"Trapped Under Ice" by Metallica: Guitar Lesson

From Metallica's landmark album 'Ride the Lightning', "Trapped Under Ice" stands out as a tour de force in heavy metal guitar playing. Its relentless energy and intricate guitar work serve as a testament to the prowess of the band's lead guitarist, Kirk Hammett. Sam Bell breaks down every note in this underrated classic album track.

Chords & Progressions

The song is heavily driven by power chords, the backbone of many metal songs. These are two-note chords that give a thick, powerful sound without the complexity of full major or minor chords. Key progressions include the Em-G and C-D sequences, adding intensity and movement to the song.

Scales Utilised

Hammett weaves the modal magic in this track primarily using the E natural minor and E harmonic minor scales. The harmonic minor, with its raised 7th note, lends the song its particularly tense and Eastern-tinged sound, especially evident in the solo sections.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The solo is where Hammett truly shines. Rapid alternate picking sequences intertwine with soaring legato runs. He also utilises tapped harmonics to create that shimmering, bell-like quality in some parts of the solo. Not to forget the expressive double-stop bends which add to the richness of the solo’s texture.

Kirk’s fondness for the unison bends shines through, where two strings are played simultaneously with one being bent to match the pitch of the other. This produces a thick, chorus-like effect. The pinched harmonics are used to accentuate certain notes, giving them a unique 'squeal'.

Kirk Hammett: The Maestro Behind the Strings

As Metallica's lead guitarist, Kirk Hammett is known for his fast, melodic solos and his deep understanding of music theory. With a blues-influenced style, he brings emotion, technique, and speed together in a unique blend. In "Trapped Under Ice", Hammett showcases a balance of musicality and technical prowess. His choices of notes, bends, and vibratos are impeccable, giving life to the song's haunting theme of claustrophobia and impending doom.

List of Techniques Used in "Trapped Under Ice"

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate picking
3. Legato
4. Tapped harmonics
5. Double-stop bends
6. Unison bends
7. Pinched harmonics
8. Trills
9. Power chords
10. Palm muting
11. Barre chords
12. Hammer-ons
13. Slides
14. String bending
15. Chord progressions

While there are more techniques present in the song, the ones listed above play a crucial role in delivering the song's message and feel. Kirk Hammett’s deep arsenal of guitar techniques make "Trapped Under Ice" a quintessential track for budding metal guitarists to study and integrate into their repertoire.

To sum it up, "Trapped Under Ice" is not just a song; it's a statement. A statement about the band's growth, Hammett's guitar mastery, and the evolution of heavy metal in the '80s. The guitar work is both aggressive and melodic, a testament to the band's versatility and Hammett's genius. Whether you're a guitarist looking to learn or a fan eager to delve deeper into Metallica's world, this song offers a treasure trove of riffs, solos, and techniques waiting to be explored.