Master "Painkiller" by Judas Priest with Licklibrary

Dive into the high-energy world of heavy metal with our extensive guitar lesson on "Painkiller" by Judas Priest, presented by Licklibrary. This song, known for its relentless pace and technical prowess, is a cornerstone of metal guitar playing. Our lesson is designed for guitarists who wish to master some of the most influential metal guitar techniques, refining their skills in speed, precision, and power. Whether you are an intermediate player or an advanced guitarist, this lesson, taught by Sam Bell, provides both a challenge and an opportunity to perfect skills that are vital to the genre.

Essential Guitar Techniques in "Painkiller"

String Bending

In "Painkiller," string bending is used to add dramatic flair and emotional intensity to the solos. This technique involves pushing the strings upwards or pulling them downwards to temporarily increase the pitch, allowing for expressive, vocal-like phrasing. Mastering string bending is crucial for adding nuance and a personal touch to your solos, making them more impactful and memorable.

Palm Muting

Palm muting plays a pivotal role in creating the driving rhythm of "Painkiller." This technique, achieved by resting the palm of the picking hand on the strings near the bridge while picking, produces a tight, controlled sound that emphasizes the rhythm and adds a percussive element to riffs. It is essential for metal players to control the dynamics of their playing and to articulate riffs with precision.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is essential for the rapid-fire riffs and solos throughout "Painkiller." This method involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes in a continuous flow, enabling fast and efficient picking across strings. It is a fundamental technique for any metal guitarist, enhancing speed, accuracy, and stamina, which are necessary for performing complex passages that define much of metal music.

Vibrato

Vibrato is used extensively in the lead sections of "Painkiller" to enrich the sustain and tone of long notes. This technique involves oscillating a finger back and forth on a fretted note, creating a slight pitch variation that adds warmth and emotion to the note. Vibrato is key to making your notes sing and providing depth to your solos, an essential skill for expressive guitar playing.

The Guitarists of Judas Priest

The guitar work on "Painkiller" features the formidable duo of Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, whose aggressive playing styles and innovative techniques have heavily influenced the development of heavy metal guitar. Known for their dual guitar harmonies and complex solos, their work in Judas Priest has set high standards in both technical ability and musical creativity. Learning their parts not only offers a deep dive into advanced guitar techniques but also provides insight into the evolution of metal music.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

The techniques featured in "Painkiller" are essential for any guitarist looking to excel in metal and hard rock:

• String Bending enhances solo expressiveness.
• Palm Muting sharpens rhythmic clarity.
• Alternate Picking boosts playing speed and precision.
• Vibrato enriches melodic quality.

These skills will help you tackle not only Judas Priest's songs but also equip you with the versatility to explore a wide range of musical styles, improving both your technical abilities and expressive capabilities.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in Our Lessons

• String Bending
• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato

Enroll in Licklibrary’s guitar lesson on "Painkiller" by Judas Priest today to master the powerful techniques that define metal guitar playing. This lesson offers not just step-by-step instruction but also a comprehensive exploration into the style and mechanics of one of metal’s most iconic tracks. Expand your guitar skills and unleash the metal warrior within you with our expert guidance.