Metal Edge - Extreme Metal Pentatonic Licks by Andy James

Unlock the secrets of extreme metal guitar playing with the "Metal Edge - Extreme Metal Pentatonic Licks" guitar course, expertly designed by the renowned guitarist Andy James. This comprehensive lesson series is tailored for guitarists seeking to elevate their playing technique and immerse themselves into the dynamic world of extreme metal. Each lesson breaks down complex pentatonic licks and techniques, empowering guitarists to master the aggressive yet precise essence of metal music.

Course Overview

The "Metal Edge - Extreme Metal Pentatonic Licks" by Andy James is more than just a tutorial; it's a deep dive into the intricacies of extreme metal guitar playing. This course is structured around a series of high-intensity licks that are both challenging and rewarding, covering a wide range of techniques that are crucial for any aspiring metal guitarist.

Key Techniques and Their Benefits

Alternate Picking and Tremolo Picking

The course begins with a strong foundation in alternate picking and tremolo picking. These techniques enhance the player's speed and precision, allowing for rapid note execution that is essential in metal music. Learning these techniques helps in developing a steady hand and improves overall picking efficiency, which is crucial for playing fast-paced licks seamlessly.

Legato and Tapping

Legato techniques, including hammer-ons and pull-offs, are explored to give fluidity to your playing. Additionally, two-handed tapping is covered extensively, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved on the fretboard. These techniques allow for a smoother sound and the ability to play faster licks without picking every note, providing a contrast to the more percussive picked passages.

String Bending and Vibrato

Emphasis is also placed on expressive techniques such as string bending and vibrato. These techniques are vital for adding emotion and depth to your playing, making solos more impactful and expressive.

Hybrid Picking and Palm Muting

Hybrid picking and palm muting are incorporated to diversify the sonic palette. Hybrid picking offers a way to integrate the smoothness of fingerstyle with the attack of a pick, while palm muting allows for creating a tighter, more controlled metal sound, crucial for rhythm and lead contexts.

The Importance of Performance Context

Each lesson in the course includes a full performance by Andy James, showcasing the practical application of the techniques in a musical context. Seeing these techniques performed by a professional in real-time provides students with a clearer understanding of how to integrate them into their own playing. It demonstrates the practical use of each skill in a song, helping to bridge the gap between practice and actual music production. This approach not only inspires but also gives insight into professional-level guitar playing, offering a model for timing, expression, and technique integration that students can emulate.

Conclusion

"Metal Edge - Extreme Metal Pentatonic Licks" by Andy James is an invaluable resource for any guitarist looking to delve into the world of extreme metal. The lessons are meticulously crafted, with each technique carefully explained and demonstrated, ensuring that students not only learn but also understand the subtleties of advanced metal guitar playing.

Techniques Used in the Course

• Alternate Picking
• Tremolo Picking
• Legato
• Two-Handed Tapping
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Hybrid Picking
• Palm Muting

This lesson series is designed to push your playing to new heights, enhance your musical expression, and solidify your skills in the genre of extreme metal.