Angel of Death - Slayer

Our in-depth guitar lesson for Slayer’s "Angel of Death" breaks down the intricate guitar work of this iconic thrash metal song, helping you master the techniques used by the legendary guitarists behind it. Played by Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King, two influential figures in metal guitar, "Angel of Death" showcases a fierce array of techniques that have become staples in the genre. This song’s high-energy riffs, lightning-fast solos, and explosive dynamics offer guitarists a chance to expand their skills in speed, precision, and aggression. Here’s a look at the key techniques covered in our lesson. Andy James breaks down this classic metal track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists: Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King

"Angel of Death" was performed by Slayer’s guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King, two pioneers who shaped the sound of thrash metal. Hanneman's songwriting often involved dark, intense themes paired with complex, aggressive riffs, while King's soloing style introduced blistering speed and unique effects that gave Slayer its signature sound. Together, they influenced a generation of metal guitarists with their aggressive tone, precise technique, and distinctive use of harmonics and alternate picking. Learning their approach provides not only insight into thrash metal guitar but also builds skills that can be applied across various sub-genres of metal.

Breakdown of Key Guitar Techniques in "Angel of Death"

Galloping Rhythms

"Angel of Death" begins with galloping rhythms, a signature technique in thrash metal that involves playing fast, triplet-based patterns on the low E string. Mastering this technique improves your timing and stamina, as the constant downstroke motion requires tight control and rhythm consistency. Galloping is essential for playing fast-paced metal and adds a powerful, driving feel to your rhythm work.

Power Chords

Throughout the song, power chords are used to create the dark, heavy backdrop that’s central to Slayer's sound. These chords are built from just two notes, which makes them sound thick and powerful. Power chords are foundational to rock and metal music, and learning to shift quickly between them at high speeds is a great way to build dexterity and hand strength.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is heavily featured in this song, adding a percussive "chug" to riffs that drives the rhythm and accentuates the aggression in each riff. This technique is crucial for achieving the tight, punchy sound that defines thrash metal. Palm muting helps guitarists control string noise and add dynamics, giving riffs more weight and depth.

Tremolo Picking

Tremolo picking is used extensively in "Angel of Death" to create rapid-fire riffs. This technique involves picking a single note at an extremely fast speed, using alternate picking to maintain accuracy. Tremolo picking is beneficial for building speed and precision in your picking hand, essential for high-tempo songs like this one.

Alternate Picking

Throughout the song, alternate picking is essential for maintaining speed without sacrificing accuracy. By alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, guitarists can achieve the blistering pace needed to keep up with Slayer’s riffs. This technique enhances hand coordination and is essential for developing speed and fluidity.

String Bending and Vibrato

In the solos, string bending and vibrato add expressiveness to sustained notes. Bending allows you to raise the pitch of a note for a dramatic effect, while vibrato gives it a rich, throbbing quality. These techniques are crucial for making solos feel alive, adding emotion and intensity that complement the song’s high-energy feel.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics add a squealing effect to notes, giving them a sharp, aggressive sound perfect for Slayer’s style. By lightly pressing the string with your thumb as you pick, you create overtones that stand out and make riffs sound more dynamic. Learning pinched harmonics enhances your control over tonal texture, an essential skill for metal players.

Dive Bombs and Whammy Bar Tricks

Dive bombs are used in "Angel of Death" to create dramatic, descending pitch effects by using the whammy bar. This technique, pioneered by guitarists like Eddie Van Halen, produces a chaotic sound that fits Slayer’s intense style. Dive bombs help guitarists experiment with pitch modulation and add explosive flair to solos and riffs.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are essential in achieving the song’s fluid, fast-moving phrases. These legato techniques allow you to play consecutive notes without picking each one, creating a smooth, flowing sound that’s crucial for fast soloing. Practicing these techniques strengthens your fretting hand and enables greater speed in melodic passages.

Two-Handed Tapping

Two-handed tapping, a popular metal technique, is used in Slayer’s solos to achieve rapid note sequences across different frets. This technique involves using both hands on the fretboard to play notes in succession, creating a cascading effect. Two-handed tapping is great for expanding fretboard knowledge and increasing soloing speed.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in "Angel of Death"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Galloping Rhythms
• Tremolo Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Dive Bombs
• Whammy Bar Tricks

This lesson on "Angel of Death" provides an excellent foundation for mastering core thrash metal techniques while honoring the unique style of Slayer’s guitarists.