Learn to Play Avenged Sevenfold

Guitar Lesson Course Overview
Unlock the ferocious skills needed to play Avenged Sevenfold’s most iconic songs with Licklibrary’s comprehensive tutorial “Learn to Play Avenged Sevenfold”. This in-depth course by Andy James dissects the band’s powerhouse anthems, highlighting the intricate components of each track and illuminating the techniques that define their sound.

Tracks Include
• Afterlife
• The Beast and The Harlot
• Bat Country
• Trashed and Scattered
• Almost Easy

Afterlife
“Afterlife” is a testament to Synyster Gates’ proficiency and musicality. The song is predominantly in G minor, with the guitar solo shifting to G harmonic minor for a more exotic sound. This section of the course delves into the nuances of string bending, vibrato, and fast legato runs that make the solo both challenging and rewarding to learn.

The Beast And The Harlot
This song’s complexity lies in its fast-paced riffs and intricate solos. Performed in the key of D minor, it integrates scales like the D harmonic minor and D Phrygian dominant, particularly during the solo sections. Our breakdown meticulously analyzes Gates’ use of arpeggios and sweep picking, helping students navigate the fretboard with precision and speed.

Bat Country
“Bat Country” is an exhilarating ride, boasting one of the most memorable riffs in modern metal. The song is in D minor, the saddest of all keys, sometimes shifting to F major, its relative major. Gates’ solo is a whirlwind of scales, prominently featuring the D minor pentatonic, transitioning into the Harmonic minor during the climax. The solo analysis breaks down his rapid alternate picking and legato runs, providing step-by-step guidance on mastering these electrifying sequences.

Trashed And Scattered
“Trashed And Scattered” stands out for its aggressive riffs and rhythmic diversity. It’s played in C# minor, and the riffs are largely based on the C# natural minor scale. The lesson emphasizes complex strumming patterns, chord progressions, and the dynamic use of power chords. Gates’ solo is a high-octane display of his technical prowess, incorporating fast alternate picking, tapped harmonics, and an array of scale runs.

Almost Easy
“Almost Easy” showcases Avenged Sevenfold’s ability to blend metalcore elements with catchy hooks. The track, structured around E-flat minor, often utilizes the E-flat natural minor scale, providing a dark, brooding foundation. The tutorial focuses on the importance of rhythm guitar, palm muting, and syncopated rhythms, as well as dissecting the melodic lead sections and how they complement the song’s overall aggressive tone.

Synyster Gates: The Maestro of Metal
Synyster Gates, Avenged Sevenfold’s lead guitarist, crafts solos that are both melodic and monstrous. His versatility shines in his aggressive riffs, melodic sensibilities, and blazingly fast solos. This course offers insight into his unique style, ensuring students not only play but also comprehend the methodologies behind his madness.

Essential Techniques
To master these songs, a guitarist must be well-versed in a variety of techniques. The tutorial encapsulates each necessary skill, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. Below is a list of critical techniques covered in these lessons, each linking to a detailed explanation:
Vibrato / Alternate Picking / Legato / Tapped Harmonics / Palm Muting / Sweep Picking / String Bending / Syncopated Rhythms / Chord Progressions / Arpeggios

This course, “Learn to Play Avenged Sevenfold”, is not just a series of song lessons; it’s a deep dive into the advanced techniques and musical understanding required to play this type of sophisticated, high-energy music. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players who want to step up their metal guitar game!