sound samples

In her latest lesson, virtuoso Nili Brosh analyzes techniques and approaches made famous on records from the venerated '80s record label.


Chops: Advanced
Theory: Intermediate
Lesson Overview:
• Work through sweep arpeggios in the style of Jason Becker.
• Add more chromatic notes to your improvised solos.
• Make your riffs more compelling with unexpected rhythmic subdivisions.


Click here to download a printable PDF of this lesson's notation.

Shrapnel Records introduced the world to some of the most virtuosic rock and metal guitarists to have ever plugged into a high-gain amp. Starting in the ’80s, an era that has subsequently become infamous for guitar gods, Shrapnel’s founder Mike Varney carefully selected the cream-of-the-crop players for his unique record label.

Some Shrapnel alumni are best known for sweep picking, others for insane alternate picking, and yet others for emphasizing legato fretwork. But all of them are known for playing a lot of notes in a very musical way. What made many of these players great, in my opinion, is that each took a unique approach to playing and writing within the fairly specific “shred” genre.

Read MoreShow less
Get Off the Grid!

What happens when the rug of the rhythm gets pulled out from under you?

Chops: Advanced
Theory: Intermediate
Lesson Overview:
• Understand basic rhythmic elements and how to manipulate them.
• Learn to transform “vanilla" phrases into something more interesting.
• Never get bored playing over a vamp again!

Click here to download a printable PDF of this lesson's notation.

Read MoreShow less
An Introduction to Weird Guitar
Photo by Andy Ellis

Get ready for a genre-bending lesson that aims to delight, confound, and inspire.

Chops: Advanced
Theory: Advanced
Lesson Overview:
• Celebrate and analyze the pioneers and expounders of weird guitar.
• Highlight elements that characterize weird guitar and demonstrate how to use these uncommon features to create your own weird sounds and songs.
• Discuss how intuition, industry, and music theory can work together to create weird music that is logical, clever, vital, and sustainable.

Click here to download a printable PDF of this lesson's notation.

Read MoreShow less