A metal solo without "difficult" string changes

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#1

As you probably know I work here, so a lot of my time/effort is spent teaching (and learning) complicated picking patterns across the strings.

But I did this in my time off :-D… so I decided to not do any of that and instead rely on some simpler (but IMO equally effective) solutions, like single-string tremolo, whammy bar nonsense, hammer-ons, pull-offs etc.

The diminished lick at the end, in particular, is a Paul Gilbert lick executed with just a middle-finger pluck of the high string followed by legato on the lower string.

As usual, I also like layering and pseudo-stereo widening to get a bigger sound! So what you are hearing is not just a single performance, but 3 guitars:

  • main lead in the middle
  • second lead stereo-widened by 60%
  • harmony track also widened at 60%

The stereo widening was done with the JS: Pseudo Stereo plugin in Reaper. All guitar tones use the old but gold Mercuriall SS-11X plugin.

Edit: Soundslice link added :slight_smile:

8 Likes
#2

Pinch harmonics, where are they?!

2 Likes
#3

Quite often limiting yourself intentionally opens unexpected ways to be creative. The song itself sound pretty good as well.

1 Like
#4

Best example I can think of along these lines and it’s one of my favorite solos he’s ever done not breakneck super easy even for a beginner but it’s awesome.

#5

Just relistened today. It’s like a “clean playing” version of all the old-school death metal solo cliches. Love it.

3 Likes