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German Power Metal I: Helloween

by Gabriel Leopardi

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  • Hello GMC!

    Welcome to my new series based on German Power Metal bands. In this lessons I will cover the style of some of the most important Power Metal bands that were formed in Germany. I decided to start with Helloween because I consider them the godfathers of this style. First of all let’s check what Wikipedia says about Power Metal:

    “Power metal is a style of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a later more widespread and popular style based in Europe (especially Germany, Finland, Italy, Scandinavia), Argentina, Brazil, and Japan with a lighter, more melodic sound and frequent use of keyboards.” - Wikipedia

    Helloween are considered to be the pioneers of this style and in this lesson I covered their most speed metal side based on their most powerful songs by the "Keeper of the seven keys” albums.

    Music Style:
    Their style is pure power metal. As we said earlier Power Metal is a combination of traditional metal with speed metal, and it frequently includes some symphonic stuff. Helloween has strong influences by Iron Maiden in their guitar job so in the beginning they sounded like a faster version of Maiden. You will find guitar duels, harmonisations, powerful riffing and fast gallops in their music. Another important characteristic is that their vocal melodies are always very prominent and catchy. Check out my Iron Maiden Master Class Lesson where you will find more of these elements.


    Tonality & Chord Progression:
    This tune is in E minor key but it also includes some modulations. Most of Helloween songs are in minor keys but they frequently modulate to major keys in the choruses to make them sound more happy. The progressions are usually a mix of Maiden style with some more neoclassical stuff. The chord progression of this tune can be found in the main video, tabs and guitar pro.

    Techniques:
    This lesson is very useful for developing your metal rhythm abilities. We will use palm muting and alternate picking.

    Sound:
    I used my Pod X3 Live to record this lesson. I used the Treadplate Dual Amp Model with a 4x12 2001 Treadplate Cab Model. If you want the tone you can ask for it at my personal board. My guitar is a Gibson Les Paul Studio. The drums are Ez Drummer and the bass sound is from the Hyper Canvas.

    Tuning:
    I used standard 440.

    Well guys, take your pumpkins out and let’s play some power metal!


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