Journal 2011-02-14 Ben Higgins "Sub Zero"
Our instructor Ben Higgins 
brings his latest track to GMC, in the shape of an amazing lesson that you just can't miss :)
The track is called "Sub Zero", and this is what Ben has to say about it:
Hi guys, this time I've brought you an entire composition of mine called Sub Zero. It fuses down tuned riffage with flashy harmonies and licks using pull-offs to create a kind of monster offspring of Cacophony and Morbid Angel! I had lots of fun writing and recording this track and I suspect you might have just as much fun learning it.
To start with, I tuned my guitar down to C# Standard. In other words, all 6 strings were tuned down by a whole tone and a half (or 1 and a half steps . This means the normal power chord shapes can be used.
I didn't have any specific goal when writing this track, I just followed my heart. By looking back at it, I can use it as an example of how you can make things sound more complicated and flashy than they actually are just by the way you put it together. Take the 'chorus' section at 1.22 as an example. I'm playing 16th notes using open strings at 100bpm which isn't that quick. However if you combine that with the rhythm guitar and the kick drums, which are playing constant 16th notes in the background, then the whole result sounds more intense! It's about using many ingredients to create a powerful result.
For the solo, I used a Dunlop Cry Baby set at the half way position to give me that Michael Schenker type tone. You don't have to do the same of course, it's just taste.
None of the techniques used are unusual. You'll encounter palm muting, alternate picking, legato and hammer ons and pull offs
If you need any help with this, you know where to find me. In the meantime, put on your Ninja costume, strap on your guitar and start stalking the shadows!
Ben
Tempo: 100bpm
Key: C# Minor
Tuning: C# Standard
Gear: Marshall JVM 410H
Rhythm Guitars: OD2, Red setting. BASS 2 MID 5 TREB 6 GAIN 3.5
Lead: OD1, Red setting. BASS 1 MID 8 TREB 6 GAIN 3
