Michael Schenker Style Lesson

Michael Schenker Style

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  • Hi GMC'ers! In this lesson we're taking a look at the playing style of Michael Schenker, the guitar legend from Germany. Don't worry if you don't have a Flying V and Wah pedal, you can still enjoy this lesson and benefit from it. Michael is well known for his use of the pentatonic scale and his very precise hammer-on technique. A lot of his solos had neo-classical elements, just listen to 'Into The Arena' from his first solo album, released in 1980.

    Schenker has always had excellent string bending skill and a very tasteful vibrato. If there's one thing I'd like you to take from this lesson, and Michael's playing in general, it's about taste. He can create a beautifully memorable solo without going over the top. With carefully crafted melody lines and a solid sense of control, Michael Schenker has created a signature guitar sound that has endured through decades and influenced some of the biggest names in rock and metal including Metallica, Dave Mustaine, and Iron Maiden.

    So have fun with this and hopefully it will encourage you to explore Michael's music further. Recommended listening: MSG - 'Michael Schenker Group', 1980 & MSG - 'Assault Attack', 1982.

    Tonality of the lesson: E minor - F# - A - E minor

    If you have any questions:
    * Give feedback (upper-right-corner)
    * My Personal Board
    * General Forum

    Techniques:
    * Trills
    * Vibrato
    * Bends
    * Hammer-ons
    * Pull-offs

    Scales:
    * F# Minor
    * E Minor
    * A Mixolydian

    Enjoy!/ Ben

    F# Minor Pentatonic:

    A Mixolydian:
    E Aeolian:

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