"Learn to Play Extreme" - A Journey into the Depths of Guitar Mastery

Welcome to "Learn to Play Extreme", a comprehensive set of guitar lessons taught by George Marios, crafted for the aspiring guitarist. Each lesson is an immersive exploration into the world of Extreme, a band renowned for their fusion of hard rock, funk, and progressive elements. In this package, you'll learn to play some of their most iconic tracks, guided by the intricate guitar work of the virtuosic Nuno Bettencourt.

Nuno Bettencourt: The Man Behind the Strings

Bettencourt's contribution to Extreme's music cannot be overstated. A masterful composer and arranger, his playing incorporates a wide range of techniques, making each song a lesson in itself. His unique blend of melodic sensibilities, rhythmic precision, and technical prowess serves as the backbone of Extreme's sound, presenting a captivating journey for any guitarist to embark on.

Get The Funk Out

"Get The Funk Out" is an energetic track, soaked in the funk rock aesthetic. Bettencourt's playing utilizes the Mixolydian mode to create a distinctively 'funky' vibe. He exploits syncopated rhythms, showcasing his masterful rhythm control. A high-energy solo embellished with rapid-fire alternate picking and legato phrases adds further excitement.

Rest in Peace

"Rest in Peace" offers a more somber musical setting. The song opens with arpeggiated chord progressions in E minor, setting a melancholic tone. The solo is an expressive piece that demonstrates effective use of vibrato and sustained notes. String bending is used to add depth and emotion to the phrasing.

Cupid's Dead

"Cupid's Dead" is a funk-metal powerhouse. Its main riff, derived from the E minor pentatonic scale, is a rhythmic onslaught. Bettencourt cleverly uses palm-muting to tighten the groove. The solo section features complex two-handed tapping passages, blending speed and melody with seamless ease.

Decadence Dance

"Decadence Dance" is a tour de force in rhythm guitar playing. The song's aggressive main riff is a rapid alternate picked sequence that demands tight timing. The solo incorporates wide interval jumps and quick scale runs, demonstrating the fusion of speed and melody that is a hallmark of Bettencourt's style.

Warheads

"Warheads" showcases Bettencourt's versatility as a guitarist. The song's main riff combines power chords and single note lines, creating a thick and heavy sound. The guitar solo is a blistering showcase of sweep picking and legato, requiring a high level of technical proficiency to execute.

Each lesson in "Learn to Play Extreme" presents a different facet of Bettencourt's playing, offering valuable insights into his approach to music and guitar. Master these songs, and you'll not only gain a deeper understanding of Extreme's music, but also take a significant step towards improving your guitar skills. Whether you're a beginner looking to venture into rock guitar, or a seasoned player seeking to break new ground, "Learn to Play Extreme" is a journey worth undertaking. Happy practicing!

The Techniques: The Building Blocks of Guitar Mastery

Learning to play Extreme's songs exposes you to a plethora of guitar techniques. Here are the techniques covered in these lessons:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Two-handed Tapping
• String Bending
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Power Chords
• Sweep Picking
• Syncopated Rhythms