Afterlife – Avenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold's Afterlife is one of the band’s most iconic songs, showcasing a masterful blend of technical precision and melodic phrasing. This note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary allows you to break down every intricate detail of the song, covering all the key techniques that make Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance’s guitar work stand out. Whether you're looking to improve your speed, accuracy, or expressiveness, this lesson provides a deep dive into the mechanics of one of modern metal’s greatest anthems. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind Afterlife

Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance form one of the most influential guitar duos in modern metal. Their contrasting yet complementary styles create a signature sound that blends virtuosic lead guitar with tight, rhythmic riffing. Synyster Gates is known for his neo-classical shred influences, drawing inspiration from players like Paul Gilbert and Jason Becker, while Zacky Vengeance provides a rock-solid rhythmic foundation, giving the band’s songs their powerful groove and harmonic complexity. This lesson allows you to break down their techniques and incorporate them into your own playing.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Alternate Picking

A core element of Synyster Gates’ rapid-fire runs, alternate picking ensures speed and precision. This lesson will break down how to economize motion to develop fluency when tackling fast passages.

Legato

Smooth, fluid legato phrases give Afterlife its signature melodic feel. Learning this technique helps improve your finger strength and stamina, allowing you to play faster with less effort.

Tapped Harmonics

A key feature in the solo section, tapped harmonics create eerie, bell-like tones. This technique is excellent for expanding your tonal range and expressiveness.

Pinched Harmonics

Throughout Afterlife, pinched harmonics add an aggressive, squealing edge to the riffs. Mastering this technique helps add attitude and power to your playing.

Trills

Trills in Afterlife contribute to its dramatic, fast-paced feel. Developing this skill enhances dexterity and endurance, making your phrasing more dynamic.

Tremolo Picking

A key technique in metal, tremolo picking builds tension and intensity. Practicing this will improve your ability to play fast, consistent note sequences.

Arpeggios

The solo incorporates arpeggios to outline the chord changes with clarity. Learning arpeggios enhances finger coordination and melodic awareness.

Dive Bombs

Using a whammy bar, dive bombs create dramatic pitch shifts, adding an explosive quality to solos. This technique helps develop a strong sense of control over pitch modulation.

Palm Muting

The tight, chugging rhythm sections of Afterlife rely heavily on palm muting. This technique sharpens rhythmic accuracy and enhances tone clarity.

Two-Handed Tapping

Synyster Gates’ solos often incorporate two-handed tapping, allowing for rapid note sequences that aren’t possible with picking alone. This technique helps with fluidity and creativity in improvisation.

Sweep Picking

A signature element of Synyster Gates’ style, sweep picking is used in fast arpeggio runs. Mastering this technique improves speed, accuracy, and hand synchronisation.

String Bending & Unison Bends

Bends play a crucial role in Afterlife’s expressive lead parts. Learning to control string bending and unison bends ensures pitch accuracy and expressive phrasing.

Galloping Rhythms

The song’s driving rhythms use galloping picking patterns, a staple of metal guitar. Practicing this will improve stamina and right-hand accuracy.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

Avenged Sevenfold is known for their dual harmonised leads, adding a unique melodic richness to their sound. This lesson covers how to execute harmonised passages cleanly and in sync with another guitarist.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Arpeggios
• Dive Bombs
• Palm Muting
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• String Bending
• Unison Bends
• Galloping Rhythms
• Dual Guitar Harmonies

This LickLibrary lesson provides an in-depth breakdown of Afterlife, helping you master the techniques that define Avenged Sevenfold’s legendary sound. Whether you're a beginner looking to build fundamental skills or an advanced player refining your metal guitar mastery, this lesson is the perfect way to elevate your playing!