Dream Theater's "As I Am"

Dream Theater’s “As I Am” is a masterclass in progressive metal guitar, showcasing a combination of intricate techniques, musical precision, and raw power. At Licklibrary.com, we’ve crafted a detailed, note-for-note guitar lesson that breaks down this iconic track, offering players of all levels the tools to master its challenges and incorporate its techniques into their own playing style. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

John Petrucci: A Modern Guitar Icon

“As I Am” was performed by Dream Theater’s legendary guitarist John Petrucci, whose virtuosic style has influenced countless players worldwide. Known for his precision, speed, and creativity, Petrucci combines classical theory with cutting-edge modern techniques, making him a towering figure in progressive metal and beyond. His influence spans decades, shaping the sound of technical guitar playing through both his work with Dream Theater and solo projects.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Our lesson focuses on the core techniques used in “As I Am,” breaking them down to ensure players can understand and apply them effectively. Below are the key techniques highlighted in this lesson:

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The song’s heavy and driving rhythm relies heavily on power chords and palm muting. These techniques build the song’s powerful foundation, allowing players to create a tight, percussive sound that’s essential in metal rhythm guitar.

Benefit: Learning these techniques enhances rhythm guitar skills, improving control and dynamic precision.

Alternate Picking

John Petrucci’s lightning-fast riffing in “As I Am” is a testament to his flawless alternate picking technique. This ensures seamless transitions between notes, maintaining clarity and speed.

Benefit: Mastering alternate picking increases speed, accuracy, and stamina, critical for playing complex riffs.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Petrucci adds expressiveness to his solos through string bending and bluesy bends, imbuing the song with emotion and intensity.

Benefit: String bending techniques improve finger strength and give players the tools to add nuance and feel to their solos.

Vibrato

One hallmark of Petrucci’s style is his precise and controlled vibrato, which adds depth and sustain to his lead playing.

Benefit: Developing a strong vibrato technique enhances note sustain and creates a more professional, polished tone.

Legato

The fluid solo sections in “As I Am” heavily feature legato playing, where hammer-ons and pull-offs create a smooth, connected sound.

Benefit: Legato practice improves finger dexterity and efficiency, vital for expressive lead playing.

Two-Handed Tapping

The melodic and intricate solo sections also include two-handed tapping, showcasing Petrucci’s innovative approach to extended techniques.

Benefit: Mastering tapping opens up the fretboard for creative melodies and dramatic flourishes.

Octave Melodies

The use of octave melodies adds layers of harmony and texture to the track, highlighting the song’s progressive structure.

Benefit: Learning octave melodies improves fretboard visualisation and enhances harmonic understanding.

Pinched Harmonics

Petrucci employs pinched harmonics for added texture, delivering squealing high-pitched tones that cut through the mix.

Benefit: Practicing pinched harmonics gives players control over dynamic and tonal variety in their solos.

Galloping Rhythms

The rhythm guitar in “As I Am” features galloping rhythms, a staple of metal guitar that adds energy and momentum.

Benefit: This technique strengthens picking hand endurance and sharpens rhythmic precision.

Slides

Petrucci uses slides in both riffs and solos, allowing for smooth transitions between positions and enhancing melodic flow.

Benefit: Slides improve transitions across the fretboard and add fluidity to guitar playing.

Guitar Techniques in "As I Am" Guitar Lesson

Here’s a list of all the guitar techniques covered in our lesson for Dream Theater’s “As I Am,” with links for further exploration:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• String Bending
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Octave Melodies
• Slides
• Galloping Rhythms
• Bluesy Bends

By mastering these techniques, players will not only conquer “As I Am” but also build a solid foundation for tackling other challenging songs in the progressive and metal genres. Dive into this lesson today and elevate your playing to the next level!