Advanced Guitar Theory and Technique Applied to the Metal and Shred Genres

by L. Herman

Advanced Guitar Theory and Technique Applied to the Metal and Shred genres is an excellent tool to for the intermediate to advanced guitarist wanting to take their technique and knowledge to new, previously unobtainable levels. Throughout the book numerous examples are given that relate theory and technique to the lesson that is being taught. After reading this book you will be able to solo over any background in any style that you choose and always play in tune. Although this book is written with the metal and shred player in the forefront, it is equally effective as a learning resource for any style of playing. The book is divided into three main sections that epitomize the essence of metal and shred guitar; Theory, Arpeggios and Speed Picking.The Theory section employs pattern based methods for teaching modal theory and uses multiple angles and approaches to help you understand and visualize the fretboard. The Arpeggio section goes over all of the main arpeggios that guitarists rely upon and after giving a theory lesson on how to build and apply arpeggios into your own playing goes on to display examples of sweep picking licks that range from merely advanced to virtuoso style sweep, slide and tap techniques.The Speed Picking section displays outstanding examples and exercises to help you get your picking technique up to speed. Problem areas are isolated and addressed, helping you learn how to effectively practice and greatly improve upon your picking technique. This book contains a wealth of knowledge that any guitarist will find invaluable.

Genres: Music

142 pages, Paperback

First published October 14, 2012

Reviews

[Suck Weasel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Misleading title. What theory is here is disappointingly basic, and the author shies away from mentioning actual metal bands (though the list of blues guitarists is suspiciously long). Examples from the genre are entirely absent, minus a picking pattern that Paul Gilbert (barely metal) mentions in that one famous video you can watch on youtube.

Two stars because I think it would be useful to someone who just started playing. But even a basic grasp of music theory will put you ahead of this book. I plan to copy down some of the exercises for later, but the actual theory (the thing I really need help with) is stuff that you can get from browsing wikipedia for a few minutes and watching a Jake Lizzio video -- both of which I would recommend in place of this book.

Rarely do I leave the library so giddy with excitement. A terrible shame that I will be returning so soon full of such disappointment.