Almost Easy - Avenged Sevenfold

Master the Riffs and Techniques of "Almost Easy"

Avenged Sevenfold’s “Almost Easy” is a high-energy, hard-hitting track that showcases the band's signature blend of aggressive riffing, soaring harmonies, and intricate lead guitar work. This Licklibrary guitar lesson provides an in-depth breakdown of the song, teaching you how to nail every note-for-note detail while focusing on key techniques that define Avenged Sevenfold’s playing style.

Whether you're looking to improve your speed, precision, or expressive phrasing, this lesson will guide you through the techniques used by Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance, helping you to develop a more professional and dynamic playing style. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists: Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance

Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance are one of the most influential modern guitar duos in metal and hard rock. Their combined approach blends complex lead work with tight, rhythmic chugging, making Avenged Sevenfold’s sound both heavy and melodic. Synyster Gates is known for his virtuosic soloing, incorporating sweep picking, two-handed tapping, and intricate harmonies, while Zacky Vengeance provides a rock-solid rhythm foundation that ensures each song maintains its aggressive edge.

By studying their playing in "Almost Easy," you'll gain insights into how they create their signature sound and apply these techniques to your own playing.

Key Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Alternate Picking

The fast, driving riff in "Almost Easy" relies heavily on alternate picking to maintain speed and precision. Learning this technique will help you develop efficiency in your picking hand, improving overall control and articulation.

Palm Muting

Tight, aggressive rhythm guitar is a hallmark of Avenged Sevenfold’s style. This song employs palm muting to add punch and definition to the riffs. Mastering this technique will give your playing a more percussive, controlled sound, perfect for heavy metal and rock styles.

Power Chords

A key component of modern metal, power chords are essential in the rhythm sections of "Almost Easy." Learning them will expand your ability to create strong, impactful chord progressions.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

One of the standout elements of Avenged Sevenfold’s sound is their use of dual guitar harmonies. This technique, which features prominently in the song’s lead sections, helps create a rich, layered effect. Developing this skill will enhance your ability to play harmonized lead lines with another guitarist.

Pinched Harmonics

Synyster Gates uses pinched harmonics to create aggressive, screaming notes that cut through the mix. Learning this technique will add a powerful, expressive edge to your playing.

String Bending

The lead lines in "Almost Easy" feature string bending to create a vocal-like, expressive sound. This technique is crucial for adding emotion and sustain to your solos.

Tapped Harmonics

One of the unique elements of Gates’ playing is his use of tapped harmonics, which provide a shimmering, bell-like effect. Learning this technique will help expand your tonal palette and add a unique texture to your solos.

Sweep Picking

Synyster Gates is a master of sweep picking, which allows for lightning-fast arpeggios. "Almost Easy" contains sections where this technique is used, making it an excellent way to develop speed and fluidity in your lead playing.

Dive Bombs

Using the whammy bar for dive bombs adds an aggressive, dramatic effect to solos. This technique, made famous by guitarists like Dimebag Darrell, is also featured in "Almost Easy."

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Pinched Harmonics
• String Bending
• Tapped Harmonics
• Sweep Picking
• Dive Bombs

By mastering these techniques through our "Almost Easy" guitar lesson, you'll not only be able to play the song note-for-note but also enhance your overall guitar skills. Whether you're looking to improve your lead playing, tighten up your rhythm work, or add expressive elements to your solos, this lesson provides everything you need to take your playing to the next level.