Top Solos of the '00s by Richard Shaw: Master the Iconic Guitar Solos of the Decade

Introduction

Unlock the secrets of the electric guitar with our comprehensive course, "Top Solos of the '00s" taught by the exceptional Richard Shaw. This meticulously crafted lesson series delves into some of the most influential and technically demanding guitar solos from the early 2000s. Each tutorial not only teaches you how to play these iconic solos note for note but also emphasises the underlying techniques, enhancing your overall guitar prowess. The lessons cover a variety of music genres and showcase solos from bands like Alter Bridge, Dream Theater, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, among others.

Lesson Overviews

Alter Bridge - 'Blackbird'

Dive into the soulful and complex solo of "Blackbird" by Alter Bridge. This lesson focuses on expressive techniques like string bending and vibrato, teaching you how to convey emotion through your guitar playing. Understanding these techniques can significantly enhance your musical expression and dynamic control.

Dream Theater - 'Constant Motion'

Tackle the technical prowess required for "Constant Motion" by Dream Theater. This lesson highlights advanced techniques such as sweep picking and odd time signatures, offering you insights into playing complex solos with precision and agility.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - 'Dani California'

Explore the funky and melodic solo of "Dani California." This tutorial emphasises techniques such as slides and double stops, which are crucial for adding a groove and rhythm to your playing, making your performances more vibrant and energetic.

Killswitch Engage - 'Holy Diver'

Learn the heavy and powerful rendition of "Holy Diver" by Killswitch Engage. The lesson focuses on palm-muting and aggressive picking techniques, key for playing heavier music genres and developing a tighter, more impactful sound.

The Darkness - 'I Believe in a Thing Called Love'

Jump into the energetic solo of "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" with a focus on trills and pinch harmonics. These techniques add a spark to your playing, perfect for solos that require a dramatic flair and sonic presence.

Metallica - 'I Disappear'

Master the edgy and dynamic solo of "I Disappear" by Metallica. This lesson teaches you dive bombs and fast picking, essential for adding intensity and excitement to your music.

Sum 41 - 'In Too Deep'

This lesson breaks down the punk rock energy of "In Too Deep" by Sum 41, focusing on power chords and fast strumming. These are foundational for driving the rhythm and maintaining the high energy typical of punk music.

Audioslave - 'Like a Stone'

Delve into the soul-stirring solo of "Like a Stone" by Audioslave, learning techniques like arpeggios and chord progressions. These are vital for creating rich, layered musical textures in slower, more melodic solos.

Slipknot - 'Psychosocial'

Get your hands on the aggressive and rapid solo of "Psychosocial" by Slipknot, focusing on techniques like alternate picking and legato. This combination enhances both speed and smoothness in your playing, crucial for metal genres.

Velvet Revolver - 'Slither'

The lesson on "Slither" by Velvet Revolver teaches you how to utilize slides and vibrato together to create a sleazy rock n' roll vibe, crucial for solos that demand a gritty and raw sound.

Disturbed - 'Stricken'

Learn the intense solo techniques in "Stricken" by Disturbed, which focus on syncopated rhythms and palm-muting, enhancing your ability to play more rhythmically complex segments effectively.

Avenged Sevenfold - 'Bat Country'

This tutorial takes you through the fast-paced and intricate solo of "Bat Country," focusing on techniques such as sweep picking and two-handed tapping, which are essential for adding virtuosity and flair to your playing.

Performance Context

Each lesson includes a full performance by tutor Richard Shaw, allowing you to see these techniques in action. Observing a professional apply these skills in a musical context helps bridge the gap between practice and application, offering a clear model of how to integrate these techniques into your own performances.

Conclusion

By the end of this course, not only will you have mastered some of the most iconic solos of the 2000s, but you will also have a deeper understanding and application of various guitar techniques. This holistic approach ensures that you enhance your technical skills while expanding your expressive capabilities.

Guitar Techniques Used

Here's a list of the key guitar techniques covered in our lessons, with links to detailed descriptions:

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Sweep Picking
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Pinch Harmonics
• Trills

Each technique link leads to our comprehensive glossary, providing further details and tips on mastering these essential skills.