Play Solos Like The Masters Of Thrash

About the Course

Thrash metal is a genre that thrives on speed, aggression, and technical prowess, and this course is your gateway to mastering solos like the legends of thrash. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, you'll find that the techniques taught here are both exciting and achievable. With a focus on the styles of Kirk Hammett from Metallica, you'll dive into double stop bends, pentatonic licks, and exotic scales, all while crafting a complete thrash solo by the end of the series. This article introduces Chapter 1, the starting point of the full course available inside the Gibson App. It's a journey that welcomes players of all levels, inviting you to explore the spirit of thrash metal and make it part of your sound.

Chapter 1

Intro To This Course

Thrash Techniques Unveiled

In this series of videos, you'll learn how to play solos in the style of the Masters of Thrash. One name that comes to mind quickly is Kirk Hammett of Metallica. We'll explore common techniques in thrash like double stop bends, arpeggios, pentatonic licks, and exotic scales. These techniques will combine into a complete thrash solo that you'll play by the end of the series. Prepare for a heavily distorted tone and focus on the bridge pickup for this style. Get ready to hit hard on the right hand for a more aggressive tone.

Setting the Tone

The journey begins with setting the tone. You'll aim for a heavily distorted sound, primarily using the bridge pickup. This approach is essential for capturing the aggressive essence of thrash metal. As you progress, you'll find that hitting hard on the right hand enhances the tone, making it fit perfectly with the style.

High Octave Melody

Melodic Beginnings

The solo starts with a melody played at a higher octave, typical of Metallica's style. This melodic phrase sets the stage before diving into the main solo. Starting at the 15th fret on the high E string, you'll create an A and B section, adding vibrato to the final notes to keep the phrase flowing.

Precision and Tone

Focus on intonation and ensure your left hand presses the notes firmly to avoid pitch irregularities. Higher frets offer less sustain, so accurate and consistent picking is crucial for a great tone. This simple yet melodic phrase is your opportunity to practice and refine your technique.

The Full Course

Chapter 1: High Octave Melody

In Chapter 1, you learn the high-octave version of a melody inspired by Metallica's classics like The Unforgiven and Fade to Black. This chapter sets the foundation for thrash solos, emphasizing precision and tone control.

Chapter 2: Double Stop Bends Lick

Master Kirk Hammett's expressive double stop bends, a technique heard in Nothing Else Matters and Enter Sandman. This chapter focuses on bending one note while another rings, creating dramatic solos.

Chapter 3: Pentatonic Repetition Lick

Add intensity to your solos with pentatonic repetition, a staple in tracks like Master of Puppets. This chapter teaches you to build anticipation using repeated phrases.

Chapter 4: Descending Minor Scale Lick

Break out of the pentatonic box with fast, dramatic licks reminiscent of Hammett’s playing in Creeping Death. Learn to create tension with descending sequences and slides.

Chapter 5: Bending & Vibrato Lick

Combine bending with expressive vibrato to bring your solos to life. Essential for capturing the emotion and energy of thrash lead guitar.

Chapter 6: Phrygian Lick

Tap into the exotic sound of the Phrygian mode, a staple in Metallica’s darker solos. This chapter explores the Eastern-sounding scale and its application.

Chapter 7: Pentatonic Sequence Lick

Use ascending pentatonic sequences to inject speed and rhythmic momentum, similar to Hammett’s licks in Seek & Destroy.

Chapter 8: Arpeggios & Pull-Offs Lick

Ascend through arpeggios using pull-offs to add speed and color, heard in solos like Fade to Black and Ride the Lightning.

Chapter 9: Play A Full Solo

Combine all the licks and techniques you've learned to play a full Thrash Metal solo. This chapter is the culmination of your journey, bringing together everything you've practiced.

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.