Welcome! In this lesson we’re going to learn a creative string skipping and tapping sequence that changes key on the same root note, meaning that we’ll change between G Major & G Minor. We’ll also be using some extended arpeggios that use 7th and 9th extensions. If you want to read the lesson later then download the tab book.
We’re going to take two basic string skipping tapped arpeggios and make a sequence out of them to make it more interesting. This tapping sequence uses T2 and T3 tapping, that’s two fingers on your picking hand. Usually I would suggest your middle and ring finger so you can still hold the pick. For a really creative sound that throws your listener off we’re going to change key using the same root note. Let take a look at these basic shapes first and then we can check out the sequence.
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This episode we’re going to look at the 3nps modes for extended range 7 string guitar. The tuning will be B E A D G B E. If you want to know more about modal theory then check out this post for some extended ideas on how the modes for 7 string guitar work. If you want to read this later then download the scale book here. Let’s Go!
Let’s take a look at the major scale modes for 7 string guitar. If you know the modes for 6 string guitar then this will be made even easier since we can reference these. However if you started your guitar story on a 7 string then this will be a helpful starting point. If you don’t know the modes at all it might be worthwhile getting comfortable with these first. You can check out the 6 string major scale modes here.
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Playing through a scale is a great way to warm up your fingers before going into an intense practice session or playing a gig. Today we’re going to look at a simple warmup sequence using the Mixolydian mode, the fifth mode of the Major scale.
You can play this warmup sequence across 6, 7 or 8 strings or extend it further if you have more.
Warming up is very important, especially if you are going to be playing fast, complex or intense riffs. The last thing you want is to strain the ligaments in your hand during practice. Warming up helps prevent repetitive strain injuries and the dreaded condition of carpal tunnel syndrome.
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In this lesson we’re going to breakdown this awesome melodic sweep picked arpeggio sequence by Iceferno. This creative sequence covers a few different chord tonalities, 7ths & inversions and ties them all together in one badass progression. If you want an overview of the lesson then you can just download the tab. Godspeed!
Here at Strings Of Rage we’re massive fans of the amazing songwriter Iceferno, who is also based in the UK. Like us Iceferno is also a huge fan of the Streets Of Rage series. We were super stoked to hear his interpretation of a Streets of Rage style album. His song ‘Vengeance II’ incorporates a sick melodic sweep picking progression that blew us away when we first heard it.
Melodic Sweep Picking: Arpeggio Sequence
Let’s take a listen to this arpeggio progression in it’s entirety so we know the desired result! Make sure you notice how many times each arpeggio is played. This caught us out a few times while we were transcribing this. Also be aware of the clever and subtle change from the minor 7 to the dominant 7 on the 2nd arpeggio.
Today I’m going to write a rhythm part for a metal song and explain the process I go through at each stage. I’ll go for a combination of Thrash and Melodic Death Metal.
I’ll assume that you have a “metal tone” for writing metal rhythm guitar, but in a future post we’ll cover some tips for getting a good tone. For now just remember that you want plenty of mids, and a decent amount of gain, but not too much. We want a nice tight rhythm not tons of crackly white noise and feedback.
Writing Metal Rhythm Guitar : First Steps
I’ll start by playing around with a combination of 8th notes and “gallops”. Below is a quick example of an E5 power chord played as 8th notes:
Today we’re going to look a little ripper of an alternate picking lick. This one ascends across all 6 strings from the low E string. This is an interesting idea because we’re using sequences across groupings of two strings. Let’s Go! Full Shred Ahead! If you want a quick overview of the lesson then Download the Tab.
This alternate picking lick is based around a little sequence that begins on fret 10. The lick starts with a descending idea. Once you’ve got the basic mechanics of the lick under your fingers it’s then simply a case of moving it through the positions.
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In this lesson we’re going to look at a creative way to approach sweep picking using the dorian mode as our road map. We’ll also take these ideas to make a blazing sequence across all six strings. If you want an overview of this lesson you can download the tab.
Conventionally a lot of players will tell you that sweep picking is essentially taking chords and playing them in a single note, or arpeggiated fashion. While this is true we can break out of the norm by using our mode shapes to create new and exciting possibilities for advanced sweep picking ideas.
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Welcome! If you’re reading this you’re probably looking to take your modal playing to the next level. If you want to know how to start covering more of the neck with your lead lines then check this out.
These 3 Octave Major Scale Modes work in a 3 and 4nps linear fashion. You’ll have a 7 note pattern across 2 strings. The 8th note is simply the octave of the root. These shapes are great fun and super easy to play because of the way they repeat. For each mode we’ll have a different 7 note, 2 string pattern. Once you know one shape for each mode you can simply repeat this pattern every 2 strings in octaves.
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Tremolo picking involves picking the same note multiple times in a row, usually at least four. This technique originates from classical guitar and other stringed instruments. The idea was to create modulations in volume by finger picking a note multiple times with harder and softer plucking.
In rock and metal Tremolo Picking is more common to use the technique to maintain volume by giving each note less time to decay. It also provides more attack giving a harsher, more aggressive sound.
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