Fade To Black – Metallica

LickLibrary proudly presents a note-for-note guitar lesson of Metallica’s iconic track “Fade To Black”, a masterclass in melodic expression, dynamic contrast, and virtuosic lead work. This in-depth lesson breaks down every section of the song, showing you how to accurately recreate its haunting intro, explosive solos, and aggressive rhythm parts. Whether you're a beginner aiming to learn essential lead techniques or an intermediate player wanting to sharpen your metal chops, this lesson delivers immense value and inspiration. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and the Players

Released on Metallica’s 1984 album Ride the Lightning, Fade To Black marked a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution—introducing a more melodic, introspective side to their heavy thrash roots. The song showcases the emotive playing of Kirk Hammett, whose expressive solos have become some of the most memorable in metal history, and James Hetfield, whose tight, aggressive rhythm style provides the song’s structural backbone.

Hammett’s lead work on Fade To Black is often cited as a benchmark in melodic metal soloing, blending speed and sensitivity. His use of expressive bends, fluid legato, and fast alternate picking not only enhances the emotional weight of the song but also makes it a valuable learning experience for guitarists looking to develop both technique and musicality. Hetfield’s clean arpeggios and crushing power chords contrast perfectly, showcasing his dynamic versatility and tight rhythmic control.

Lesson Breakdown: Techniques Explored

Arpeggios and Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song opens with clean, delicate arpeggios and arpeggiated chord progressions that set the melancholic tone. Learning these parts helps students improve picking accuracy, chord visualisation, and fretting hand synchronisation.

Vibrato and String Bending

Throughout the lead sections, Kirk Hammett makes extensive use of expressive vibrato and string bending to add emotion and sustain to his phrases. Mastering these techniques helps players develop their unique voice on the instrument, turning scales into expressive melodies.

Legato: Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

The solos also incorporate smooth legato phrasing with fast hammer-ons and pull-offs, allowing for fast, flowing lines. These techniques reduce picking fatigue and enhance speed and fluidity.

Alternate Picking

Speedier runs in the second solo section rely heavily on alternate picking. Developing this skill helps guitarists play fast, precise lines with minimal effort—an essential technique in any rock or metal player’s toolkit.

Power Chords and Palm Muting

Hetfield’s rhythm parts involve tight power chords and aggressive palm-muting, driving the heavier sections with intensity. Practicing these techniques enhances a player’s rhythmic control and dynamic precision.

Slides and Trills

Subtle slides and rapid trills are also used throughout the song, particularly in the solo passages. These embellishments give your lead playing more nuance and articulation.

Two-Handed Tapping

A standout feature of the song’s climax is the use of two-handed tapping. This technique creates a dramatic flurry of notes and is a hallmark of Hammett’s lead style. It’s an exciting and show-stopping addition to any player’s skill set.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

One of Metallica’s signatures, dual-guitar harmonies, appear in the harmonised lead lines, adding melodic richness and depth. These sections are perfect for developing your sense of harmony and working on tight ensemble playing.

Why Learn Fade To Black?

Learning “Fade To Black” is more than just learning a classic metal ballad—it’s an opportunity to master expressive lead techniques, dynamic rhythm playing, and musical storytelling. This song bridges emotional depth with technical precision, offering a complete learning experience for any aspiring rock or metal guitarist.

Each section of the lesson not only teaches you how to play the song but also helps you understand why certain techniques work, giving you insights you can apply to your own improvisation and songwriting. With its range of techniques, tempo shifts, and mood changes, Fade To Black is a masterclass in expressive guitar playing.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Trills
• String Bending
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggios
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Dual Guitar Harmonies

Unlock the emotional and technical power of Fade To Black and elevate your playing with this immersive guitar lesson from LickLibrary.