"Heresy" by Pantera: Guitar Lesson

The Setting and the Song's Core

"Heresy" is a classic metal track by Pantera, one of the most influential heavy metal bands of the late 20th century. This song, from their 1990 album 'Cowboys from Hell,' exemplifies their distinct sound, largely due to Dimebag Darrell, the lead guitarist. His unique playing style blends ferocity with musicality, and in this song, his contributions are nothing short of epic. Sam Bell digs into this classic album track.

Chords and Rhythmic Foundation

The foundation of the song is built around aggressive power chords, particularly E5, D5, and C5. Dimebag uses these to craft a riff-heavy song that’s high on energy. Power chords are essential for achieving the fat, driving sound of this song. They cut through the mix while allowing for the lower end to retain its meaty presence. What's noteworthy is how these chords are accented with palm-muting techniques to create dynamic shifts in the sound texture.

Scales Used

The scales that make their appearance in "Heresy" are primarily the E Natural Minor and the E Pentatonic Minor for the solos. Dimebag utilises the pentatonic box shapes and ventures into natural minor scales to add some melody, all while maintaining the aggression Pantera is known for. The transition between these scales is seamless and serves to elevate the emotional intensity of the track.

Solo Analysis

The solo in "Heresy" is a masterclass in how to effectively utilise scales, dynamics, and techniques to serve the song. It begins with a scream—likely a pinched harmonic—followed by fast alternate picking sequences. Dimebag incorporates double-stop bends and unison bends to give the solo its unique vocal quality. A particularly stunning moment is when he employs tapped harmonics, which produce an ethereal, bell-like tone, adding a new dimension to the soundscape. He also brings in some trills and legato to make the solo sound fluid and effortless. But Dimebag doesn’t stop there; he unleashes some dive-bombs with his whammy bar that take the listener on a sonic roller coaster.

Dimebag Darrell and His Playing

When talking about "Heresy," it's impossible not to focus on Dimebag Darrell's exceptional skill and innovative approach. His playing on this track encapsulates his ability to blend complex techniques with emotive expression. His use of dynamics and accents is nothing short of genius; he knows exactly when to pull back and when to let rip, serving the song at all times. His touch, feel, and timing are what elevate this track from just another metal song to a timeless masterpiece.

Techniques Used in the Song

Finally, let’s compile a list of the techniques used in "Heresy" for your practice sessions.

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Dive-Bombs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting

So there you have it. "Heresy" by Pantera is not just a metal track; it's a study in how to integrate guitar techniques, scales, and chords into a seamless musical expression.