trick. One track was used for the drone on the G string, which is actually the F string when tuned down a full step. The 2nd track was used for playing the scale, which is played on the B string only (the A string when tuned down 1 step). This scale is perfect for improvisation, especially when playin...

Here is an exotic sounding Middle Eastern Maqam (or scale) called Maqam Hedjaz. This is one of literally hundreds of maqam in the arab musical system. This is a diminished scale and works with diminished chords. The red dots on the diagram above indicate the root or key of the scale. The formula for this scale is: W, H, 1+, H, W, H, W H = Half Step (1 fret apart) W = Whole Step (2 frets apart) 1+ = 1 and a half steps (3 frets apart) The sound file is in the key of A.

Here is another cool, exotic sounding scale to experiment with. You can use it to spice up your solos where you would normally play a minor pentatonic scale or Aeolian mode. The sound sample is a Hungarian minor lick in the key of A. Enjoy.

This is a classical piece from an unknown composer. Use your thumb to pluck the bass notes and your index finger for the rest. All strings are tuned down a full step. For the subtle nuances in the timing, check out the sound example.

This is an exotic scale used in the Music of India. In India they refer to scales as "Ragas" and they traditionally follow no set tempo, making improvisation easier. Try playing this scale with a drone in the key of A to get a really cool sound. I apologize if the sound file is played too fast. I will soon add another trick, playing this scale slower with a drone. Enjoy!

Here is another "raga" or scale used in traditional Indian music. It is very unusual sounding and may take a little getting used to. In my example I play an ascending/descending pattern and then play a drone on the open C string while playing the scale on the F string only. All strings are tuned down a full step (D-standard tuning).

A cool way to break out of a standard feel is to use odd time signatures. Here is an example of a metal riff that is in 5/4. This means that you count to yourself 1-2-3-4-5-1-2-3-4-5 ... etc. while playing the riff. Below is a clip from one of my songs titled "Lost and Forgotten". Experiment with this idea and create your own riffs and leads. Have Fun!

Here is an example of a really cool sounding technique called pedal tones. Pedal tones are repetitive notes occuring commonly in classical music. They can be repeated every other note, every two notes, and so on. Pedal tone licks can be created using any scale. In my example I use the Natural Minor Scale (Aeolian Mode). The first three licks in my example use the pedal tone as every other note. The last lick I play uses the pedal tone on the first note, then repeats every 2 notes. Pedal tones are easy to play if they fall on an open string, but offer a bit of a ...

In this tutorial we will learn scales with a Spanish or Gypsy flavor. Each scale will be shown as a fretboard pattern, in music notation & as a formula. Each scale has an audio example of how it sounds when played.

This tutorial will show you a few pull-off tricks you can use in your metal solos. Play them clean, play them FAST!

In this tutorial we will learn scales of Asian origin. For example, from Japan, Korea, and so on. Each scale will be shown as a fretboard pattern, in music notation & as a formula. Each scale has an audio example of how it sounds when played.

In this tutorial we will learn scales of Middle Eastern origin. Each scale will be shown as a fretboard pattern, in music notation & as a formula. Each scale has an audio example of how it sounds when played.

In this tutorial we will learn scales of Indian origin. The Indian term for these is "Ragas". Each scale will be shown as a fretboard pattern, in music notation & as a formula. Each scale has an audio example of how it sounds when played.

When soloing, it is a good idea to use different scales to avoid sounding too repetitious. In my example I use four scales. I start off with the natural minor scale (Aeolian mode), then use the Phrygian mode, then use a Japanese scale (Hirajoshi) which is a shortened form of the Aeolian mode, then I finish by using the classic Pentatonic minor. These are all minor scales.

Here is a cool way to spice up a C chord with hammer-ons and pull-offs. It is frequently played this way in country and bluegrass music. In my example I tuned all the strings down a full step, so it's actually a B-flat major chord pitchwise. You can try this with other open chords too, like Am, G, D, etc. Have Fun!

This is a classical piece from an unknown composer. Use your thumb to pluck the bass notes and your index finger for the rest. All strings are tuned down a full step. For the subtle nuances in the timing, check out the sound example.

This is the eerie sounding 7th mode of the major scale, the Locrian mode. This diminished mode is typically used in Jazz and Metal. It's formula is: H, W, W, H, W, W, W (H= Half Step, W= Whole Step). This works over minor7b5 chord or a diminished triad. In my example I show how you can use the Locrian mode along with other diminished scales and arpeggios. It can also be used along with the Japanese Iwato Scale (click for lesson).

This is an update of an older trick of mine. This time I tuned up to E. This is an example of fast palm-muted alternate picked notes used in speed/thrash metal. This goes very well with double-bass notes on the drums. In my example there are 5 tracks: Drums, Bass, Rhythm Guitar, Lead 1, Lead 2. Believe it or not, all the guitar tracks were recorded directly into the soundcard clean, no effects. Then I used an effects plug-in called Amplitube for the tones.

Here is an example of a really cool sounding technique called pedal tones. Pedal tones are repetitive notes occuring commonly in classical music. They can be repeated every other note, every two notes, and so on. Pedal tone licks can be created using any scale. In my example I use the Natural Minor Scale (Aeolian Mode). The first three licks in my example use the pedal tone as every other note. The last lick I play uses the pedal tone on the first note, then repeats every 2 notes. Pedal tones are easy to play if they fall on an open string, but offer a bit of a ...

A cool way to break out of a standard feel is to use odd time signatures. Here is an example of a metal riff that is in 5/4. This means that you count to yourself 1-2-3-4-5-1-2-3-4-5 ... etc. while playing the riff. Below is a clip from one of my songs titled "Lost and Forgotten". Experiment with this idea and create your own riffs and leads. Have Fun!