"Domination" by Pantera: Guitar Lesson

As guitarists, we've all had that moment where we hear a riff or a solo that makes us drop everything and grab our axe. For many, "Domination" by Pantera is one such song. Released in 1990 as part of the band's seminal album "Cowboys from Hell," this track features some of Dimebag Darrell's most ferocious guitar work. If you want to understand why this song is a high watermark in metal guitar, let's dig in.

Chords & Scales

First off, let's talk about the foundation: chords and scales. The song primarily employs the E standard tuning and heavily relies on power chords (E5, A5, G5, etc.). The scales utilised are mostly the E Phrygian Dominant scale and the blues scale in E. The Phrygian Dominant gives it that Middle-Eastern flavour, adding a unique twist to the song's metal vibe.

Guitar Solo Analysis

Moving on to the crown jewel—the solo. Dimebag Darrell goes all out in this one, folks. He kicks off with a barrage of alternate picked notes that give a nod to the E blues scale, venturing into the realm of legato runs before shifting into some tapped harmonics for a squealing effect. The solo also includes some unison bends for a melodic texture and transitions into rapid-fire alternate picking runs down the fretboard. There's even a moment where he employs two-handed tapping, creating an atmospheric texture that you might think belongs in a Van Halen track but works brilliantly here.

Dimebag Darrell's Signature Style

What sets this song apart is undoubtedly Dimebag Darrell's inimitable style. His use of pinched harmonics, or "squeals," adds a guttural layer to the track that screams aggression. Dimebag also had a way of using dive bombs effectively, and in "Domination," they serve as an almost vocal-like expression, wailing and sobbing between passages. There's also his use of slides, creating seamless transitions between phrases. Every note he hits or misses is intentional, adding to the emotional weight of the track.

Techniques Used:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Power Chords
• Dive Bombs
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Sweep Picking

Final Thoughts

The song "Domination" by Pantera isn't just a lesson in advanced guitar techniques; it's a masterclass in emotional expression through the instrument. It exemplifies what metal guitar can be—aggressive yet controlled, chaotic yet nuanced. If you want to step up your metal guitar game, diving deep into this track will offer you more than just riffs and solos; it provides a philosophy, an approach to the guitar that few can match.

So, pick up your six-string, dial in that gain, and get ready to unleash hell. And remember, it's not just about the notes you play; it's about the attitude you bring to them.