Lux Æterna by Metallica

Lux Æterna by Metallica captures the essence of the band's thrash metal roots with a modern twist. This powerful track is a testament to Metallica's enduring legacy, featuring intense riffing, complex rhythms, and electrifying solos. Our lesson breaks down every nuance of the song, helping guitarists of all levels master the techniques that define Metallica's style. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind Lux Æterna

James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett are the driving forces behind Metallica's iconic sound. Hetfield’s precision rhythm playing is unmatched, showcasing his ability to craft aggressive yet melodic riffs. Hammett’s lead work combines technical prowess with expressive phrasing, drawing from influences like Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen. Learning their parts in "Lux Æterna" offers an inside look at their techniques, inspiring players to explore their own creativity.

Techniques Covered in Lux Æterna

Galloping Rhythms

Galloping rhythms are a hallmark of Metallica’s sound, and "Lux Æterna" uses this technique to deliver relentless energy. By alternating fast downstrokes with quick upstrokes, this rhythm creates a driving force that propels the song forward. Mastering galloping improves right-hand precision and strengthens your sense of timing, making it an essential skill for any metal guitarist.

Palm Muting

Palm muting adds percussive intensity to the track’s riffs, giving them a tight, punchy feel. This technique involves lightly resting the palm of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge while playing. Incorporating palm muting into your playing enhances your control over dynamics and articulation.

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of "Lux Æterna," providing a powerful and aggressive harmonic structure. These two-note chords are easy to learn but offer endless possibilities for creating heavy riffs. Understanding power chords is fundamental for playing rock and metal styles.

Alternate Picking

The rapid-fire riffs and intricate lead lines in this song demand precise alternate picking. This technique involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes with your pick, allowing for efficient string transitions. Developing alternate picking will improve your speed and accuracy across all styles of playing.

Vibrato

Kirk Hammett’s solos in "Lux Æterna" are enriched with expressive vibrato. By subtly bending a note back and forth, vibrato adds emotion and depth to your playing. Learning this technique enhances your phrasing and gives your solos a professional edge.

String Bending

String bending is essential for capturing the feel of Hammett’s solos. This technique involves pushing a string sideways to raise its pitch, creating vocal-like expression. Practicing string bending improves finger strength and pitch control.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These legato techniques make fast, smooth transitions between notes. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are featured in the solo and various lead fills, adding fluidity to your playing. Incorporating these techniques increases your ability to play faster, more connected phrases.

Trills

A trill involves rapidly alternating between two notes, often used to build tension or add flair. "Lux Æterna" uses trills to heighten the excitement in its solos. Mastering trills improves finger agility and coordination.

Benefits of Learning "Lux Æterna"

Learning "Lux Æterna" offers more than just the ability to play a great song—it’s a comprehensive workout for your guitar skills. Whether you're a rhythm player looking to tighten your chops or a lead guitarist aiming to elevate your solos, this lesson has something for everyone. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of Metallica’s approach to songwriting and arrangement, inspiring your creativity and improving your technical abilities.

Guitar Techniques Used in Lux Æterna

Below is a list of the techniques used in "Lux Æterna," with links to detailed explanations and exercises for each:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Trills
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Galloping Rhythms

Mastering these techniques will not only enable you to play "Lux Æterna" but also build a strong foundation for exploring other metal classics. Dive into the lesson and unlock the full potential of your guitar playing with LickLibrary.com!