Learn to Play Metallica Volume 3

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

For all the guitar enthusiasts out there who've been eager to delve into the nitty-gritty of Metallica's fast-paced and intricate guitar playing, "Learn to Play Metallica Volume 3" is an oasis. This immersive learning experience by Andy James doesn't just give you notes; it provides deep dives into some of Metallica's iconic songs, ensuring you grasp not only the "how" but also the "why" behind their unforgettable guitar parts. This edition focuses on five Metallica masterpieces: "For Whom The Bell Tolls," "Harvester of Sorrow," "Wherever I May Roam," "Seek And Destroy," and "Creeping Death."

Guitar Lessons Include:

For Whom The Bell Tolls 

Harvester Of Sorrow 

Wherever I May Roam 

Seek And Destroy 

Creeping Death

Lesson Performance Notes

For Whom The Bell Tolls

Starting with "For Whom The Bell Tolls," this song is renowned for its ominous, tolling bell and the heavy, dark melody that ensues. The main riff is a perfect study in E minor, using the scale to create a sound that perfectly encapsulates the song's foreboding. The guitar work here isn’t just about dexterity but also about creating an atmosphere, using techniques like sustain to emphasize particular notes and generate that impending sense of doom. The solo, relatively slow-paced, relies heavily on E minor pentatonic scales, demonstrating that speed isn't the only path to intensity.

Harvester Of Sorrow

"Harvester of Sorrow" introduces itself with a menacing riff that lays the groundwork for the entire song. Played in a slower tempo, it allows the guitarist to focus on the emotion behind each strum. The track is built around the key of E minor and uses a lot of palm-muting to deliver that signature chugging rhythm. The solo in this song is a perfect example of how a collection of techniques can be used to convey a certain mood — it's not about complexity, but about how well each note drives the song’s dark theme forward.

Wherever I May Roam

The exotic sounding "Wherever I May Roam" utilizes a B Phrygian dominant scale to deliver its distinctive sound, offering a different flavor compared to standard minor/major scale compositions. The riffs are a combination of power chords and single-note lines, demonstrating a skillful use of dynamics. The solo contrasts with the song's main melody, incorporating faster passages and high-energy techniques while maintaining the song’s overall dark ambiance.

Seek And Destroy

"Seek And Destroy" is a track that encourages the guitarist to indulge in relentless aggression. The song, primarily in G minor, features rapid strumming and a multitude of riffs that demand precision and stamina. The solo is a blistering array of techniques, with rapid-fire alternate picking and string bending being prominent. It's a section that offers a challenge for even seasoned players, demanding not just skill but also a deep understanding of rhythm and timing.

Creeping Death

Lastly, "Creeping Death" is an epic with numerous sections, each with its unique character. The song is in E minor and features some of the album’s most intricate guitar work. The solo is a high-speed affair that uses the E natural minor scale to devastating effect, with rapid alternate picking and tight string bends. It's a technical showcase, offering insight into both the guitarist’s skill and his ability to compose solos that serve the song while still demonstrating technical proficiency.

Lead Guitarist: Kirk Hammett's Contributions

Kirk Hammett, Metallica's lead guitarist, has had an immeasurable impact on these songs. His style, a blend of speed, precision, and melodic sensibility, has defined much of what heavy metal guitar playing is all about. Kirk's contributions to these tracks aren't just in the notes played, but in the emotion conveyed. He has a knack for creating solos that, while often technically complex, never lose sight of the song’s emotional core. His use of the minor scale, string bending, and fast alternate picking, combined with a nuanced understanding of musical phrasing, has ensured these songs aren't just heard but felt.

Guitar Techniques Used in These Lessons

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Sustain
• Hammer-ons
• Slides
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Chromaticism

"Learn to Play Metallica Volume 3" is more than a tutorial; it's a deep dive into the artistry of metal guitar. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned player, there's something to learn and enjoy as you walk in the footsteps of one of metal's greatest bands.