Guitar Study
Everything Djent
Total lessons in study:
With bands like Meshuggah and Periphery paving the way, djent has exploded in popularity within the metal scene. In this study, you'll get an in-depth overview of this growing style.
1. Introduction to Djent
Hey guys,
This is part one in an upcoming series of lessons I'll be doing on the rhythmic concept of 'djent'. Derrived from a word 'invented' by members of Meshuggah, and popularized by Periphery song-writer Misha Mansoor, the term has become synonymous within this distinct style of metal which involves heavy rhythmic...Read More
For the demonstrations, I'll be using a Fractal Audio Systems 'Axe-Fx Ultra'. The Axe-Fx is one of the most common units in modern metal, not only for effects, but for literally building an entire guitar sound from scratch. Line 6 products come very close, however with the right EQing, amp settings and personal touch, you'l...Read More
Let's examine some beneficial techniques involved in this distinct style of rhythm playing.
Right Hand
The right hand is enormously important in acquiring the percussiveness and cleanliness we'll need to execute the following riffs. Make sure the palm of your hand is readily available in choking notes and chords after pla...Read More
So let's start out with the basic concept of polymeters. I've addressed this concept in a previous tutorial regarding creating pulses in your lead playing, so let's apply that to riffing, and learn how we can use these odd rhythmic pulses to create some interesting rhythm passages.
The reason I entitle these exercises 'Eve...Read More
Here's another common technique, alike the 'Even-Odd' rhythm approach, we'll be playing meters within meters, except this time, meters within meters within meters. Confused yet? Don't be.
Here's what's happening:
The pattern is One... One-Two... One-Two-Three... One-Two... repeat. There's an eighth note rest between every...Read More
Check out this drum backing track and play along to the exercises under 'Even-Odd', exercise: 'Pulse of 5'.
The drum track plays first at 150BPM, and then at 200BPM.Read More
Check out this drum backing track and play along to the exercises under 'Even-Odd', exercise: 'Pulse of 7'.
The drum track plays first at 150BPM, and then at 200BPM.Read More
Check out this drum backing track and play along to the exercises under 'Even-Odd', exercise: 'Pulse of 9'.
The drum track plays first at 150BPM, then at 150BPM with added groupings for the riff demonstration, and then again for the riff demonstration at 200BPM.Read More
Check out this drum backing track and play along to the exercise: 'Pattern Approach'.
The drum track plays at 200BPM.Read More
2. Rhythms of Djent
Alright, so let's get down to business with part II of last month's instalment; 'Djent Series'!
An important element of djent metal is how the guitars and drums converse to create multiple meters, hence, 'polymeter'. There are tons of ways to implement odd groupings by accenting the guitar riff within the drums (or in a hu...Read More
Let's take this whole rhythmic concept into awkward territory by playing a riff which holds a pulse of 17/16.
So let's analyze what is happening...
We'll be playing a meter of 17/16 over four measures of 4/4.
Due to the seventeen 16th notes, we're forcing ONE extra 16th note at the end of each new-pulse repetition.
Th...Read More
So, let's get back to some of the fundamentals of djent.
'Layering' is a very key aspect in this new wave of metal. With the heavy syncopation happening between bass, guitar and drums, layers offer the melodic sensibilities which grant environment and also produce some harmonic value for vocalists.
A fairly common form of...Read More
Check out the backing track for 'Rhythmic Displacement'
The tempos are 80BPM - and then up to 120BPM.Read More
Check out the backing track for '16th Note Offset'
The tempos are 80BPM - and then up to 120BPM.
Read More
Check out the backing track for 'Creating Layers'
The tempos are 80BPM - and then up to 120BPM. The rhythm track is included so you can experiment with those layers!
Read More
3. Djent Grooves
I'm so excited about this tutorial. I've got three full Djent Styled rhythm tracks for you guys to jam to from my newest collection for 'Jam Track Central!
http://www.jamtrackcentral.com/artists/al-joseph
It's simple. I'm going to play through these for you and then it's your turn. I've got three additional minus one trac...Read More
1. Bare in mind the tuning: AEADGBE
2. Using a noise gate set to a comfortable threshhold and slow attack works best for a thighter sound (also a slow release)
3. Have fun!Read More
I love this track! It's in a C# Mixolydian b13 modality, a great key to solo in for my tastes as well. Pay close attention to how these lines stop and go. Remember we're going for tightness here, meaning precise playing and phrasing. One helpful hint would be to synch up with the drummer as best you can.
Good luck!
1. Bar...Read More
I call this one a 'Djent Bar Blues'!
Try soloing over this one as well. This one is a D blues and ends in D Mixolydian. There's a whole bunch of things you can use this track for practice-wise.
1. Bare in mind the tuning: AEADGBE
2. Using a noise gate set to a comfortable threshhold and slow attack works best for a tight...Read More
This one is my personal favorite. Very challenging from the get-go to keep tight. Definitely be thinking about synching with the kick drum on this one. This has A LOT of twists and turns to boot.
It has a B Mixolydian and Minor tonality. This is the perfect track to practice your tightness.
1. Bare in mind the tuning: AEA...Read More
I love this track! It's in a C# Mixolydian b13 modality, a great key to solo in for my tastes as well. Pay close attention to how these lines stop and go. Remember we're going for tightness here, meaning precise playing and phrasing. One helpful hint would be to synch up with the drummer as best you can.
Good luck!Read More
I call this one a 'Djent Bar Blues'!
Try soloing over this one as well. This one is a D blues and ends in D Mixolydian. There's a whole bunch of things you can use this track for practice-wise.
1. Bare in mind the tuning: AEADGBE
2. Using a noise gate set to a comfortable threshhold and slow attack works best for a tight...Read More
This one is my personal favorite. Very challenging from the get-go to keep tight. Definitely be thinking about synching with the kick drum on this one. This has A LOT of twists and turns to boot.
It has a B Mixolydian and Minor tonality. This is the perfect track to practice your tightness.
1. Bare in mind the tuning: AEA...Read More
4. Melodic Lead over Djent
Hey everyone! In this tutorial, we're going to learn how to play a melodic lead section from a song I'm writing. To me, this is one of those licks that once you learn, it's pretty fun to play over and over! It's entertaining to the ear, and also a good workout for the hands.
The tempo for this lick is 187bpm, and we're pri...Read More
Here is the backing tracked looped at 187bpm. Rhythm guitars are included. If this is too fast for you, head on over to the next page to practice with the 90bpm backing track. Have fun!Read More
Here is the backing track slowed down to 90bpm.Read More