War Eternal by Arch Enemy – Guitar Lesson Breakdown

"War Eternal" by Arch Enemy is an iconic track that has become a staple in the melodic death metal genre. For guitarists looking to master the techniques used in this song, this note-for-note lesson provides an in-depth breakdown of the advanced skills demonstrated throughout the track. Whether you're an intermediate guitarist aiming to level up your playing or an advanced player looking for a challenge, this lesson covers the key techniques that define the song, focusing on the unique playing styles of Arch Enemy's guitarists. Sam Bell breaks down this modern metal classic in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Arch Enemy's Guitar Players and Their Influence

"War Eternal" showcases the exceptional talents of Arch Enemy’s guitarists, particularly Michael Amott and Nick Cordle, who was part of the band during the creation of this song. Michael Amott, the founding member and mastermind behind the band’s signature sound, blends aggressive riffing with highly melodic leads, which is a hallmark of his playing style. Nick Cordle brought his own technical expertise, contributing to the intricacy and complexity of the guitar work in "War Eternal." Both players are known for their ability to combine brutal rhythm sections with intricate melodic harmonies and blistering solos, influencing countless guitarists in the metal world.

Amott's influences include classic heavy metal bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, as well as Swedish death metal. Cordle's technical prowess added a modern flair to the band’s sound, incorporating advanced techniques such as sweep picking, tapping, and rapid alternate picking, all of which are featured in this song.

Guitar Techniques Found in "War Eternal"

Alternate Picking

One of the foundational techniques found in "War Eternal" is alternate picking. This involves rapidly picking up and down on the strings in a precise, controlled manner. The main riffs in the song require tight alternate picking to maintain the aggressive, fast-paced nature of the track. Mastering alternate picking allows guitarists to increase their speed while maintaining clarity and precision, making it a crucial skill for any metal guitarist.

Galloping Rhythms

The verse sections of "War Eternal" feature galloping rhythms, a fast-paced triplet rhythm commonly used in metal. This technique drives the aggressive momentum of the song, creating a relentless and pounding groove. Learning galloping rhythms helps players develop tight synchronisation between their picking hand and fretting hand, which is essential for playing fast, rhythmically complex music.

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The foundation of the song’s rhythm section relies heavily on power chords and palm muting. Power chords are the go-to choice for many heavy riffs, offering a thick, full sound with minimal note complexity. Coupled with palm muting, these chords deliver the punchy, percussive tone that drives the intensity of the song. Mastering power chords and palm muting is essential for creating tight, aggressive rhythm parts in any rock or metal context.

Tremolo Picking

Tremolo picking plays a significant role during the song's intense lead sections. This technique involves rapidly picking a single note to create a fast, tremulous sound. Tremolo picking is a common element in metal guitar playing, particularly for creating an atmosphere of tension and aggression. Practicing tremolo picking helps guitarists improve their stamina and speed.

Two-Handed Tapping

The guitar solo in "War Eternal" features two-handed tapping, a technique where both hands are used on the fretboard to create fast, fluid lines that would be difficult to play with traditional fretting and picking. This advanced technique adds a dramatic flair to the solo and allows for complex, legato runs. Tapping is a useful skill for adding a modern, virtuosic element to your playing, and it can greatly expand your lead guitar vocabulary.

Pinched Harmonics

One of the signature sounds of metal guitar is the use of pinched harmonics. In "War Eternal," these harmonics are used to create high-pitched, screaming accents within the riffs, adding a sense of aggression and intensity. Learning to execute pinched harmonics gives guitarists an expressive tool to make their riffs and solos stand out.

Sweep Picking

During the solo sections, sweep picking is employed to play rapid arpeggios with ease. Sweep picking is an advanced technique that involves "sweeping" the pick across multiple strings in one fluid motion, allowing for the fast execution of complex patterns. Mastering this technique enables guitarists to play arpeggios and scales with extreme speed and precision.

Harmonics

Harmonics are used sparingly throughout the track, particularly in the intro and bridge sections, to add atmospheric effects. Natural and artificial harmonics provide a bell-like tone that contrasts with the heavier elements of the song. Learning harmonics can enhance your ability to add dynamic, textural elements to your playing.

String Bending and Vibrato

Throughout the solos and melodic lead lines, string bending and vibrato are crucial to adding expression and emotion. In "War Eternal," bends are used to accentuate the melody, while vibrato gives sustenance to notes, making them sing out with a vocal-like quality. Developing strong bending and vibrato technique is essential for any lead guitarist, as it allows for greater musicality and control.

Conclusion

Learning "War Eternal" will challenge and improve your guitar skills by focusing on a wide range of essential techniques. Whether it's alternate picking for precise riffs, two-handed tapping for speedy solos, or mastering vibrato for expressive playing, this lesson covers it all. Not only will you be able to play along with one of Arch Enemy's most powerful songs, but you'll also gain a deeper understanding of the techniques that make metal guitar so exciting and rewarding.

Guitar Techniques Covered

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Pinched Harmonics
• Sweep Picking
• Harmonics
• String Bending
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Galloping Rhythms
• Tremolo Picking

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords

This lesson on "War Eternal" by Arch Enemy is a comprehensive guide to mastering some of the most important techniques in metal guitar playing. Whether you are looking to improve your technical prowess or expand your musical expression, this lesson provides valuable insights and skills that will help elevate your guitar playing to new heights.