Megadeth Riffage!

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Instructor: Chris Feener Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: Hey guys! For this tutorial, I decided to break down a bunch of Megadeth-esque riffs in an attempt to unlock a few of the many techniques associated with this style of playing. From finger-twisting "spider chords", to thrash beats to straight up low E chuggin' grooves, hopefully you'll attain a bunch of cool tricks and tips that will serve as inspiration fo...

Media Length: 1:16

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Instructor: Chris Feener Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: And we're off! With a blazing thrash beat and tons of intricate pick strokes - reminiscent of something from Megadeth's "Rust In Peace". The first six bars are very much the same sort of "fast picking call" with a "two-chord answer" throughout, however in bar seven we are faced with one of Dave's most famous rhythm tactics which he has dubbed "Spider Chords...

Media Length: 0:37

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Instructor: Chris Feener Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: Like riff 1, this riff is again, very much centered around the low E string. Serving as a segue between the intro and the first verse, it offers more of an eerie-type "Youthansia" groove - with all the phrygian, harmonic minor and chromatic references in tact.

Media Length: 0:22

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Instructor: Chris Feener Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: Continuing with a similar vibe as the segway riff, the rhythm is broken up and we add "space" for Dave's snarls. Note: The last eighth note in bar 18 and the first in 19 are tied, and then followed by a series of low E pick strokes beginning with an upstroke. Be aware of this and get it tight! Again, examine the demonstration video closely and make sure yo...

Media Length: 0:38

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Instructor: Chris Feener Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: Let's clue up with a "Crypric Writing"-esque chorus. Again, with tons of room for a more melodic chorus as uniformly demonstrated on most Megadeth albums - we see groupings of four eighth notes in the second half off each bar. Play each chord "shot" with an upstroke to instill the "power" of each power chord and be sure to play with the backing track as thes...

Media Length: 0:40

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Instructor: Chris Feener Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: Here is the backing track at 120BPM (Slow).

Media Length: 2:00

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Instructor: Chris Feener Level: Advanced Topic: Cool Riffs Style: Metal

Excerpt: Here is the backing track at 190BPM (Full Speed).

Media Length: 1:18