Hearts Burst Into Fire by Bullet For My Valentine

Bullet For My Valentine’s “Hearts Burst Into Fire” is an iconic track from their second studio album, Scream Aim Fire. This emotionally charged song combines powerful riffs, soaring melodies, and intricate solos, making it a favourite for guitarists looking to expand their repertoire. At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson delves into the technical brilliance of the song, providing detailed instruction on mastering its unique elements. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just beginning your musical journey, this lesson will enhance your skills and understanding of advanced guitar techniques. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists

The song showcases the talents of Matt Tuck and Michael “Padge” Paget, two of the most celebrated guitarists in the modern metal scene. Their playing styles blend melody with aggression, influenced by classic heavy metal bands such as Metallica and Iron Maiden, as well as contemporary acts like Trivium. Padge’s fluid lead playing and Matt’s robust rhythm work are cornerstones of Bullet For My Valentine’s sound, creating a dynamic interplay of melody and power. Their work on “Hearts Burst Into Fire” exemplifies their ability to balance technical skill with emotional expression, inspiring guitarists worldwide.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Palm Muting

Palm muting is extensively used in the rhythm sections of “Hearts Burst Into Fire” to create dynamic intensity and a tight, chugging sound. By controlling resonance, this technique adds texture and drive to the riffs. Learning palm muting helps guitarists improve their rhythmic precision and tonal control.

Power Chords

The song features powerful, driving progressions anchored in power chords. These chords provide the foundation for many rock and metal tracks, and mastering them enhances your ability to play rhythmically compelling music.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

One of the song’s standout features is the dual guitar harmonies during the melodic passages. These harmonies create a rich, layered sound reminiscent of classic heavy metal. Developing this technique improves ear training and ensemble playing skills.

String Bending and Pre-Bends

Expressive bends and pre-bends are prevalent in the lead guitar lines, adding emotion to the solos. These techniques are crucial for conveying feeling through your playing and developing control over pitch.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The smooth, flowing phrases in the song’s solos often rely on hammer-ons and pull-offs. These techniques are vital for speed and legato playing, allowing you to transition between notes seamlessly.

Pinched Harmonics

To add aggression and flair, pinched harmonics are used in select phrases, creating that signature squealing sound. This technique is essential for adding an edge to your playing and standing out in heavy genres.

Slides and Vibrato

Slides connect the notes with fluidity, while vibrato adds sustain and character to key passages. Mastering these techniques enhances musical phrasing and brings a personal touch to your solos.

Tremolo Picking

The fast-paced tremolo picking sections inject energy into the song. Practicing this technique builds stamina and accuracy, making it easier to tackle fast rhythms and melodies.

Alternate Picking

Precise alternate picking is essential for the intricate solos and rhythm work in the track. This technique is a cornerstone of speed and efficiency in guitar playing, benefiting all genres.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Each technique highlighted in this lesson is not only crucial for playing “Hearts Burst Into Fire” but also valuable for developing a versatile skill set. By mastering these methods, you’ll improve your speed, control, and expressiveness as a guitarist. Additionally, these techniques will prepare you to tackle a wide range of styles, from classic rock to modern metal, making you a more well-rounded musician.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• String Bending
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Pinched Harmonics
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Tremolo Picking
• Alternate Picking

By diving into “Hearts Burst Into Fire” with Licklibrary.com, you’ll not only learn a fantastic song but also build a solid foundation of advanced guitar techniques. Start your journey today and take your playing to the next level!