Melodic Metal Solo - 2 Versions

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Instructor: Sean Conklin Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: Hello all! In this tutorial we're going to explore a short solo from a song I wrote. And we're also going to learn an alternate version of the solo. In the video above, you'll hear the original version of the solo, then in the next video you'll hear the alternate version. I'll then break down the different parts for each solo, then you'll find the appropri...

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Instructor: Sean Conklin Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: Okay, let's check out the alternate version! This one is a little more on the "shred" side. Once you've heard both solos, decide which one you'd like to learn and start learning! :) In the next lesson, we will start with the beginning of the original solo.

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Instructor: Sean Conklin Level: Intermediate Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: This part is pretty straightforward. We have some sustaining melody notes and a good use of legato. You'll notice in the video how I use the whammy bar on the 3rd beat of the first measure. If you have a whammy bar, try it that way. If you don't have one, then go buy one! :) When you're ready, head on over to the next lesson for Part 2 of the original solo...

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Instructor: Sean Conklin Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: In the first part, we're going to use legato while playing a few 3-note-per-string patterns. Make sure all those notes stay equal in volume. At the end, we have a small sweeping pattern followed by a double bend/release. First, practice that sweep by itself without the bend. Then once you have the correct execution of the sweep, add in the bend. When you'r...

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Instructor: Sean Conklin Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: Here, we have two fast sweeping/legato patterns. Learn each pattern individually before merging them together. You'll notice that we're going to tap a note at the end of each sweeping pattern. That makes things a little more difficult with the actual sweeping on the strings. To do this properly, we basically have to be moving our picking hand to the fretboa...

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Instructor: Sean Conklin Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: Welcome to the first backing track! This one is for the original solo. You'll hear the accompanying harmonies as well. If you'd like to learn the alternate version of the solo, head on over to the next lesson where we'll be tackling Part 1.

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Instructor: Sean Conklin Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: To start, we're going to be playing some fast thirty-second notes up the lydian mode in a 3-note-per-string pattern. In the full video for this solo, my note speed varies very slightly in this area to give it a bit of texture. At the end of the 32nd note pattern, you'll come across some string skipping to reach notes on the High E string. Be careful not to ...

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Instructor: Sean Conklin Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: To start off Part 2, we're going to be playing one of my favorite kinds of arpeggio patterns. I just love the sweeping/tapping combinations. You'll start out by down-sweeping as you ascend in the A# Ionian mode. Then once you get to the G string, you'll play a 3-note-per-string legato pattern. Then comes our fun triple tap on the 15th fret. Use your index f...

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Instructor: Sean Conklin Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: Okay, here is the backing track for the alternate solo. There is a short section where you will hear harmonies. If you're ready to create your own solo, go to the next lesson for the empty backing track.

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Instructor: Sean Conklin Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: What I'd encourage you to do now, is write your own solo over this backing track. Be creative. Use some of the techniques you learned in this tutorial, and add other techniques and ideas if you wish. If you ever record your solo, be sure to post it in the forums so we can all check it out!

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