A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation by Trivium

LickLibrary.com is proud to present a note-for-note guitar lesson for Trivium's iconic track, "A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation." This powerful song, known for its aggressive riffs, intricate solos, and dynamic shifts, provides a robust foundation for guitarists aiming to deepen their technique and expand their metal repertoire. Our lesson dissects each section of the song, focusing on essential techniques that characterise Trivium’s sound, making it an exciting challenge for guitarists seeking to push their skills. Andy James breaks down this Trivium fan favourite in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Trivium’s Guitarists

Trivium’s "A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation" was originally recorded by lead guitarist Corey Beaulieu and rhythm guitarist Matt Heafy, both of whom brought their technical precision and passion for melodic and aggressive guitar work into this track. Known for combining elements of thrash, metalcore, and melodic death metal, their influence has reached guitarists globally, pushing the boundaries of metal with their unique blend of intense riffs, harmony-laden leads, and impeccable timing. Both guitarists have cultivated a highly respected place within the metal community, impacting guitarists who seek not only speed and aggression but also melodic sensibility.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Palm Muting

Palm muting is an essential technique in metal guitar, giving rhythm sections a percussive punch and controlling the sustain of each note. In "A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation," palm muting is used extensively to give the song a tight, aggressive feel. Mastering palm muting provides guitarists with greater control over their tone, allowing them to create rhythm patterns that stand out with clarity and power.

Alternate Picking

The song showcases alternate picking throughout its riffs and solos, requiring precision and speed. This technique, which involves alternating up and down strokes, is crucial for maintaining speed and fluidity, especially in fast-paced metal passages. Practicing alternate picking at the tempo of this song helps guitarists develop muscle memory, speed, and stamina for high-intensity playing.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics add a sharp, screaming edge to certain notes, enhancing the aggressive tonality of the song. Used within the main riff, pinched harmonics are ideal for adding dynamics and unique tonal variety. Learning to control pinched harmonics provides guitarists with expressive, distinctive accents that heighten any riff or solo.

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of many of Trivium’s riffs in this track, creating a deep, impactful sound that reinforces the song’s heavy nature. These simple yet powerful chords are vital for any rhythm guitarist, providing a solid foundation for creating heavy, memorable riffs.

Galloping Rhythms

"A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation" is driven by galloping rhythms, a rhythmic technique that mimics the sound of a horse’s gallop, popular in metal and thrash genres. This rhythm, played at high speed, challenges timing and endurance, offering a perfect workout for right-hand coordination and stamina.

String Bending

In the song's solo sections, string bending is frequently used to enhance melodic phrases with tension and emotion. By altering the pitch of a note, bending allows guitarists to add a vocal-like quality to their solos, making each note more expressive. Practicing bends improves pitch accuracy and helps develop a sensitive touch on the guitar.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Throughout the riffs and solos, hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create smooth, flowing lines without picking each note individually. This technique is critical for achieving fluidity in solos and fast melodic passages. Practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs improves finger strength and dexterity, enabling faster transitions between notes.

Vibrato

Vibrato is used to give specific notes a distinct, expressive quality, especially in the solo sections. This subtle shaking of a note adds sustain and depth, which enhances the emotional impact of a passage. Learning vibrato helps guitarists develop control over note dynamics, making their solos more emotive and engaging.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

One of Trivium’s signature techniques is dual guitar harmonies, used effectively in this song to create a fuller, layered sound. This technique involves two guitars playing complementary melodic lines, adding complexity and depth. Mastering harmonies can elevate a guitarist’s understanding of melodic structure, enabling them to play with other musicians or layer parts in their own compositions.

Tremolo Picking

Tremolo picking is another key technique in the song’s solo sections, where rapid picking creates a dramatic, intense sound. This technique requires precision and stamina, especially at fast tempos, making it a great exercise for improving picking speed and endurance.

Slides

Slides are used to create smooth transitions between notes, adding fluidity to riffs and solos. This technique is particularly effective in the melodic sections, where sliding from one note to another creates a sense of motion and flow. Practicing slides helps guitarists transition smoothly between notes, adding a polished feel to their playing.

Tapped Harmonics

In some parts of the solo, tapped harmonics produce a unique, bell-like sound that adds a touch of sophistication. This technique involves tapping a fret to generate a harmonic, creating ethereal and ringing tones. Mastering tapped harmonics allows guitarists to explore a new tonal palette, adding a unique flair to their solos.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Learning "A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation" offers guitarists the opportunity to enhance their technical skills while exploring Trivium’s signature sound. Each technique covered in this lesson—from palm muting to tremolo picking—develops different aspects of playing, from hand coordination and speed to expressiveness and dynamics. By mastering these techniques, guitarists not only improve their overall skill set but also gain the tools needed to tackle a wide range of metal and rock songs.

The song's complex arrangements and aggressive riffs make it a challenging yet rewarding piece for intermediate to advanced guitarists. Each section of the lesson builds on core metal guitar techniques, providing players with a comprehensive understanding of the genre’s technical demands and the skills to perform similar songs with confidence.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Galloping Rhythms
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
• Vibrato
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Tremolo Picking
• Slides
• Tapped Harmonics

Mastering these techniques through "A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation" gives guitarists not only an appreciation for Trivium's music but also the skills to enhance their own playing style. Whether you're looking to improve speed, precision, or expressiveness, this lesson is packed with valuable techniques essential to any metal guitarist’s toolkit.