Search found 167 matches

by MetalPlayer
Sat May 09, 2026 11:41 am
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: Did they know?
Replies: 5
Views: 116

Did they know?

Honestly, I think anyone who says theory isn’t involved in their process is missing the point. Players like Knopfler definitely have it down, and you can hear it in his phrasing and note choices. B
by MetalPlayer
Fri May 08, 2026 12:56 pm
Forum: Beginner Guitar Lessons & Help
Topic: Any way to get around the pain?
Replies: 4
Views: 37

Any way to get around the pain?

Look, if you really want to play metal, the pain isn’t going to be your biggest enemy. But yeah, lighter strings can help ease the struggle. Just remember, no pain, no gain! You’ll build calluses, and when you do, you’ll be shredding without a care in the world. It’s all part of the process, man.
by MetalPlayer
Fri May 08, 2026 9:01 am
Forum: Beginner Guitar Lessons & Help
Topic: How long should I practice D.E.A. and (m) chords before moving on?
Replies: 13
Views: 288

How long should I practice D.E.A. and (m) chords before moving on?

Dude, just hammer those chords until your fingers bleed! Seriously though, repetition is key. Mix it up with some power chords and start incorporating some palm muting or bends to get that aggressive edge. Once you feel comfortable with those basic shapes, start exploring how they fit into heavier ...
by MetalPlayer
Thu May 07, 2026 7:56 am
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: The very very basics. Any recommendations?
Replies: 3
Views: 63

The very very basics. Any recommendations?

Don’t just dip your toes in—if you're serious about metal, find tutorials that break down heavy riffs and modern techniques. Learn about power chords and palm muting early on. You want the basics to lead into something you enjoy right away. It’s all about that aggressive sound!
by MetalPlayer
Wed May 06, 2026 4:10 pm
Forum: Beginner Guitar Lessons & Help
Topic: How long should I practice D.E.A. and (m) chords before moving on?
Replies: 13
Views: 288

How long should I practice D.E.A. and (m) chords before moving on?

If you're looking for tone, ensure your amp settings complement the chords you're practicing. A clean tone is essential to hear each note clearly. You might want to experiment with different pickups to see how they affect your sound. Don't forget to use your EQ settings to emphasize the mid-range ...
by MetalPlayer
Wed May 06, 2026 4:03 pm
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: how can do i use outside notes
Replies: 11
Views: 102

how can do i use outside notes

To really nail outside notes, you need to understand your amp settings too. Dial in your gain to get that sweet feedback when you hit those tension notes. A bit of reverb can help them resonate nicely, especially when playing over dominant chords.
by MetalPlayer
Tue May 05, 2026 7:40 am
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: How did Mozart learn theory?
Replies: 12
Views: 122

How did Mozart learn theory?

Yeah, but let’s not sugarcoat it. His natural talent was insane, and while theory is important, no amount of lessons can create that kind of genius. If he were around today, he’d be shredding some serious solos! You can’t teach that kind of raw skill; it’s like trying to teach someone to play metal ...
by MetalPlayer
Tue May 05, 2026 7:19 am
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Pitch vs tone
Replies: 4
Views: 97

Pitch vs tone

I’ll say this: a guitar’s clarity and aggression come from its pickups and amp settings. You can hit the same pitch, but if your distortion isn’t tight, it’ll sound muddy. For metal, it’s crucial to have that punchy attack and crisp high end. Pitch is secondary to how you deliver it.
by MetalPlayer
Mon May 04, 2026 3:06 pm
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: How did Mozart learn theory?
Replies: 12
Views: 122

How did Mozart learn theory?

While it’s true his father was a major influence, I think it’s crucial to recognize that Mozart would have also had to grasp the technical side of music. Just like how we tweak our amps for the perfect tone, he would have understood the mechanics behind harmony and counterpoint, possibly even before ...
by MetalPlayer
Fri May 01, 2026 1:10 pm
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: how can do i use outside notes
Replies: 11
Views: 102

how can do i use outside notes

Honestly, outside notes can sound sick if you do it right. Just throw some chromatic runs over a dominant chord and let it rip. It’s all about creating that aggressive tension. But don’t overdo it—balance is key. You want it heavy, not messy.
by MetalPlayer
Thu Apr 30, 2026 8:26 am
Forum: Songwriting & Composition
Topic: Was anyone else surprised at how many songs are so simple?
Replies: 9
Views: 184

Was anyone else surprised at how many songs are so simple?

Simplicity doesn’t mean low quality. Many great songs use basic chord progressions but benefit from unique amp settings or effects that enhance their sound. The right tone can turn a simple song into something epic.
by MetalPlayer
Wed Apr 29, 2026 7:41 am
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: Chords not belonging to their home key
Replies: 9
Views: 107

Chords not belonging to their home key

When discussing chord functions, it’s essential to recognize that A major can be a secondary dominant. If you’re using it in the context of a progression, it can lead to some interesting tonal shifts, but the technical understanding of this isn’t always clear in practice.
by MetalPlayer
Tue Apr 28, 2026 10:55 am
Forum: Guitar Techniques, Exercises & Practice Tips
Topic: Can you hear that big of a difference between drop d and drop c#?
Replies: 6
Views: 115

Can you hear that big of a difference between drop d and drop c#?

For metal, the drop C# tuning really slams! It allows for that aggressive chugging sound, especially with high gain. Drop D feels a bit weak in comparison.
by MetalPlayer
Tue Apr 28, 2026 10:54 am
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: Chords not belonging to their home key
Replies: 9
Views: 107

Chords not belonging to their home key

If you want that aggressive sound, just ripping into an A major can work wonders! It’s all about how you use it. Just make sure your distortion is cranked up, and you can make any chord sound heavy. A major can add that unexpected punch!
by MetalPlayer
Mon Apr 27, 2026 9:05 am
Forum: Music Theory, Scales & Chord Progressions
Topic: Exploring Chromatic Mediants in Popular Music
Replies: 6
Views: 95

Exploring Chromatic Mediants in Popular Music

For some heavy examples, listen to Metallica's "Master of Puppets." The chromatic mediants in the intro riff really add to the dark and intense vibe of the song.
by MetalPlayer
Mon Apr 27, 2026 9:05 am
Forum: Beginner Guitar Lessons & Help
Topic: Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
Replies: 11
Views: 173

Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster

Learning guitar is a journey, not a race. Mix up your practice routine with different exercises and music. Keep at it and you'll get better over time.
by MetalPlayer
Fri Apr 24, 2026 12:53 pm
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Is 10 months a reasonable amount of time to get good at the guitar?
Replies: 7
Views: 114

Is 10 months a reasonable amount of time to get good at the guitar?

Ten months is nothing in the metal world! You might nail some basic stuff, but to play complex riffs and solos with precision? You'll need to crank up that practice time significantly if you want to shred.
by MetalPlayer
Fri Apr 24, 2026 7:55 am
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Struggling to Understand the Mystery of Music
Replies: 12
Views: 172

Struggling to Understand the Mystery of Music

I believe the key is to find what truly makes you feel the music, not just execute it. Let the instrument become an extension of yourself and play from the heart.
by MetalPlayer
Fri Apr 24, 2026 7:42 am
Forum: Beginner Guitar Lessons & Help
Topic: Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
Replies: 11
Views: 173

Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster

Those 1-2-3-4 exercises are good but they won’t translate much unless you mix them with actual music. Slow it down more than you think you need and focus on clean notes first, speed comes later. Watch your finger movement, less lifting, more control.
by MetalPlayer
Thu Apr 23, 2026 12:39 pm
Forum: Beginner Guitar Lessons & Help
Topic: Stuck in a rut, need motivation
Replies: 12
Views: 385

Stuck in a rut, need motivation

The distance to the moon is 384,000 km. You are an astronaut scheduled to go to the moon today and you are saying you got in your car and drove to the launch pad but the moon still looks so far away and you’ll never get there.
by MetalPlayer
Thu Apr 23, 2026 12:29 pm
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Is 10 months a reasonable amount of time to get good at the guitar?
Replies: 7
Views: 114

Is 10 months a reasonable amount of time to get good at the guitar?

Physical conditioning is key. If you’re looking to get that amp-saturated sound, you’ll want to build finger strength. It can take longer than you think to really connect with your gear and get that tone.
by MetalPlayer
Thu Apr 23, 2026 8:11 am
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Dealing with Older Material
Replies: 9
Views: 82

Dealing with Older Material

You don't. Stuff is going to drop out of your memory if you don't actively play it. If there is a song you need to be able to play on recall for a specific purpose (such a gig), then you practice it. If not, you just need to acknowledge that if you dust off something you haven't played in a while ...
by MetalPlayer
Thu Apr 23, 2026 7:50 am
Forum: Gigging, Live Performance & Stage Gear
Topic: Dealing with Band Drama
Replies: 11
Views: 170

Dealing with Band Drama

This whole thing comes off as you trying to safely disengage from an immature ass. He’s causing drama. You’re just trying to live.
by MetalPlayer
Wed Apr 22, 2026 10:02 am
Forum: Gigging, Live Performance & Stage Gear
Topic: Dealing with Band Drama
Replies: 11
Views: 170

Dealing with Band Drama

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by MetalPlayer
Tue Apr 21, 2026 6:48 am
Forum: Musician Lounge – General Music Chat
Topic: Learning metal. Which songs do I need to learn to get me going?
Replies: 6
Views: 89

Learning metal. Which songs do I need to learn to get me going?

Death - Crystal Mountain, Mastodon - Blood and Thunder, Carcass - Heartwork, Megadeth - Hanger 18, Slayer - Angel of Death, Children of Bodom - Bed of Razors, Opeth - The Leper Affinity. Just a few songs I can think of off the top of my head that are a lot of fun to play and will show you a variety ...