Play Riffs Like The Masters Of Thrash

About the Course

Thrash metal is a genre that has captivated audiences with its aggressive sound and intricate guitar work. In this course, you'll dive into the world of thrash metal riffs, drawing inspiration from the masters themselves—Metallica. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course offers a pathway to mastering the techniques that define thrash metal. From palm muting to power chords, you'll be surprised how quickly these elements become part of your sound.

This article focuses on Chapter 1, the starting point of the full course available inside the Gibson App. Chapter 1 lays the foundation for the chapters that follow, inviting you to continue the full experience in the app. With a welcoming approach, this course ensures that players of all levels can tap into the spirit of thrash metal.

Chapter 1

Intro To This Course

Intro To This Course

Thrash Metal Techniques

In this series of videos, you'll learn how to play riffs in the style of the Masters of Thrash. Metallica, with James Hetfield's iconic riffing style, is a major influence. You'll explore techniques such as palm muting, down picking, power chords, and sliding. Clean chord picking is also a significant part of this style. You'll need both a clean tone with chorus and reverb and a heavily distorted tone with scooped mids for authenticity.

Building Your Sound

By the end of these videos, you'll be able to play a complete track, incorporating all these techniques. The journey begins here, setting the stage for mastering thrash metal riffs.

Chord Picking Riff

Chord Picking Riff

Clean Tone Dynamics

Start with a chord picking part played with a clean sound, a hallmark of Metallica's songwriting. This technique is prevalent in ballad-like intros and breakdown sections. Using a clean electric tone, you'll pick chords that are instantly recognizable, reminiscent of songs like "Nothing Else Matters" and "Fade to Black."

Precision and Technique

Focus on keeping your forearm down on the guitar to better calculate string distances, especially when skipping the D string for the C chord. Ensure your fretting hand plays the full chord shape each time to maintain harmony. Practice these techniques to achieve a smooth and precise sound.

The Full Course

Chapter 1: Chord Picking Riff

Chapter 1 introduces you to the foundational techniques of thrash metal, focusing on chord picking with a clean tone. Inspired by Metallica classics, this chapter sets the stage for dynamic and contrasting riffs that define the genre.

Chapter 2: Melody Lead Line

Dive into melodic lead lines influenced by songs like "Battery" and "The Unforgiven." This chapter explores the dramatic tone and harmonized passages typical of Metallica's style. You'll learn to play with distortion and focus on intonation and smooth transitions between notes.

Chapter 3: Palm-Muting Riff

Master tight palm muting and relentless downstrokes, a core technique in thrash metal. Inspired by "Master of Puppets," this chapter emphasizes the importance of down picking to achieve the punchy, aggressive sound characteristic of Metallica.

Chapter 4: Power Chord Slides Riff

Combine sliding power chords with muted notes to create a dark, aggressive tone. This chapter teaches you to maintain consistency in slides, drawing inspiration from "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "Seek & Destroy."

Chapter 5: Pushed Single Note Riff

Explore riffs built on pushed rhythms and tritone intervals to create tension and drive. Inspired by "Enter Sandman," this chapter focuses on accenting push notes to drive the rhythm and achieve the iconic Metallica sound.

Chapter 6: Play A Full Song

Combine all the riffs and techniques you've learned to play a full thrash metal song. This chapter brings together everything from clean intros to powerful choruses, culminating in a complete musical experience.

By the end of this course, you'll have a new connection to your instrument, feeling personal and expressive. From your first riff to full-stage confidence, this course takes you there step by step.