Bebop & Blues in Metal

Hello everyone,

In this lesson the focus is on using a dominant bebop scale and it's 3rd degree mode (Phrygio-Locrian) in metal riffing context. We will also do couple of lead licks, so you can get the idea of what can be played as a solo over this kind of riffing as well. Lead licks will feature pentatonic/blues pattern for a more universal approach on lead playing).

The whole lesson has a song-like structure, although it is shorter than the actual song. You can spot different sections on the rhythm track, and the solo part is also something that has a place on it's own. I want you to try to use these ideas to create your own songs. Analyze different parts of this track, learn them, and see how they evolve and what sorts of combinations you can make.

Of course, this will be backed up with scale explanations, and on-screen patterns, so you know in every moment what scale/pattern to play on. The goal of the lesson is not only to learn the riffs, licks and tricks, but also to understand the patterns behind them, so you can create interesting riffs on your own in the future.

My guitar is tuned to D standard tuning. This means all the strings are tuned whole step down. If you use regular/light gauge on your guitar, and use E standard tuning, you might want to get a bit thicker strings for D standard in order to get a more tighter sound. With this kind of riffing, it's all about being tight. If you decide to tune from E standard, to D standard - make sure that the tremolo spring tension (if you have tremolo), and neck truss rod tension is adjusted in relation to string gauge. Also, getting you guitar intonated after the new set is on is a good idea as well.

If you don't want to tune to D standard, you can still use the tabs and guitar pro file in the lesson for learning. Even videos will hold valuable information, with exception of audio which will be in D standard. But if you have any doubts on how to fret or pick something, check out the video - it doesn't matter if the guitar is in E or D standard - the finger work is the same.

And of course - stay metal m/><

D Phrygio-Locrian mode (A# Dominant Bebop)