The Shred Kings Return
Plus, an inside look at how to play like Billy Strings
This week we have a bunch of new things to be happy for as guitar players. Not only are we in December, and have the holidays to look forward to, we also have a new track from Metallica, with a nice return to form. Not only that, but a new album and tour is on the way. We also saw the release of ‘Inside Scofield’, which is a great look at this jazz giant’s time on the road.
There’s lots of other great announcements too packed into this week’s issue. Let’s get right into the links!
- Metallica: Lux Æterna (Official Music Video) - Metallica did a surprise release of their new single “Lux Aeterna", and boy does this song rip like old school Metallica meets Motorhead. I'm thrilled with the overall production, and can't wait for the full album, which we also found out arrives in April of next year, along with a 2 year tour, with lots of great guests.
- Learn THAT Classic Kirk Hammett Lick | Lux Æterna | 5 Minute Licks - Want to learn the classic Kirk Hammett riff that starts off Lux Aeterna's solo? Check out this short video from Leon Todd. And if you want to learn the full song, lots of people have already put up full lessons, like this one from Guitar Lessons 365.
- Guitar GOLD for melodic soloing! And some “Uncle Larry” & GT album session teasers - This week's Guthrie Trapp video is great for two reasons - first, Trapp shows us a cool progression that'll help you break out of the pentatonic box and force yourself to work on your fretboard knowledge. Secondly, Trapp is working on an album with Tom Bukovac, and gave us a sneak peek at what it'll sound like. I'm super excited to hear two of my favorite players come together and put out an album!
- what NOBODY tells you about the minor pentatonic scale - Want something else cool that'll change up your pentatonic scales? Check out this great, short video from Rick Graham who shows us how to use different tonalities in our pentatonics from other scales, that'll make your leads sound incredible.
- Mateus Asato Trio - Live in Seoul (2019) - I love this flashback that Mateus Asato posted, of his trio playing “Maria". Asato's playing is out of this world, and I enjoyed getting a look into what Mateus was thinking about that tour and live playing in general, which we can read in the description.
- Steven Wilson: The Modern Rock Producer - Speaking of great musicians, Rick Beato recently interviewed Porcupine Tree founder Steven Wilson. The two talk about everything from Guthrie Govan, to track selection, production, and so much more. If you have an hour this weekend, it's worth a watch.
- Fingers Too Weak to Play Guitar? Do This! - This channel makes the case that tapping your way through the pentatonic scale might help your finger strength and accuracy.
- Play Guitar like Billy Strings- Woodshed Ep. 98 - Billy Strings has exploded in popularity over the past couple of years - the band employs some wild country/bluegrass shred lines all throughout their music. Andy Wood, who's a killer player himself shows us how to play like Billy Strings, and he does it all on a Martin from his grandfather. Super cool.
- How to Set Pickup Height on Your Guitar - StringJoy answers one of those questions you might have been too afraid to ask - how the heck do I set my pickup height? While it's not an exact science, pickup height can make a huge difference in the tonality of your guitar.
- Soloing Secrets - Joe Walsh - One of this newsletter's favorite channels, Late Night Lessons just put up a fantastic video about the legendary Joe Walsh. If you want to update your bends and vibrato, you should check this one out. h/t to Jeremy Malheim on surfacing this one!
- Watch the Trailer for Unmissable John Scofield Documentary, ‘Inside Scofield’ - John Scofield is one of the most remarkable jazz guitarists of the last few decades. A new documentary called ‘Inside Scofield' just came out on Friday, which you can watch streaming or on DVD. Check out the trailer right here. I watched this on the day it came out, and it's a fun look into John Scofield on the road. I started listening to Scofield’s ‘A Go Go' album back in the late nineties, and can't recommend that album and the rest of his discography enough!
- The John Frusciante Guitar Workout - If you're bored or uninspired with your current practice schedule, you should take a look at John Frusciante's ideas on practice. John talks about simple finger exercises, modes, and more with 8 great bits of advice.
Hey did you know, not only do I talk guitar each week, but I also teach it!
Try out a half an hour to see how much you can learn when you know the right things to practice. Whether you want to learn guitar, recording, mixing or more, I can help you out!