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Music Theory Behind Top 5 Guitar Riffs
🕑 Added 2024-04-26 15:00:11 +0000 UTCDo you think guitar gods like James Hetfield or Dave Mustaine know music theory? Their music uses keys, scales and chords, whether they know it or not. Below are some interesting music theory facts behind the top 5 metal guitar riffs muhahaha! (full tabs below)
โญ๏ธ Learn more about theory and songwriting with my new MUSIC THEORY COLLECTIONS feature below. It's a compilation of my best music theory content on patreon, including Music Theory For Guitarists, Composing Using Music Theory and more!
๐ Music Theory Collection
https://www.patreon.com/collection/374006?view=expanded
5. HOLY WARS | MEGADETH
Coming in at number 5 is Holy Wars by Megadeth. The aggressive energy of Dave Mustaine surges through my screen everytime I hear this epic track. Lord Dave sprinkles the riff with two important chromatic seasonings. The b5 and the b2, or Bb and F. The riff relies heavily on the open low E string, establishing a "petal tone" effect. This is a recurring pitch that provides a tonal foundation. Whadda mean I don't know theory? I use it, everyday!
4. PAINKILLER | JUDAS PRIEST
Securing the number 4 slot is Judas Priest's Painkiller. This metal masterpiece relentlessly penetrates our eardrums with evil. I don't know if Priest did this intentionally but the track uses the most evil scale in all music....the LOCRIAN MODE (E-F-G-A-Bb-C-D). Play these notes 666 times to become a demon lord!
3. BLACK SABBATH | BLACK SABBATH
The band that invented metal music is my number 3 slut...I mean slot. Black Sabbath's Black Sabbath is one of the most diabolical songs ever recorded. Ozzy chants about Satan while Tony Iommi uses the devil's trill to open a portal to hell. The track is in the key of G minor, containing 2 flats, Bb and Eb.
2. THE TROOPER | IRON MAIDEN
Iron Maiden's The Trooper claims position number 2 on my list. Extreme speed, gallop picking, soaring vocals, harmonized guitars, lyrics about war. What more could you ask for in a metal song? Slicing power chords in the key of E minor outlining Maiden's classic Em-D-C progression
1. ORION | METALLICA
Metallica's Orion puts me in a demonic trance every time I hear it. It transports me to an alternate dimension of higher gravity, with each power chord pounding me further down, down, down. Of course we're in the key of Em (E-F#-G-A-B-C-D), with an infectious syncopation making us wanna dance with the devil
๐คDid I miss any heavy songs? Put your own list in the comments below!
Comments
SHRED
I can't get enough HEAVY riffs Tim!
Tim Harrington
SHRED
Yes Chris! Thatโs awesome. The essence of metal is in that riff
chris van allsburg
YES. Orion had me HOOKED. Way back in '87 or something, my brother gives me a Maxell tape. "Here. Listen to this." Instant love.
