Under A Glass Moon by Dream Theater
About the Song and Guitarists
"Under A Glass Moon" by Dream Theater is an iconic track from their celebrated album Images and Words. This song showcases the extraordinary guitar work of John Petrucci, a guitarist renowned for his technical proficiency, speed, and melodic sense. Petrucci's style combines elements of progressive metal, classical influences, and jazz fusion, making him one of the most influential guitarists of the modern era.
His contributions to the progressive metal genre are monumental, inspiring countless guitarists with his innovative techniques and precision. Through this lesson, players can delve into Petrucci's creative genius and expand their technical and musical horizons. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Techniques Covered in the Lesson
Our note-for-note guitar lesson for "Under A Glass Moon" dissects every intricate detail of John Petrucci's performance. Below are the core techniques highlighted in this lesson, along with their descriptions and benefits:
1. Alternate Picking
Alternate picking is a foundational technique in this song, enabling Petrucci’s lightning-fast runs. This approach alternates downstrokes and upstrokes for efficient, fluid playing.
Benefits:
Mastering alternate picking improves speed, precision, and endurance, making it easier to tackle complex passages and maintain consistent tone across strings.
Learn more about alternate picking.
2. Legato
Petrucci’s solos often employ legato techniques, seamlessly combining hammer-ons and pull-offs to create smooth, flowing phrases.
Benefits:
Practicing legato enhances finger strength, dexterity, and fluidity, critical for delivering expressive, melodic solos.
3. Sweep Picking
The arpeggios in "Under A Glass Moon" utilise sweep picking for rapid, intricate note sequences with a cascading effect.
Benefits:
Sweep picking builds precision and speed while adding a dramatic flair to arpeggios. It’s essential for playing advanced solos.
Learn more about sweep picking.
4. Two-Handed Tapping
This technique appears in the song’s electrifying solos, adding complexity and flair to melodic lines by incorporating both hands on the fretboard.
Benefits:
Two-handed tapping expands note choices and creates a stunning visual and auditory effect, ideal for captivating performances.
Learn more about two-handed tapping.
5. Pinched Harmonics
Petrucci uses pinched harmonics to create aggressive, squealing accents that punctuate key moments in the track.
Benefits:
Learning pinched harmonics improves control over tone and dynamics while adding intensity and colour to your playing.
Learn more about pinched harmonics.
6. Vibrato
Petrucci’s expressive vibrato technique breathes life into sustained notes, making them resonate with emotion.
Benefits:
Mastering vibrato adds depth and personality to your playing, enhancing musical expression.
7. String Bending
Bends play a crucial role in Petrucci’s solo work, creating tension and resolution in melodic phrases.
Benefits:
Practicing string bending improves pitch accuracy, finger strength, and expressive capabilities.
Learn more about string bending.
8. Chromaticism
"Under A Glass Moon" incorporates chromatic runs, adding tension and complexity to the solos.
Benefits:
Chromaticism enhances fretboard knowledge and helps players explore outside-the-box melodic ideas.
Learn more about chromaticism.
9. Palm Muting
The song’s tight rhythm sections benefit from precise palm muting, giving riffs a heavy, percussive sound.
Benefits:
Palm muting is essential for controlling dynamics and creating contrast in rhythm parts.
10. Arpeggios
Petrucci's use of arpeggios in both rhythm and lead sections adds harmonic richness and complexity.
Benefits:
Practicing arpeggios improves chordal knowledge, fluidity, and fingerboard visualisation.
Comprehensive Technique List with Links
- Vibrato
- Alternate Picking
- Legato
- Two-Handed Tapping
- Pinched Harmonics
- Sweep Picking
- String Bending
- Palm Muting
- Arpeggios
- Chromaticism
By mastering these techniques, you'll gain not only the ability to play "Under A Glass Moon" but also the skills to tackle a wide range of progressive metal and other advanced genres. Dive in and elevate your playing today!
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Andy James
Andy James needs little introduction as one of the most popular LickLibrary tutors, respected the world over for his unbelievable technical skills and teaching material. "As a player Andy has released a string of solo albums, the last being 2012's ""Andy James"" on Transcend Music which was met with huge...