Playing metal

[hamo]

I was listening to a track by a band called Crow, whose EP I bought from CD Baby, and I was thinking "damn I'd love to play like that". It's not too far off Lamb Of God styles I guess. I could try and hunt down the tab, but I thought "why not learn what you need to come up with your own riffs?"

So how about it chaps? What are the main points of theory that I need to learn in order to play metal? What are the techniques? I've got bits and pieces of accumulated knowledge, and there's plenty on YouTube, but I'd like to hear your opinions on the matter.

[alanp]

Either long hair (IB), or no hair (Kerry King) seems to be one of the most important things.

[hippy01]

Either long hair (IB), or no hair (Kerry King) seems to be one of the most important things.

+ A few tribal tats and some whiskey/bourbon

[mop]

What is this "theory" you speak of?

[druz15]

1) drop D
2) alternate between random frets and open position
3)???
4)Profit
5) repeat as necessary

[/sweeping (but more often than not correct) generalisation]

[mop]

[/sweeping (but more often than not correct) generalisation]

I see what you did there

[NZRS-Dave]

Are you talking about metal rhythm or metal lead?

I think there is huge benefit in learning riffs that you like. But if you want to start on you own, I think that you need to first practise chugging.

Chug chug chug chugga (repeat)

and then

Chug chug chugga chugga

Chug chugga chugga chug

etc ...

Then move the chord postion (make sure you practice chugging on bar chords as well as using open E and A strings) THen move the chord between chugs.

[druz15]

[/sweeping (but more often than not correct) generalisation]

I see what you did there

if only it had been intentional

[Matt_Demise]

Drop tune.
Learn what triplets are, understand their awesome potential.
Palm muting is your friend. What dave said above, learn your chugging, try combining some fast chugs on all the top 3 heaviest strings then do some really quick triplets on the fattest string only in between chugs.
Avoid making your riff sound too 'homo' the sicker it sounds the better as long as it has a solid groovy rhythm.

[NZRS-Dave]

Drop tune.
Learn what triplets are, understand their awesome potential.
Palm muting is your friend. What dave said above, learn your chugging, try combining some fast chugs on all the top 3 heaviest strings then do some really quick triplets on the fattest string only in between chugs.
Avoid making your riff sound too 'homo' the sicker it sounds the better as long as it has a solid groovy rhythm.

lol at 'homo' metal.

Terribly un PC term

[badmotor]

Can't believe that's not word filtered!

[Matt_Demise]

lol couldnt think of any other word to describe it.
PC is lame anyway.

[hamo]

This is the track I was listening to specifically:

http://www.myspace.com/themetalbandcrow ... d-13425759

Interested in what's going on riff-wise.

[badmotor]

lol couldnt think of any other word to describe it.
PC is lame anyway.

Mac user?

[Matt_Demise]

1:30 listen to those triplets.
Do that.

Listen to this to get some sick mosh rifs going. (blisteringly fast and brutal in most parts)

http://www.myspace.com/music/1200482/songs/34951443