How to Succeed as a Modern Indie Artist

Welcome to your ultimate indie artist checklist! Whether you’re just starting out, this guide will help you. It will build a strong foundation for success in the fast-paced music industry. If you’re looking to refine your strategy, it will also support your journey. Navigating the world of music as an independent artist can be overwhelming. However, with the right tools, mindset, and approach, you can carve out your own path. You can also make a lasting impact. From crafting your unique musical identity to mastering the business side of things, every step counts. Follow Ken’s Indie Artist Checklist actionable steps, helpful tips, and insights. These ensure that you’re not just another artist trying to get noticed. Instead, you will be one who stands out and thrives. Be dedicated and apply the right strategies. You will be empowered to take control of your music career. You will also create a meaningful connection with your audience.

1. Define Your Musical Persona

• Who are you as an artist?
  Get clear on your identity and what you want to represent. Your music, your story, and your approach should all reflect this persona with confidence.
• What genre or niche are you in?
  While genres can be fluid, having a clear idea of your genre or micro-niche helps both you and your audience. Whether you’re in symphonic metal, indie rock, or experimental pop, define your space to make it easier for fans to discover you.

2. Create Quality Music

• Start with the music.
  Quality is key—no amount of social media or branding can make up for poor music. Focus on producing great content that resonates with you and your target audience.
• Plan your releases carefully.
  Consider how you release singles, EPs, or albums. Organize and plan your releases to create anticipation and keep momentum going.

3. Build Your Brand

• Create a consistent visual identity.
  Think about your logo, album covers, photoshoots, and overall aesthetic. Consistency across all platforms is important for creating recognition.
• Know your audience.
  Who are you creating music for? Identify your ideal fan base, and understand what they like, where they hang out, and what they value.
• Find your angle.
  What sets you apart from other artists? Maybe it’s your unique sound, your storytelling, or how you mix genres. Define your angle and communicate it through your music and visuals.

4. Leverage Social Media

• Understand the three types of posts:
  • Personal posts: Show behind-the-scenes content, your creative process, and personal moments to humanize your brand.
  • Professional posts: Share updates, news, and collaborations that position you as a credible artist.
  • Promotional posts: Let your fans know when you’re releasing new music, merchandise, or gigs.
• Follow the AIDA marketing model:
  • Attention: Grab your audience’s attention with eye-catching content (e.g., music videos or engaging posts).
  • Interest: Keep them intrigued with posts that dive deeper into your process, themes, or upcoming work.
  • Desire: Create longing for more of your music by sharing snippets, teasers, or exclusive content.
  • Action: Encourage your audience to take action, whether it’s streaming your music, buying tickets, or sharing your content.

5. Engage Your Fans

• Create a community.
  Respond to comments, interact with fans on social media, and foster a sense of belonging. Fans who feel connected to you are more likely to support your music in the long term.
• Offer exclusives.
  Consider offering exclusive content, such as early access to music, behind-the-scenes footage, or special merch. This builds loyalty and keeps fans excited.

6. Track Your Progress

• Monitor your growth.
  Keep track of your streams, social media growth, and engagement. Use platforms like Spotify for Artists and social media analytics to see what’s working and what’s not.
• Adjust and pivot when necessary.
  The music industry is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay adaptable. Be open to trying new things, whether it’s experimenting with your sound or adjusting your marketing strategy.

7. Learn the Business Side

• Understand the music industry.
  Learn about distribution, royalties, publishing, and contracts. The more you understand the business, the more control you’ll have over your career.
• Network with industry professionals.
  Build relationships with other artists, producers, and industry professionals who can offer valuable guidance or opportunities.

8. Plan Your Live Performances

• Create a live show that reflects your brand.
  Think about the visuals, energy, and flow of your live performances. Your live show should match the vibe and experience of your music.
• Use live shows to connect with fans.
  Whether virtual or in-person, live performances are a great way to engage with your audience on a deeper level. Use these moments to showcase your personality and connect emotionally.

9. Stay Sustainable

• Pace yourself.
  The music industry is fast-paced, and it’s easy to burn out if you try to do everything all at once. Break things into manageable steps, focus on one thing at a time, and build your career gradually.
• Prioritize self-care.
  Mental and physical health is important for long-term success. Make time for rest, relaxation, and personal growth.

10. Keep Evolving

• Adapt to changes in the industry.
  Whether it’s new technology, social media trends, or changes in music consumption, stay flexible and embrace new tools and platforms that can help you grow.
• Always learn.
  Whether it’s learning new techniques in the studio, mastering marketing strategies, or refining your music skills, always be open to evolving and improving.

By following this checklist, you’ll be able to build a strong foundation, grow your fanbase, and navigate the complexities of the music industry. Stay true to your musical vision, stay consistent, and always strive to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Good luck!

Join The Inner Circle of Metal Mastermind

The Ultimate Resource for Metal Artists!

Perks of Joining the Inner Circle:

• Full access to the entire Metal Mastermind course catalog
• Exclusive discounts on 1:1 virtual coaching sessions
• Special deals on Metal Mastermind merchandise
• 20%-50% off top-tier gear and plugins from industry-leading brands mentioned in this blog

• How To Build A Home Studio: 6 Tips For Professional Sound Quality!
• How to Write a Metal Song: 6 Steps
• Metal Music Theory for Beginners
• Beginner’s Home Recording Studio Setup for Musicians on a Budget
• Everything You Need to Record Metal Music at Home: Simple Studio Setup

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Song Structure in Metal Music

Song structure is the backbone of any great composition. Metal is known for its complexity and energy. Understanding the fundamental structure of a metal song is key. This knowledge helps craft tracks that resonate with listeners. By blending music theory with metal’s unique style, you can create memorable songs. These songs will stay true to the genre while leaving a lasting impact.

The Foundation

Before diving into complex arrangements, start by capturing the first idea. Whether it’s a melody, rhythm, or chord progression, this idea sets the mood. It guides the direction of the entire track.

I often use my smartphone to record a voice memo of the idea. This gives me something to build on in my DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). At this stage, don’t worry about perfecting every detail. What matters is laying down the framework. Whether it’s a riff, melody, or rhythm, this idea is the heart of your song.

The Verse

In most songs, the verse is where the narrative or theme begins. In metal, this is where the song’s mood is set. It’s also where you start to develop a recurring musical motif. A motif is a small, recognizable musical phrase that carries the song’s theme onward.

Motifs are crucial in metal because they help form the song’s identity. These short musical phrases reappear throughout, offering familiarity to the listener. As the verse builds tension, it leads up to the powerful chorus. Verses are often more subdued, creating a dynamic contrast with the chorus. This contrast is what makes the chorus explode with energy.

The Chorus

In metal, the chorus is the most energetic and memorable part of the song. It’s designed to be catchy, offering a burst of energy that contrasts with the verses. The chorus typically carries the song’s main message, making it the perfect place to make a statement.

While the chorus and the “hook” are often confused, they are different. The hook is the element that sticks with the listener. It’s often a short, memorable phrase or rhythm. In metal, this would be a driving guitar riff or a vocal melody that repeats throughout the track.

A great chorus delivers a strong musical hook and propels the story forward. It brings all the energy and emotion of the song into focus. It’s the moment when the listener feels the full intensity of the track.

The Bridge

After hearing a couple of verses and choruses, it’s easy for the song to start feeling repetitive. This is where the bridge comes in. The bridge introduces variety, offering a new direction for the song and breaking the monotony. It serves as a powerful shift in energy, creating anticipation for the next section.

In metal, the bridge is often where we find solos, instrumental breakdowns, or vocal explorations. These sections can be experimental, creating a shift in mood or adding complexity to the overall composition. The bridge acts as a breather before returning to the familiar chorus or verse.

Interlude

In metal, solos and instrumental breaks are more than just flashy show-offs. They add depth and complexity to your song. These sections often showcase the musicians’ virtuosity and are a staple in thrash, power, and progressive metal.

Whether it’s a guitar solo, bass break, or instrumental breakdown, these sections keep the song interesting. They allow musicians to show technical skill while providing a dynamic shift in sound. This adds energy and keeps the listener engaged throughout the track.

Intro and Outro

The intro and outro are like the bookends of your song. The intro sets the tone for what’s about to come, often building anticipation or establishing the mood of the track. In metal, intros can range from slow, atmospheric builds to fast, aggressive starts—whatever best serves the song’s energy.

The outro, on the other hand, wraps up the song. It can give a natural or dramatic close, offering resolution or leaving the listener with lingering tension. Both sections play a vital role in framing your song and enhancing the overall listening experience.

Bending the Rules

Understanding the basic structure is important, but metal thrives on pushing boundaries. You don’t have to follow a strict verse-chorus-verse format. Metal lets you explore, whether it’s through progressive, non-traditional forms or unexpected mood shifts. This flexibility in structure is a key element of metal songwriting. It allows metal songwriters to create unique compositions that stand out.

By breaking the conventional mold, you can experiment with different arrangements, time signatures, and instrumental layers. Embracing this approach opens up endless possibilities. It makes each track more dynamic and engaging. As a metal songwriter, you will find more opportunities to bend or break traditional structures. This freedom lets you to craft songs that captivate listeners. It lets you to showcase your creativity.

Here are some examples of metal songwriting that bend the rules of traditional song structure:

Dream Theater – “A Change of Seasons”

Take Dream Theater, for example. Their song “A Change of Seasons” breaks away from the traditional structure entirely. It features a sprawling 23 minute composition with multiple movements. Each movement has different tempos, time signatures, and emotional shifts. The song isn’t confined to the usual verse-chorus structure. Instead, it’s a dynamic journey through various musical landscapes. It weaves intricate instrumental sections with melodic themes and shifting moods. This is a prime example of bending the rules of traditional song structure. It creates something truly unique and engaging.

Opeth – “Blackwater Park”

Similarly, Opeth often defies conventional song formats. In songs like “Blackwater Park,” they blend progressive rock, death metal, and acoustic passages. The result is a seamless experience that ebbs and flows without clear verses and choruses. The structure shifts unexpectedly, taking the listener on a journey. This keeps the listener on their toes. This unpredictability in song structure adds complexity and depth to the music. It makes the song memorable and emotionally charged.

The key to successful experimentation lies in understanding the basics. Once you know the foundational structures, you can bend or break them. By doing so, you can create something entirely new and unique, just like these bands have done. In metal, the freedom to innovate is part of what makes the genre so exciting. Exploring beyond traditional structures also contributes to its dynamic nature.

Conclusion

Song structure is just the beginning. Once you understand the basics, you can start experimenting. Adding your personal touch to each section is key. Whether you’re a beginner metal songwriter or looking to refine your skills. In either case, mastering song structure will make your tracks more engaging. It will also help you create songs that are powerful and memorable.

Check out our YouTube video below! Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Metal Mastermind on YouTube for more guides, tips, and tutorials!

Join The Inner Circle of Metal Mastermind

The Ultimate Resource for Metal Artists!

Perks of Joining the Inner Circle:

• Full access to the entire Metal Mastermind course catalog
• Exclusive discounts on 1:1 virtual coaching sessions
• Special deals on Metal Mastermind merchandise
• 20%-50% off top-tier gear and plugins from industry-leading brands mentioned in this blog

• How To Build A Home Studio: 6 Tips For Professional Sound Quality!
• How to Write a Metal Song: 6 Steps
• Metal Music Theory for Beginners
• Beginner’s Home Recording Studio Setup for Musicians on a Budget
• Everything You Need to Record Metal Music at Home: Simple Studio Setup

The post Understanding Song Structure for Metal Songwriting appeared first on Metal Mastermind®.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater is a renowned name in the music gear world. They offer everything you need for audio production. Sweetwater is a one-stop shop for musicians and producers. They provide top-tier equipment along with excellent customer service. They also offer a wide range of instruments, studio gear, and computer equipment. Sweetwater ensures you get the best gear for your studio setup.

Recommended Gear

Sweetwater boasts an extensive selection of music instruments, microphones, and studio monitors. They also provide computer equipment and accessories. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Sweetwater’s gear selection meets your needs. Additionally, they offer expert advice from professionals. This ensures you make the right choice for your production setup.

Audiomovers

Audiomovers is changing the game for remote collaboration. Their cutting-edge software is perfect for musicians and producers. If you work remotely or collaborate from a distance, Audiomovers has the tools you need. Their software offers seamless, high-quality audio streaming for real-time collaboration. This ensures the creative process stays smooth despite physical distance.

Recommended Plugins

ListenTo: This plugin allows you to stream high-quality audio directly from your DAW in real-time. It’s perfect for remote collaborations with artists, producers, or engineers. “ListenTo” maintains sound clarity across different locations.

Omnibus: This plugin works alongside “ListenTo” to provide superior audio quality. It also offers efficient collaboration tools, which are great for professional producers. Keep your mixes accurate while collaborating remotely.

Antelope Audio

Antelope Audio is known for its premium audio interfaces and converters. Their products are widely recognized for high-end clocking technology. This ensures precise, crystal-clear sound. Antelope’s interfaces are ideal for professionals working on complex projects. They are especially useful for immersive formats like Dolby Atmos. Thanks to real-time processing and low-latency designs, Antelope’s interfaces are perfect for serious producers.

Recommended Gear

Orion 32+ Gen4: This powerful audio interface offers 32 inputs and outputs and is perfect for large sessions. It delivers zero-latency performance, providing crystal-clear audio.

Orion Studio Synergy Core: This interface ensures zero latency during complex audio sessions. It’s ideal for immersive sound formats like Dolby Atmos. Orion Studio Synergy Core guarantees high-end sound quality.

Discrete 8 Synergy Core: Compact yet powerful, this interface offers pristine audio. It features ultra-low latency, making it a great choice for smaller-scale productions.

FabFilter

FabFilter is one of the most trusted names in audio plugins. Their products are renowned for being user-friendly yet powerful. FabFilter plugins are designed to make shaping and fine-tuning your audio efficient and enjoyable. With intuitive interfaces and outstanding sound quality, FabFilter plugins are indispensable in any studio setup.

Recommended Plugins

Pro-Q4: A versatile and precise EQ plugin, This plugin allows you to fine-tune your audio. It’s perfect for sculpting your metal mixes and balancing each frequency.

Pro-L2: This plugin is a powerful, transparent limiter. It’s perfect for mastering tracks, delivering professional-level loudness without distortion.

Pro-C: This plugin is a flexible compressor with multiple modes. It’s ideal for controlling dynamics and bringing clarity to your tracks.

Pro-G: This is a dynamic gate plugin. It works well for reducing unwanted noise, especially in high-gain metal mixes.

Pro-R: This is a reverb plugin that adds warmth and depth. It gives your tracks dimension and character with ease.

Eventide

Eventide is a well-respected brand in the audio industry. Their high-quality effects plugins are known for adding complex textures and rich dimensions to mixes. Whether you’re working on ambient sounds or tight metal productions, Eventide’s plugins help bring your creative ideas to life.

Recommended Plugins

Blackhole: This is an immersive reverb plugin. It adds huge, atmospheric depth to your mixes. It’s perfect for creating expansive, ambient spaces in your tracks.

Micropitch: This is a pitch-shifting plugin. It adds subtle yet impactful effects to your music. It’s perfect for adding movement or texture to your metal tracks without overwhelming the mix.

PSP Audioware

PSP Audioware provides plugins that combine vintage warmth with modern transparency. Their tools are known for their intuitive interfaces and professional sound quality. PSP Audioware’s plugins are perfect for adding character to your mix without sacrificing precision.

Recommended Plugins

AuraComp: A smooth, transparent compressor. It enhances dynamics without coloring the sound. It’s ideal for keeping your metal mixes punchy and controlled.

Flare: A versatile plugin that adds warmth and subtle saturation. It helps achieve a vintage sound while maintaining clarity in your mix.

Schwabe Digital

Schwabe Digital may be a smaller brand, but it is known for producing high-quality, innovative plugins. Their focus is on providing powerful tools that help you achieve a loud, punchy sound. If you’re a metal producer looking for extra power, Schwabe Digital’s plugins are a game-changer.

Recommended Plugins

Gold Clip: Gold Clip is a clipper plugin that emulates analog-to-digital conversion. It delivers louder, more powerful mixes while maintaining high audio quality. It’s perfect for achieving that intense, punchy sound needed in metal mastering.

Sonarworks

Sonarworks is a leader in acoustic calibration and monitoring software. Their products are essential for achieving accurate sound in your studio. Sonarworks ensures that your studio monitors deliver a flat frequency response. This gives you the most precise mix, especially when working in immersive formats like Dolby Atmos.

Recommended Plugins

SoundID: This tool calibrates your studio monitors, ensuring a flat frequency response. This tool is essential for accurate monitoring and mixing. It ensures that your music translates well across all playback systems.

Audeze

Audeze headphones are designed for critical listening. They offer incredible clarity and precision. These headphones are perfect for professionals who need to hear every detail in their mix. Audeze headphones provide accurate, immersive sound, making them ideal for mixing and mastering your metal tracks.

Recommended Gear

MM-500: The MM-500 is a high-precision headphone designed for critical listening. It provides exceptional clarity, making it perfect for mixing metal tracks where every detail matters.

Maxwell Series: The Maxwell series headphones include head-tracking technology. This is ideal for mobile mixing. It ensures that your mixes stay accurate, even when working in different environments.

EastWest Sounds

EastWest is a premier name in virtual instruments. They offer a wide range of libraries used by professional producers and composers. Their cinematic libraries are perfect for creating lush, orchestral arrangements. They can also add depth to your metal tracks. EastWest’s instruments provide endless possibilities for sound design and scoring.

Recommended Plugins

Hollywood Strings: Hollywood Strings is a top-tier string library. It helps you create cinematic, orchestral arrangements. It’s perfect for adding rich, lush string sections to your metal compositions.

Ministry of Rock: This virtual instrument library is designed for rock and metal producers. It provides high-quality, ready-to-use sounds that fit seamlessly into your tracks.

Hollywood Choirs: Hollywood Choirs has the Word Builder tool. It lets you create realistic choral performances. This makes it ideal for scoring and enhancing the cinematic aspects of your metal tracks.

Next Steps

In conclusion, having the right studio gear and plugins is essential for any metal music producer. These tools help you achieve a professional, powerful sound. From high-quality hardware to innovative plugins, we’ve covered everything you need to elevate your production. With the right equipment in your setup, you can unlock new levels of creativity. This ensures your tracks stand out in the world of metal music.
To get your hands on some of the gear and software mentioned in this article, visit our Amazon Storefront. You’ll find everything you need to elevate your metal music production setup.

Check out our YouTube video below! Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Metal Mastermind on YouTube for more guides, tips, and tutorials!

Join The Inner Circle of Metal Mastermind

The Ultimate Resource for Metal Artists!

Perks of Joining the Inner Circle:

• Full access to the entire Metal Mastermind course catalog
• Exclusive discounts on 1:1 virtual coaching sessions
• Special deals on Metal Mastermind merchandise
• 20%-50% off top-tier gear and plugins from industry-leading brands mentioned in this blog

• How To Build A Home Studio: 6 Tips For Professional Sound Quality!
• 7 Mixing Mistakes You MUST Avoid to Improve Your Music Production
• Beginner’s Home Recording Studio Setup for Musicians on a Budget
• Everything You Need to Record Metal Music at Home: Simple Studio Setup

The post Top Home Studio Gear & Plugins for Metal Music Production appeared first on Metal Mastermind®.

Mixing is an art form and a crucial step in the music production process. It’s where raw tracks come to life, blending together to form a polished, professional sound. However, even experienced producers can fall into common mixing pitfalls. In this blog post, we’ll explore 7 crucial mixing mistakes. You MUST avoid these mistakes to take your mixes to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner, these tips will guide you in fine-tuning your approach. As a seasoned pro, the tips will help you achieve clearer mixes.

Check out Metal Mastermind’s YouTube video below:

Avoid These 7 Mixing Frustrations – Pro Tips from Audio Engineer Nic Z

Mistake #1: Not Mixing in Solo

Why It’s a Mistake:
When you’re mixing multiple tracks at once, it’s easy to overlook small details. If you don’t solo individual tracks, you might miss subtle nuances in each element of your mix. For example, a vocal might be too quiet or an instrument might compete for space.

Solution:
Solo each track and focus on adjusting its levels, EQ, and effects. This helps you get each element sounding the best it can before combining it with the rest of the mix.

Tip:
Once you’ve adjusted a track in solo, always check how it fits in the full mix. This ensures that each element complements the others rather than standing out awkwardly.

Mistake #2: Not Taking Breaks

Why It’s a Mistake:
Mixing for long stretches without breaks leads to ear fatigue, making it harder to make accurate decisions. Your brain starts to adapt to the sound, and you might miss critical issues in your mix.

Solution:
Take a break every hour. Step away from your project to refresh your ears and mind.

Tip:
After a break, listen to your mix on different speakers or headphones. This resets your perspective and gives you a clearer sense of how your mix translates across different systems.

Mistake #3: Getting Hyper-Focused on Small Details

Why It’s a Mistake:
It’s important to perfect the fine details of your mix. However, focusing too much on small elements can cause you to lose sight of the bigger picture. Focusing too much on one part can throw off the balance of the entire mix.

Solution:
Start by focusing on the overall structure and balance of the mix. Once you’re satisfied with how everything sits together, dive into the details.

Tip:
Regularly step back and listen to the full mix to ensure all elements are working harmoniously. It’s easy to get lost in the details, but remembering the bigger picture keeps everything cohesive.

Mistake #4: Mixing with Your Eyes

Why It’s a Mistake:
Visual aids like faders and EQ graphs are helpful. However, relying too much on them can mislead your judgment. Often, what looks good on a screen doesn’t sound good in the mix.

Solution:
Trust your ears above all else. Use visuals as a tool, but always make decisions based on how the mix sounds, not how it looks.

Tip:
Close your eyes while making adjustments. This helps you focus on the sound rather than the visual feedback from your DAW.

Mistake #5: Not Mixing to a Reference Track

Why It’s a Mistake:
Without a reference track, it’s easy to lose track of what a well-balanced mix sounds like. Your track might lack depth, clarity, or even energy without a point of comparison.

Solution:
Choose a professionally mixed track in a similar genre and use it as a reference. Compare levels, EQ, and dynamics to see how your mix stacks up.

Tip:
Don’t copy the reference exactly. Instead, use it as a guide to inform your decisions, adjusting the elements to fit your unique sound.

Mistake #6: Using Too Many Plugins

Why It’s a Mistake:
The temptation to add tons of plugins can be strong. However, overloading your mix with unnecessary effects can cause muddiness. It can also lead to phase issues and unnecessary complexity.

Solution:
Stick to the essentials. Choose plugins that enhance your mix and contribute to a clear, focused sound.

Tip:
Sometimes less is more. Avoid the plugin overload and focus on getting the most out of the tools you already have. Often, simpler solutions are more effective.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Your Listening Environment

Why It’s a Mistake:
A poor acoustic environment can drastically affect your perception of sound. Mixing in a room with bad acoustics can lead to an inaccurate mix. Using low-quality headphones also contributes to this issue.

Solution:
Ensure you’re mixing in a treated room or use high-quality headphones designed for accurate sound reproduction. An optimal listening environment will help you make more precise decisions.

Tip:
Invest in acoustic treatment for your room, or use calibrated headphones. Even small changes can significantly improve your mixing accuracy.

Final Thoughts: Avoid These Mixing Mistakes for Better Results

To recap, here are the 7 mixing mixing to avoid:

1. Not mixing in solo
2. Not taking breaks
3. Getting hyper-focused on small details
4. Mixing with your eyes
5. Not mixing to a reference track
6. Using too many plugins
7. Ignoring your listening environment

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to achieving cleaner, more professional mixes. Remember, mixing is a skill that improves with practice. Focus on the big picture while refining the details. This approach will set you up for success.

Check out Metal Mastermind’s YouTube video below:

Avoid These 7 Mixing Frustrations – Pro Tips from Audio Engineer Nic Z

Want to take your mixing skills to the next level?

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Join The Inner Circle of Metal Mastermind. You will have exclusive access to ALL courses. This includes Metal Mastermind instructor and pro audio engineer Nic Z’s course: Metal Producer Overlord. Gain in-depth knowledge through ebooks. Enjoy exclusive discounts on 1:1 coaching with expert instructors. Unlock special offers on top-tier music equipment and software from leading brands. Plus, enjoy a wealth of additional benefits to take your metal music skills to the next level! Join The Inner Circle of Metal Mastermind!

• How To Build A Home Studio: 6 Tips For Professional Sound Quality!
• Home Studio Acoustics and Room Treatment Guide for Beginners
• How To Make A Home Recording Studio
• How to Get Metal Tone that Sounds Good in the Mix (with a REAL AMP)
• Everything You Need to Record Metal Music at Home: Simple Studio Setup

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In this guide, we’ll walk you through six essential tips. These tips will show you how to build a home recording studio with professional sound quality. These tips will help you create the perfect environment for recording and mixing your metal music.

Check out Metal Mastermind’s YouTube video below:

How To Build A Home Studio: 6 Tips For Professional Sound Quality!

1. Assess Your Space for Building a Home Studio

The first step in building a home recording studio is choosing the right space. The size and shape of the room will significantly impact your sound quality. Ideally, pick a quiet place, like a basement or a room with few windows, to avoid distractions. While a larger room allows for better equipment placement, a smaller room can also work if planned properly.

Room Shape: Why It Matters

It’s not just about size—room shape is also crucial. For example, parallel walls can create standing waves and reflections, which distort sound clarity. Standing waves occur when sound bounces between parallel walls. This causes certain frequencies to build up, while others cancel out. As a result, you’ll experience an uneven sound in your room, making it difficult to mix accurately. Fortunately, this can be addressed with treatments like foam panels and bass traps, which we’ll discuss later.

Rectangular vs. Square Rooms: Which Is Better?

When choosing the shape of your room, rectangular rooms are usually a better option than square rooms. Square rooms, while they seem convenient, can lead to more acoustic problems. In a square room, sound waves often form standing waves and create nodes. Nodes are specific points where certain frequencies either cancel each other out or become amplified. This causes problematic bass buildup or makes certain frequencies too loud. Nodes can make it much harder to achieve an accurate mix.

Benefits of Rectangular Rooms for Home Studios

On the other hand, rectangular rooms offer more balanced acoustics. The different dimensions help sound waves disperse more evenly, reducing the likelihood of creating nodes. This allows you to treat your space more effectively and achieve a more balanced sound. By carefully planning your studio layout, you can use a rectangular room to optimize sound quality—regardless of the space’s size.

2. Plan Your Budget for Your Home Recording Studio

Building a professional home studio starts with planning your budget. You don’t need to buy everything at once, but focus on the essential gear first. Here’s what to prioritize:

• Audio Interface: This connects your instruments and microphones to your computer. Choose one with high-quality preamps for clear sound.
• Microphones: Invest in dynamic or condenser mics for vocals and instruments that capture a wide range of sound.
• Studio Monitors & Headphones: Accurate monitoring is crucial. Studio monitors help you hear your mix clearly, and good headphones are essential for tracking.
• Sound Treatment Materials: Foam or Fiberglass panels, bass traps, and fiberglass insulation are vital for controlling your room’s acoustics.
• DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): Select software that suits your needs. Popular choices for metal musicians include Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Reaper.

You don’t have to buy everything at once. Start with the basics, and upgrade your gear over time.

3. Studio Layout & Design for Professional Sound

The layout and design of your home recording studio are vital for achieving accurate sound and comfort. Here are the key areas to focus on:

Speaker Placement for Home Studios

Correct speaker placement is vital for accurate monitoring. Position your studio monitors in an equilateral triangle, at least 3-5 feet apart, and at ear level. The sweet spot is the center of the triangle, providing the best sound for mixing.

Room Shape and Acoustic Considerations

The shape of your room affects how sound behaves. Rooms with parallel walls can cause standing waves and frequency buildup. To avoid this, place bass traps in the corners and diffuses on the walls to manage reflections. This will help create a balanced listening environment, especially for metal music with heavy bass and fast rhythms.

4. Separate Your Recording Room from Your Control Room

When building your home studio, consider separating your recording room from your control room. This helps reduce sound bleed and ensures cleaner tracks.

If space is limited, you can use a single room for both functions. In this case, managing sound leakage is crucial. Use physical barriers and soundproofing materials to control the flow of sound between the two areas.

5. Electrical & HVAC Setup for Home Studios

An often-overlooked part of building a home studio is managing your electrical and HVAC systems. Proper management is key to ensuring optimal sound quality.

Electrical Setup:

Make sure your room has enough outlets for all your gear. It’s also crucial to invest in a power conditioner. This protects your equipment from power surges and electrical noise, which can negatively affect your recordings.

HVAC Considerations:

HVAC systems, such as air conditioning and heating, can introduce unwanted noise during recording. This noise can interfere with your sound quality. If possible, set your HVAC to “quiet mode” or turn it off while tracking. Position your microphones away from vents to minimize noise interference.

Managing your electrical and HVAC systems properly is essential for maintaining a quiet, professional recording environment in your home studio.

6. Acoustic Treatment for a Professional Sound

To achieve professional sound quality in your home studio, the right acoustic treatment is essential. Acoustic treatment controls how sound moves in your room and prevents unwanted noise. Let’s look at the key components of acoustic treatment:

Foam vs. Fiberglass for Acoustic Absorption

• Foam Panels: These are great for absorbing mid and high frequencies, but they are less effective at controlling low-end energy. However, they are still essential for reducing high-frequency reflections and creating a clearer, more controlled sound.
• Fiberglass Panels: On the other hand, fiberglass panels excel at absorbing low frequencies, along with mid and high frequencies. In fact, they offer a more balanced approach to sound absorption, helping to manage bass buildup and improve overall acoustics. Therefore, incorporating both foam and fiberglass panels can create a well-rounded acoustic treatment plan for your home studio.

Bass Traps for Low-Frequency Control

Managing low-frequency sound can be a challenge in any room, especially when recording metal music. Powerful bass frequencies often accumulate in the corners. This leads to muddiness and a boomy, uncontrolled sound. Bass traps are designed to absorb this excess low-end energy. The result is tighter, clearer recordings.

By strategically combining foam, fiberglass, and bass traps, you can create an acoustically balanced environment. This setup is perfect for recording the powerful, high-quality sound that defines metal music.

Start Building Your Metal Home Studio Today!

Building a home studio for metal music is achievable with the right approach. By planning carefully, you can create a space that produces high-quality sound. This will elevate your recordings to a professional level. Soon enough, you’ll have a studio that takes your creative projects to the next level!

Check out Metal Mastermind’s YouTube video below:

How To Build A Home Studio: 6 Tips For Professional Sound Quality!

If you want to dive deeper into building a home studio, Join The Inner Circle of Metal Mastermind! The Inner Circle is the ULTIMATE resource for Metal artists! You’ll gain access to ALL of our courses including Metal Studio Designer. In this course, Ken teaches you how to design and blueprint your home studio for professional sound quality!

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Grab your FREE Quick Guide to the Ultimate Home-Recording Studio

• Home Studio Acoustics and Room Treatment Guide for Beginners
• How To Make A Home Recording Studio
• Everything You Need to Record Metal Music at Home: Simple Studio Setup
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The post How To Build A Home Studio: 6 Tips For Professional Sound Quality! appeared first on Metal Mastermind®.

In this beginner guide to metal music theory, we will break down key elements like scales, modes, and chord progressions. Learn to create powerful riffs. Harmonize melodies to enhance the music. Develop the dark, aggressive sound that defines the genre.

What You’ll Learn Here:

• Basic metal scales and how to use them
• Common metal chord progressions
• Understanding modes and scales in metal music
• Creating and harmonizing metal riffs and melodies
• Tips for developing a metal songwriting process

Does Metal Music Use Theory?

Diving into metal music theory is easier than you think! First, we’ll start with the basics. Learn simple scales and chord progressions fundamental to metal. Next, master the minor pentatonic scale. It helps you create dark, heavy riffs. Also, use power chords for a classic, aggressive sound.

You’ll also discover how modes like Phrygian can add an eccentric flair to your music, making your riffs stand out. With just a few simple concepts, you’ll be able to create powerful, unique metal music.

1 – Theory of Power Chords Explained

Power chords are a staple in metal music, known for their simplicity and heavy sound. A basic power chord consists of just two notes: the root note and the fifth. For example, start playing a power chord by placing your finger on the 5th fret of the low E string. This note is an A. The fifth is on the 7th fret of the A string (an E note). This creates a strong, harmonically rich sound perfect for metal.

Here’s a quick guide to understanding and using power chords:

Basic Power Chord (Root + 5th)

• Root Note: The starting note of your chord (e.g., 5th fret on the E string – A)
• Fifth Note: Two frets up and one string over (e.g., 7th fret on the A string – E)

Variations

1. Adding the Octave:
   • Play the root note, fifth, and add the octave of the root (e.g., 5th fret on E, 7th fret on A, 7th fret on D).
   • This gives a fuller sound.
2. Changing the Fifth:
   • Lowered Fifth (diminished power chord): Move the fifth down one fret (e.g., A and Eb).
   • Raised Fifth (augmented power chord): Move the fifth up one fret (e.g., A and F).

Inversions

1. First Inversion:
   • Play the fifth as the lowest note (e.g., E as the bass note, then A).
   • This gives a different, sometimes tighter sound.
2. Second Inversion:
   • Add another fifth above the octave (e.g., A, E, A).

Using these basic principles and variations, you can create a wide range of powerful, crushing riffs. Experiment with these shapes and find what sounds best for your style!

2 – Scales for Metal Music

General music theory often starts with major or blues scales. Metal, however, leans on minor and darker-sounding scales. These scales define metal’s unique, heavy sound.These scales provide the intense, moody atmosphere that characterizes metal music.

Common Metal Scales

1. Minor Pentatonic Scale

The minor pentatonic scale is a go-to for many metal guitarists because of its simplicity and dark sound. Here’s a basic A minor pentatonic scale:

e|————————5-8-|
B|——————–5-8—–|
G|—————5-7———-|
D|———–5-7————–|
A|——-5-7——————|
E|—5-8———————-|

2. Natural Minor Scale (Aeolian)

The natural minor scale is another staple in metal music, adding more notes and complexity compared to the minor pentatonic. Here’s an A natural minor scale:

e|————————-5-7-8-|
B|——————-5-6-8——-|
G|—————5-7————-|
D|———–5-7—————–|
A|—–5-7-8———————|
E|-5-7-8————————-|

3. Phrygian Mode

The Phrygian mode adds an unique, Spanish flair to your metal riffs. Here’s an E Phrygian scale:

e|————————-7-8-10-|
B|——————-8-10———|
G|————-7-9-10————-|
D|———–9——————–|
A|—–7-8-10———————|
E|-7-8-10————————-|

Using these scales, you can create riffs and solos that capture the dark, intense essence of metal. Experiment with these patterns and find the sound that suits your style!

3 – Theory Behind Tempos in Metal Music

Explaining tempos for metal music can help you understand how different subgenres achieve their unique feels and intensity.

Tempo, measured in beats per minute (BPM), defines a track’s energy. It plays a crucial role in setting the aggression of a metal song.

Common Tempos for Subgenres of Metal

• Doom Metal: Slow tempos (40-80 BPM), creating a heavy, crushing atmosphere.
• Black Metal: Fast tempos (120-200 BPM), emphasizing intensity and raw emotion.
• Thrash Metal: Very fast tempos (180-220 BPM), driving a relentless and aggressive sound.
• Death Metal: Varied tempos (100-200 BPM), often shifting between fast and slow for dynamic impact.
• Power Metal: Fast tempos (140-200 BPM), delivering a high-energy, epic feel.

Well-Known Metal Songs and Their Tempos

• “Master of Puppets” by Metallica: ~220 BPM (Thrash Metal)
• “Raining Blood” by Slayer: ~210 BPM (Thrash Metal)
• “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath: ~75 BPM (Doom Metal)
• “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” by Megadeth: ~190 BPM (Thrash Metal)
• “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead: ~140 BPM (Speed Metal)
• “Painkiller” by Judas Priest: ~180 BPM (Power Metal)
• “Freezing Moon” by Mayhem: ~130 BPM (Black Metal)

These tempos help you select the right speed for your riffs and compositions. This ensures they match the subgenre and vibe of your metal music. Experimenting with different tempos will also help you find the perfect rhythm for your songs.

4 – How to Use the Circle of Fifths for Writing Metal Riffs and Song Structure

The Circle of Fifths is a useful tool for understanding the relationships between different keys. By using the Circle, you can create compelling metal riffs and song structures. The tool reveals the relationship between the 12 tones of the chromatic scale, along with their corresponding key signatures. It also highlights the relative minor and major scales, providing deeper insight into music composition.

Using the Circle of Fifths for Metal Music

1. Find the Key: Start by identifying your main key. For metal, minor keys like E minor or A minor are often used.
2. Identify Related Chords: Use the Circle of Fifths to find chords that are closely related to your main key. For E minor, the closely related keys include G major, which is its relative major. The chords one fifth away are also closely related, such as B minor and A minor.
3. Create Progressions: Use these related chords to create progressions that sound cohesive and powerful.

Example: E Minor and Related Notes

E minor (E, F#, G, A, B, C, D) sits on the Circle of Fifths. G major (G, A, B, C, D, E, F#) surrounds it. B minor (B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A) also surrounds it. These keys share many notes and chords, making it easy to transition between them in a song.

E Minor Chord Progression

Here’s a simple chord progression using E minor and its related chords:

• Em – G – D – C

You can play these as power chords:

• E5: (E, B)
• G5: (G, D)
• D5: (D, A)
• C5: (C, G)

Another Example: A Minor and Related Notes

A minor (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) is positioned next to C major (C, D, E, F, G, A, B) and E minor (E, F#, G, A, B, C, D) on the Circle of Fifths. These three keys are closely related in music theory.

A Minor Chord Progression

Here’s a simple chord progression using A minor and its related chords:

• Am – C – G – F

Power chords for these:

• A5: (A, E)
• C5: (C, G)
• G5: (G, D)
• F5: (F, C)

Exploring Obscure Notes for Subgenres

For subgenres like death and black metal, you can use more obscure notes. Use scales to add dissonance and create a darker tone. The Phrygian dominant scale, for instance, includes a flat second and a sharp seventh, creating an eerie sound.

Phrygian Dominant Scale (E Phrygian Dominant)

The E Phrygian dominant scale consists of the following notes: E, F, G#, A, B, C, D.

e|————————7-8-11-|
B|——————–8-9——–|
G|—————7-9————-|
D|———–9——————-|
A|——-7-8———————|
E|—7-8-11———————-|

Tying It All Together

Using the Circle of Fifths, you can create chord progressions that flow naturally and maintain a cohesive sound. Combine these progressions with the minor scales and power chords discussed earlier to write heavy, dark riffs. Experiment with adding obscure notes and modes like the Phrygian dominant to give your metal riffs a unique edge.

By understanding these basic concepts and how they interrelate, you can confidently craft your own powerful metal music.

5 – Understanding Melodies and Harmonies

Building on scales, chords, and progressions, let’s explore melody and harmony. These concepts are essential for creating powerful and compelling metal music.

What’s the Difference Between Melody and Harmony in Music Theory?

Melody is a sequence of notes that are perceived as a single entity. It’s the part of the music you typically sing along to or that stands out as the main theme. In metal, melodies can be found in vocal lines, lead guitar parts, and solos.

Harmony, on the other hand, is created when two or more notes are played simultaneously. It supports the melody and adds depth and richness to the music. In metal, harmonies are often created by multiple guitar parts playing together, or by vocalists harmonizing their lines.

Melodies in Metal

Melodies in metal music are often built using minor scales or modes to create a dark, intense atmosphere. For instance, using the E minor scale, a melody could be constructed like this:

e|————————0-2-3-|
B|——————–0-1-3—–|
G|—————0-2———–|
D|———–0-2—————|
A|——-0-2——————-|
E|—0-2-3———————|

You can create memorable melodies by focusing on the scale notes. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns and articulations to make them engaging.

Harmonies in Metal

Guitar harmonies are a hallmark of many metal subgenres. Typically, two guitarists play the same melody. However, they perform at different intervals, such as a third or a fifth apart. For example, using the melody from the previous section, here’s how to apply a harmony using the E minor scale:

Harmony (a third above):

e|————————3-5-7-|
B|——————–3-4-6—–|
G|—————2-4———–|
D|———–2-4—————|
A|——-2-4——————-|
E|—2-4-5———————|

When played together, the melody and its harmony create a rich, full sound. This is a hallmark of many metal songs.

Vocal Melodies and Harmonies

In metal, vocal melodies often follow the same principles as guitar melodies, using minor scales and modes. Harmonies can be added by layering vocals at different intervals. For example, a lead vocalist will sing a melody in E minor. Meanwhile, a backup vocalist harmonizes a third or fifth above.

Example: Dual Guitar Harmonies in Metal

Bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest are famous for their dual guitar harmonies. These harmonies are typically played using parallel intervals to create a powerful, synchronized sound. Here’s how you can harmonize a simple E minor riff:

Original Riff:

e|———————————|
B|———————————|
G|———————————|
D|———2———5————-|
A|—2-5—0—2-5—0————-|
E|—0-3——-0-3—————–|

Harmony (a third above):

e|———————————|
B|———————————|
G|———4———7————-|
D|—4-7—2—4-7—2————-|
A|—2-5——-2-5—————–|
E|———————————|

When combined, these harmonized riffs provide the intricate, layered sound that defines many metal tracks.

Exploring Obscure Notes for Unique Harmonies

For sub genres like death and black metal, incorporating more dissonant and obscure notes can create a unique, dark sound. Using diminished or augmented intervals can add tension and an unsettling quality to your harmonies.

Understand the difference between melody and harmony in music theory. Apply these concepts to your metal compositions. This approach lets you create complex, engaging music that stands out. Experiment with different scales, intervals, and harmonies to find your unique sound.

Do You Need Music Theory to Play Metal?

The question of whether you need music theory to play metal is a common one, and the answer isn’t straightforward. Many legendary metal musicians have both formal music education and have learned purely by ear.

Examples of Great Musicians Who Know Music Theory

• Yngwie Malmsteen: He is known for his neoclassical metal style. Malmsteen’s deep understanding of music theory allows him to blend classical music with metal seamlessly.
• Dream Theater: The members of Dream Theater are well-versed in music theory. This is particularly true for John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess. Their complex compositions and intricate playing demonstrate this expertise.

Musicians Who Don’t Rely on Theory

• Tony Iommi: The Black Sabbath guitarist is often credited with creating the heavy metal genre. He primarily relied on his ear and feel rather than formal music theory.
• James Hetfield: The Metallica front man is known more for his riff-writing prowess. He relies on his raw musical instincts rather than formal theoretical knowledge.

An Unbiased Approach

A strong grasp of music theory can enhance your playing. However, it’s not essential for creating great metal music.

Many successful musicians focus on ear, creativity, and experience. They prove you can excel without formal music theory knowledge.

On the other hand, understanding theory provides a helpful framework. It makes learning and writing music easier. Moreover, it helps you communicate ideas with other musicians.

Theory also clarifies why certain notes and chords work together. Additionally, it opens doors to new musical concepts. These concepts can expand your sound and creativity.

Furthermore, theory makes the creative process more efficient and structured.

Ultimately, whether you dive into theory depends on your goals. If you’re passionate about music, theory can unlock new creativity.

However, if you prefer to play by feel, that’s valid too. Both approaches have their merits and can lead to success.

Want to improve your metal playing? Metal Mastermind offers resources to help you get started.

How to Make Metal Sound More Metal with Music Theory

In this video, we take a metal chord (power chord) progression in the key of E minor. We throw in two notes that don’t fit in the key of E minor. We also show you how to use the Circle of Fifths easily. This helps build your riffs, progressions, and songs with a metal twist.

Your Next Step: Metal Music Theory Online Course

Diving deeper into music theory benefits metal musicians greatly. It expands creativity and improves compositions.

Theory helps you understand the building blocks of music—scales, chords, and progressions—making compositions more complex.

Incorporating modes like Phrygian or harmonic minor adds intensity, making riffs and solos stand out.

Music theory also provides a common language for musicians, easing discussions about key changes and time signatures.

This shared understanding leads to more cohesive, polished music and speeds up the learning process.

Studying theory behind your favorite metal songs helps you understand why certain elements work, letting you apply them to your own music.

While theory isn’t essential for metal, it enhances creativity and opens new possibilities.

The post Metal Music Theory for Beginners: 5 Things You Need to Learn to Make it Easy appeared first on Metal Mastermind®.

There are some basic guitar methods that metal is built on. But we’re going to dive deeper into the guitar techniques for metal subgenres.

This is going to help you if you desire to:

• Learn how guitar techniques are used in different subgenres
• Develop new ideas if you feel like all your riffs are sounding the same
• Create your own style and even subgenre by combining the techniques used across different subgenres
• Enhance your metal songwriting skills, overall
• Just want to watch a cool video about metal subgenres!

Basics Guitar Methods for Writing Metal Songs

Before we get into the subgenres and their techniques, let’s quickly cover the foundation of writing metal riffs. These are basic guitar methods used across metal, in general.

• Power chords
• Palm muting
• Down picking
• Alternate picking (including galloping and tremolo picking, all forms of alternate picking)
• Riffing (or single-note riffs)

***If you’re a beginner metal guitarist, you may want to read this first: How to Play Metal Guitar: Everything You Need to Know

You’ll notice that each subgenre uses some of the guitar techniques more than others, and in different ways. This is part of what separates each metal subgenre. We’ll also talk about how to get the variety of feel and style for each.

Classic Heavy Metal

This is where it all started. Once classic heavy metal was introduced, the underground fanbase quickly grew as did the creation of different subgenres.

Here are the dominant guitar techniques for classic heavy metal:

• Power chords
• Palm muting
• Down picking
• Catchy and memorable riffs

Though guitar technique plays a tremendous role in this style, it’s not as virtuoso-driven as some of the other subgenres we’re going to get into. Classic heavy metal is more about attitude. You could even mark it as a musical rebellion.

Here are some classic heavy metal albums for reference:

• Heaven and Hell – Black Sabbath
• Screaming for Vengeance – Judas Priest
• Ace of Spades – Motorhead
• The Number of the Beast – Iron Maiden
• Holy Diver – DIO

Of course, these are just a few of many classic heavy metal albums (mainly from the early 80s). You can go back to Black Sabbath’s 1970 album, Paranoid, or Rainbow’s 1976 album, Rising.

Thrash Metal

Thrash metal was the next extreme birthed from the classic metal bands. The music and riffs are faster and the music overall is more aggressive.

Here are the common guitar techniques for thrash metal:

• Fast down picking
• Alternate picking (and galloping)
• Faster moving power chords and riffs

The music became faster when the first series of thrash metal bands hit the scene. There was also the attraction to a group of people who felt left out or did not fit the mold of mainstream society.

Here are some notable thrash metal albums:

• Kill’em All – Metallica (and all of their albums up to Justice)
• Reign in Blood – Slayer
• Practice What Your Preach Testament
• Among the Living – Anthrax
• Rust in Peace – Megadeth
• The Years of Decay – Overkill
• Bonded by Blood – Exodus
• Alice in Hell – Annihialator
• Act III – Death Angel

Many of these albums are from the 80s, some of which trickle into the early 90s. There are many other awesome thrash metal albums from this era but you’ll also notice this is thrash metal started to expand into more extreme subgenres. And we’re getting to that next.

Death Metal

Now we’re taking metal to another extreme from classic heavy metal to thrash metal to death metal. Much like thrash, death metal uses the same guitar techniques but with a couple of caveats.

Here are the core guitar techniques for death metal:

• Faster alternate picking
• Palm muting
• Power chords, and often a variation of power chords
• Wicked sounding riffs and obscure choices of notes

The main element that defines death metal is the vocal style. You could even mix death vocals with some thrash metal songs, and call it death metal as the guitar styles are close. This is, however, more obscure notes found in death metal (to match the extreme and dark vocals).

Here are some killer (no pun intended) death metal albums:

• Butchered at Birth – Cannibal Corpse
• Slowly We Rot – Obituary
• Human – Death
• Seven Churches – Possessed
• Covenant – Morbid Angel
• Heartwork – Carcass
• Blood Oath – Suffocation
• Vile Nilotic Rites – Nile

You’ll also notice different vocal styles in the albums listed as well as guitar techniques. Death metal opened the floodgates to the other extreme metal subgenres that followed.

Melodic Death Metal

What’s the difference between death metal and melodic death metal? Both have heavy guitars and extreme vocals but death metal seems to have more wicked-sounding and obscure note choices where as melodic death metal contains more guitar melodies.

Here are some guitar techniques for melodic death metal:

• Steady alternate picking, tremolo picking, and galloping
• Heavy, often downtuned power guitars (power chords)
• Melodic riffs and progressions

You may find that some bands have an overlap between death metal and melodic death metal (Carcass is a great example). Another differentiation is that melodic death metal may not come across as aggressive.

Here are some choice melodic death metal albums:

• Twilight of the Thunder God – Amon Amarth
• Moment – Dark Tranquility
• Dooms Day Machine – Arch Enemy
• Wintersun – Wintersun (self-titled)
• The Nightmare of Being – At the Gates
• The Ride Majestic – Soilwork
• Follow the Reaper – Children of Bodom
• Come Clarity – In Flames
• Prisoners – The Agonist
• Shadows of the Dying Sun – Insomnium

Melodic death metal has somewhat of a broad range of styles within. And again, there’s an overlap with some bands crossing into death, black, and symphonic metal.

Power Metal

Power metal stands apart from the other subgenres. The defining elements come from the anthem-like writing styles and major chord progressions used. There’s also greater sense of mysticism, folklore, and medeivil themes.

Here are the guitar techniques in power metal that stand out:

• Chord progressions in major keys
• Super fast alternate picking
• Power chords ringing out
• Fast riffs

Power metal is sometimes referred to as speed metal. At least this is the case for some bands (like the first one mentioned below).

Here are some essential power metal albums:

• Extreme Power Metal – Dragonforce
• Keeper of the Seven Keys (Part II) – Helloween
• A Twist in the Myth – Blind Guardian
• The Great War – Sabaton
• Underworld – Symphony X
• Threshold – Hammerfall
• Diamond Handed – Seven Kingdoms
• Theater of Salvation – Edguy
• Master of Confusion Gamma Ray
• Framing Armageddon: Something Wicked, Part I – Iced Earth

It’s important to note that not all power metal bands are based on progressions in major keys. There are some darker power metal songs and bands. But you will still notice a common theme, much of which is found in the clean vocals of power metal.

Another important note is that many power metal bands have a progressive approach to guitars with fast, complex riffs.

Black Metal

Black metal is one of the darkest and most obscure subgenres. It takes the elements and techniques from death metal and applies another layer of evil, both lyrically and musically.

Here are the common guitar techniques in black metal:

• Fast alternate, tremolo picking
• Obscure note choices
• Chords and progressions that seemingly do not fit other genres (heavy use of diminished chords)

Extreme vocals are a defining element of black metal, especially fry and false chord singing. The choice of notes also differentiates black metal from other subgenres.

Here are some black metal albums to listen to:

• Black Metal – Venom
• Nymphetamine – Cradle of Filth
• Rebel Extravaganza – Satyricon
• Northern Forces Over Wacken (Live) – Dimmu Borgir
• Sons of Northern Darkness – Immortal
• De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas- Mayhem
• Transylvanian Hunger – Darkthrone
• The Somberlain – Dissection

Black metal also has a heavy influence on gothic rock and metal bands like Lacuna Coil and Paradise Lost. The music in these bands is more melodic but carries a similar theme.

Symphonic Metal

Symphonic metal is where orchestration meets heavy guitars. Although it’s not as riff-driven as other subgenres like thrash and heavy metal, this style could prove to be just as if not more challenging for a guitarist.

Here are some interesting guitar techniques for symphonic metal:

• Riffs that fit or compliment other instruments and the orchestration
• Power chords and progressions written to support and blend with orchestration
• Palm muting

We could expand more on these techniques listed above. But you get the point. It’s not just about guitars being in your face. It’s much larger than that. And this can really stretch your skills as a guitarist as your working with many layers of instrumentation.

Here are some amazing symphonic metal albums:

• Once – Nightwish
• The Diving Conspiracy – Epica
• The Human Contradiction – Delain
• The Unforgiving – Within Temptation
• The Wonders Still Waiting – Xandria
• Perils of the Deep Blue – Sirenia
• Sign of the Dragonhead – Leaves’ Eyes
• Silence – Sonata Arctica
• The Nexus – Amaranthe
• The Shadow Theory – Kamelot
• Shangri-La – Edenbridge

Another element you may notice is that many symphonic metal bands are female-fronted. Not all, but many.

Also, progressive metal could be considered symphonic metal’s twin. We also mentioned progressive metal when we talked about power metal earlier. There’s a clear overlap within these styles which an be heard in the guitar work and orchestrations like Evergrey and Sonata Arctica.

Doom Metal

Doom metal is dark, heavy, and typically played at slower tempos. It may not be as guitar virtuoso driven but there are specific methods for this subgenre worth noting.

Here are some guitar techniques for doom metal for you to explore:

• Dark melodic riffs
• Lower tunings (this is applied across all subgenres, but especially fitting for doom metal)
• Heavy power chords

The thing to remember about playing doom metal is that it’s more about capturing the emotion of the song, not just the guitar. Its main display is the lyrical message and emotion.

Here are some cool doom metal albums to check out:

• New Moon – Swallow the Sun
• Medusa – Fearless Sky
• Viscera – Strigoi
• Sweet Evil Sun – Candlemass
• Prey – Tiamat
• Tales from the Thousand Lakes – Amorphis
• Life is Killing Me – Type O Negative
• A Mortal Binding – My Dying Bride
• Master of Reality – Black Sabbath

***Some say that Black Sabbath is the originator of doom metal.

Much of doom metal has hints of symphonic metal with a gothic twist. The lyrics are sometimes dark and often carry a message of despair. Many doom metal bands also integrate keys or orchestration. Some doom metal even ventures into the realm of black metal.

80s Metal

Is 80s metal a subgenre? It’s worthy of its own category due to the common guitar methods used and musical themes across even the different subgenres of this era.

You may even say that some of the bands listed below are more hard rock than metal. Having grown up in that era, the term ‘heavy metal’ covered a wide range of music based on distorted guitars. We’ll talk more about that below.

Here are some noticeable guitar techniques in 80s metal:

• Power chords and notes played on higher strings
• Variations of power chords
• Memorable riffs
• Down picking
• Palm muting

Let’s clarify what I mean by 80s metal as it can be broad. We’re going exclude bands like Metallica and Testament as we covered those in thrash metal. And we’ll exclude bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden as those were discussed with classic heavy metal. Even though all of those bands were a huge part of that era.

I’m referring to bands that could be anywhere between hard rock and progressive progressive metal, and, yes, even some of the hair metal bands. All of the below bands played an influential role to other guitarists and bands.

Here are some classic 80s metal albums:

• Operation Mindcrime – Queensryche
• Pyromania – Def Leppard
• Dr. Feelgood – Motley Crue
• Appetite for Destruction – Guns n’ Roses
• Blackout – Scorpions
• Under Lock and Key – Dokken
• Slip of the Tongue – Whitesnake
• 5150 – Van Halen
• Stay Hungry – Twisted Sister
• Night Songs – Cinderella
• Skid Row – Skid Row (self titled)
• Invasion of Your Privacy – Ratt

We would be here all day and then some if I were to keep listing 80s metal (and rock) bands. But there’s no arguing that these bands played a tremendous role in inspiring other guitarists. And this was a subgenre where a healthy mix of guitar technique and melody were praised.

Although we’re talking mainly about writing riffs, 80s metal is famous for having tons of awesome guitar solos. Many virtuosos were created during this era.

Guitar Techniques By Meta Subgenre (Video)

How Many Subgenres of Metal Exist and Why They Matter

We covered 9 subgenres but there are many others. Metal also seems to be expanding with new subgenres. Like all subgenres, these are formed by combining styles and techniques.

Other metal subgenres include metalcore, deathcore, melodic black metal, nu metal, grindcore, groove metal, stoner metal, folk metal, industrial metal, and the list keeps growing. We did, however, cover the guitar techniques used in these in the subgenres that we covered above.

Why do metal subgenres matter? Metal music is more than just loud, aggressive, in-your-face guitars and vocals. It’s about the emotion behind the music and relating to specific types of listeners. Going even deeper, eery style of metal music has its own mood.

Of course, many of us metalheads listen to many subgenres of metal. The reason we’re posting this is to encourage you to explore how guitar techniques are used differently by subgenres.

Next Step: Are You Writing Original Riffs?

First, I hope you enjoyed this post and that it helps you with your metal songwriting. If you’ve got this far, I assume you’re either writing original riffs or want to start.

I want to encourage you to go beyond just guitar riffs. Start thinking about the other elements in a metal song like drums, bass, lyrics, and vocal melodies (and orchestration if you’re going for that style).

There are no rules that you have to follow and there’s no right or wrong way to approach metal songwriting. There’s only the awesome music that you want to create and we’re here at Metal Mastermind to help.

Click below to see if our metal songwriting course is right for you:

The post Guitar Techniques for 9 Metal Subgenres appeared first on Metal Mastermind®.

You and I are about to cover some simple methods for writing metal riffs that will immediately help you come up with some awesome and creative metal guitar rhythms. Many of these involve techniques that you already know but I’m going to show you different ways to use them so that your metal riffs sound more interesting.

What Makes a Metal Riff?

First, let’s briefly cover what makes a metal riff. As you know, playing this style is different from any other genre of music.

Here are the basic elements of metal guitar techniques:

• Palm muting
• Power chords
• Single note riffs
• Down picking and alternate picking

Decades ago you could say that metal music has that edge and aggression that sets it apart from riffs of other genres. But with so many metal sub genres, that’s not necessarily true anymore (aka not all metal is aggressive these days).

This is not a bad thing. It simply gives metal guitarists more options and freedom to come up with unique riffs. And that’s what this post is all about.

The one commonality that separates metal riffs, regardless of sub genre, from other genres is the tone. You could argue that the sound of the guitar, or rather the amp, is what makes a metal riff ‘metal.’ As metal heads, we crave high gain – distortion.

***We have guides for dialing in a good metal tone with both amp sims and a real amp below:

• Metal tone with amp sims
• Metal tone with a real amp

Now let’s dive into the 10 methods for writing metal riffs that you can start using to bring that riff to life (don’t throw it away quite yet!).

Also, these concepts can be applied to any tuning or 6, 7, or 8 string guitar. It doesn’t matter. Just use them accordingly.

1 – Assess Your Core Riff

Let’s start with a riff that you’ve already written. We’re going to call this your core riff. This is what you’ll be working with throughout the next nine methods that we cover.

It could be something you wrote yesterday, two years ago, 10 years ago, or this morning. It doesn’t have to necessarily be a ‘good’ riff (although that’s subjective). And it certainly doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it could be a riff that you were thinking about ditching.

Assess your riff by doing the following:

• What key the riff is in (or the first or dominate chord it’s based on)
• Picking techniques used (down picking, alternate picking, or a mix of both)
• Power chords used, if any
• Single note, if any
• Tempo of the riff (in general, doesn’t have to be a specific BPM – fast, slow, medium)
• The sub genre you feel suits this riff best

Now, let’s move on to the next step below.

2 – Play Your Riff in a Different Octave

Chances are, you’re playing around the lowest notes of your guitar. That’s what we metal heads are inclined to do, right?

I want you to play your riff in a different octave. This means you’ll be playing the same notes but in a different place on your fretboard (or whatever instrument you’re writing riffs with).

If your riff is a typical riff played with low notes, this is going to be surprising, maybe a bit awkward, and hopefully refreshing. It may even make the riff slightly more challenging to play, especially if your core riff is played using that first open string.

Here’s an example:

If your core riff starts with the first open string, you’ll instead start on the 7th fret of the next string. That’s the next octave. From there, you’ll figure out where the other notes are played within that octave.

This may have you going back and forth between your core riff and playing it at the higher octave. That alone may bring out some new, creative ideas in your writing.

3 – Play Your Riff in a Different Key

Go back to your original core riff. Similar to playing it in a different octave you’re now going to see (or hear!) what it sounds like in a different key.

You will basically apply the same concept of playing it in a different octave but play it somewhere else on your fretboard; anywhere else.

Here’s an example:

Let’s say your core riff starts with the first open string. Instead, try starting the riff two frets up, which would put your riff in a different key (if your riff was in E minor, you would now be in F sharp minor).

Don’t stop there. Keep experimenting with playing those notes in different places on your instrument. You may find that changing the key gives your song an entirely different sound and feel.

4 – Change the Guitar Picking Technique

Remember, you assessed the picking technique used in your core riff. Let’s say your riff consisted of all downpicking. What if you used alternated picking for one small part of the riff? What does that sound like?

Or maybe your core riff is mainly fast alternate picking, like a thrash metal or death metal style. What would it sound like if you cut those notes in half and played them using down strokes?

Even better, what if you tried using both down picking and alternate picking with your riff? This is something that you can play around with and can really bring a stale riff to life.

5 – Alter the Way You Play the Chords

If your riff has power chords, I want you to try one simple method. Change the 2nd note of one of the power chords you’re playing.

Here’s an example and what to do:

• Let’s say your riff has a G power chord
• That power chord (in E standard tuning) is the 1st string, 3rd fret and 2nd string, 5th fret
• Change that 2nd note (on the 2nd string, in this case) from the 5th fret to the 3rd fret. This means you would bar the 3rd frets of both strings.
• Now try changing that 2nd note to the 2nd fret, almost as if you were playing a regualr G chord, but just playing those two notes.

Don’t stop there. Keep trying this method with different power chords and also continue expanding with different notes. Sometimes you may change it to a note that doesn’t sound like it fits. So try the next one. Or, even better, that weird may actually fit better for more obscure types of metal.

6 – Change the Tempo of the Riff

If you find yourself in the rut of every riff sounding too similar, changing the tempo can do wonders with your metal riff writing. A simple approach is to either play your core riff faster or slow it down.

You don’t necessarily need the actual tempo. Most of the time when we’re writing music, we’re just playing riffs on our guitar.

But if you want to take it a step further, record your core riff in your DAW and play around with different tempo settings. You can also add a drum track or loop from a drum program. This can bring out more inspiration for creating metal rhythms (and complete songs).

7 – Add More Notes to the Riff

You’ve heard the saying that ‘less is more.’ But sometimes ‘more is more.’
I recall Yngwie Malmsteen rebutting his critics with this who have told him that less is more!

Assess your core riff and see where you can add more notes. Maybe start by just adding one or two more notes. The goal isn’t to make the riff more complicated to play but rather to make it sound more captivating. Sometimes adding more notes can do that.

8 – Simplify the Riff

In contrast to adding more notes, try simplifying the riff by taking away note. You can also change the picking pattern or how many times you play certain notes.

Here are a few ways you can try simplifying your metal riff:

• If your riff has single notes, takes those out and replace them with power chords.
• Cut the single notes in half.
• If your chugging away on a power chord, try picking that chord once and letting it ring out.
• Simplify any fast picking patterns by cutting those in half or letting those notes ring out more

You take one of these strategies or combine them. These are just some things to try to see if it brings your riff to life. You could end up writing a doom metal song or metal power ballad. Who knows? At the end of the day, it’s your song.

9 – Try Different Guitar Techniques Based on Different Sub Genres of Metal

If you want to make your riff sound more interesting try applying guitar techniques based on different metal sub genres. For example, if your core riff is sounds like a thrash metal riff, try adding techniques that you hear in death metal riffs. How does that sound?

Or maybe you have a melodic death metal riff that you wrote but you’re not happy with it. Try integrating more of a classic heavy metal technique to that riff.

Here are some prominent techniques based on different sub genres of metal that you can apply to your riff:

• Classic Heavy Metal – power chords, simple riffs, and down picking
• Thrash Metal – faster down picking, some alternate picking, and palm muting
• Death Metal – fast alternate picking (tremolo picking) and aggressive progressions
• Power Metal – power chords that ring out, fast alternate picking, and chord progressions in major keys
• Black Metal – obscure progressions and note choices, tremolo picking, and chord variations
• Symphonic Metal – riffs and progressions that fit or compliment larger orchestrations

You don’t necessarily need to apply all of these sub genre-based techniques to your riff. But playing around with some of these can help when you’re writing your own metal riffs.

10 – Write Lyrics for the Riff

Your riff could take on a new life of its own when you start adding lyrics and vocal melodies. This can help with placement of certain notes and approach to chord progressions.

When it comes to writing metal riffs, you want to the riff to serve the song and not just be a riff. Because lyrics and vocals are such a dominating part of any song, when you start adding vocals you’ll start to think of your riffs differently in certain parts.

Here are some things to consider when writing both riffs and vocal parts:

• You may want to simplify your riff when you want the vocals highlighted more (such as a chorus).
• You may also consider this when you want other instruments up front and center, like a guitar or bass solo.
• You may want the riff to follow the vocal melody in some parts. This could mean simplifying or even adding more notes to your riff like we talked about.
• You may want a more aggressive style riff if the riff needs to highlight that emotion from the lyrics.
• Apply the above method to any emotion based on the lyrics.

These aren’t hard-coded truths or rules by any means. They’re just things to think about as you go through your metal songwriting process.

How to Make Your Riffs More Interesting

These are all great ways to make your metal riffs more interesting:

• Playing your riff in a higher (or lower) octave
• Playing your riff in a different key
• Changing the picking technique (ex: down picking vs alternate picking)
• Playing a variation of power chords y changing the 2nd note of the chord
• Change the tempo of your riff
• Add more notes to your riff
• Simplify or slow down your riff
• Try playing techniques of different metal sub genres to your riff
• Add lyrics or vocal melodies to your riff

Turn Your Metal Riff into Complete Song

Your next natural step is to expand on your riffs and write a complete song. Is this going to be the rain riff of your song? Or will it be part of the verse? The chorus? You’ll also need to start writing riffs and progressions for the rest of your song.

But it doesn’t just stop at the riff. We talked briefly about vocals – the lyrics and melodies. There’s also the bass, drums, and any other accompanying instruments.

Don’t let all of that overwhelm you. We’ve got you covered in our course Metal Songwriter’s Forge. Click the button below to learn more.

The post 10 Methods for Writing Metal Riffs and How to Make Your Rhythms Sound More Interesting appeared first on Metal Mastermind®.

In this blog, I want to discuss and show you what you’ll learn:

• Sub genres and bands in Metal that are known to have Orchestration
• Guitar Riffs vs. Orchestrations
• Using Music Theory for Writing Orchestral Arrangements
• The Process of Composing Your Orchestral Parts
• Mixing Orchestra Arrangements with Metal Guitars
• Metal Songs to Listen to with Orchestration
• Final Tips for Writing Orchestral Metal

Sub Genres and Bands in Metal Known to have Orchestration

Many sub genres exist in the Metal umbrella. Let’s highlight a few that like to incorporate some kind of symphonic orchestration:

Power metal is known for its fast tempos, uplifting melodies, and emphasis on fantasy themes in its lyrics. Bands like Blind Guardian and DragonForce are iconic in this subgenre, often incorporating elements of classical music and creating an epic, theatrical sound. Symphonic elements make this genre feel as big as an anime or cinematic soundtrack.

Symphonic metal combines metal with symphonic elements, such as orchestral arrangements and choirs, creating a grand and atmospheric sound. Nightwish and Epica are notable bands in this genre, blending heavy guitar riffs with orchestral instrumentation and operatic vocals. There is another version of this genre, Symphonic Black Metal, which highlights themes of the underworld mixed with guttural vocals.

Melodic rock focuses on catchy melodies, harmonies, and strong hooks in both vocals and instrumentation. Bands like Journey and Foreigner are classic examples, often blending rock with pop sensibilities to create memorable and accessible songs. Symphonic elements are usually romantic in their style of orchestration.

Gothic metal combines the heaviness of metal with dark, gothic themes and atmospheric elements. Bands like Type O Negative, Evanescence, and Lacuna Coil are prominent in this sub genre, often incorporating elements of gothic rock, symphonic metal, and doom metal to create a brooding and haunting sound that is just downright creepy.

In other ways, even a band as big as Metallica (which isn’t necessarily using symphonic elements in their music) had a collaboration with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. The song, “No Leaf Clover,” showcases the band’s ability to blend their thrash metal roots with orchestral arrangements, creating a dynamic and unique musical experience that bridges the gap between metal and classical music.

Guitar Riffs vs Orchestration: Which Comes First?

Blending guitar riffs with a symphonic orchestra can create a powerful and dynamic musical experience. When writing guitar riffs for this kind of fusion, it’s essential to consider the role of each element and how they can complement each other to enhance the overall sound. Here are some key considerations:

1. Melodic Interplay: Guitar riffs and orchestral arrangements can work together melodically by harmonizing or playing complementary parts. This interplay adds depth and richness to the music, allowing the guitar to interact with different sections of the orchestra, such as strings, brass, and woodwinds. Experiment with layering melodies and motifs to create a cohesive and memorable sonic landscape.
2. Textural Contrast: Utilize the contrasting textures of the guitar and orchestra to create dynamic shifts in the music. For example, you can start with a heavy guitar riff accompanied by a lush orchestral backdrop, then transition to a softer section with the guitar playing arpeggios while the orchestra provides gentle harmonic support. This contrast adds drama and interest to the composition, highlighting the versatility of both elements.
3. Arrangement and Dynamics: Pay attention to the arrangement and dynamics to ensure a balanced blend between the guitar and orchestra. Use orchestration techniques such as crescendos, decrescendos, and orchestral swells to build tension and release throughout the piece. Incorporate moments where the guitar takes the spotlight with soaring solos or intricate patterns, while the orchestra provides a majestic backdrop or rhythmic support.
4. Theme Development: Develop thematic ideas that can be shared between the guitar and orchestra. This could be a recurring melody, chord progression, or rhythmic motif that ties the different sections of the composition together. By weaving these themes throughout the music, you create cohesion and unity while allowing each element to shine in its own right.

An excellent example of blending guitar riffs with a symphonic orchestra can be heard in Homerik’s music. Here I combine heavy guitar riffs with epic orchestral arrangements, creating a cinematic and immersive listening experience. In my compositions, the guitar riffs often serve as the driving force, while the orchestra adds depth, emotion, and grandeur. This fusion highlights the versatility of both rock and orchestral elements, resulting in a unique and captivating sound, paired with a narrative experience.

We’ll dive deeper into the intricacies of blending guitar riffs with symphonic orchestra arrangements as we explore different musical techniques and examples later.

Using Music Theory to Write Orchestral Arrangements

Music theory serves as a foundational tool for composers when crafting orchestral arrangements, offering a structured framework to organize musical elements effectively. One of its key benefits lies in understanding harmonic structure. Composers can use music theory principles to construct chord progressions, determine harmonic relationships, and create a sense of tonal stability or tension within their compositions. This knowledge allows for the development of harmonically rich and satisfying orchestral arrangements that support the emotional narrative of the music. For example, knowing how to modulate between keys can add depth and complexity to an orchestral piece, guiding the listener through various tonal landscapes.

Additionally, music theory provides insights into counterpoint and voice leading, essential elements in orchestrating intricate and engaging textures. Composers can employ counterpoint to weave multiple melodic lines together, creating interplay and dialogue between different sections of the orchestra. This technique adds depth and complexity to the arrangement, enhancing its overall musicality. Voice leading principles ensure smooth transitions between chords and melodic phrases, contributing to the coherence and fluidity of the orchestral composition. By adhering to these principles, composers can achieve clarity and expressiveness in their orchestral arrangements, allowing each instrument to contribute meaningfully to the musical tapestry.

Another aspect where music theory proves invaluable is in orchestration techniques. Understanding instrument ranges, timbres, and orchestral colors enables composers to make informed decisions about instrumentation and balance within the orchestra. For instance, knowing the capabilities and characteristics of each instrument helps in choosing the right combination of instruments for specific passages, whether it’s highlighting a solo melody with a particular instrument or blending different sections for a fuller, orchestral sound. By utilizing orchestration effectively, composers can create dynamic contrasts, textural variety, and emotional depth in their orchestral arrangements, enhancing the overall listening experience.

Furthermore, music theory aids composers in structuring and developing their orchestral compositions. It provides guidelines for form and arrangement, such as using thematic development, variation, and repetition to create cohesion and unity throughout the piece. Composers can use music theory concepts to craft compelling introductions, transitions, and climaxes, shaping the overall arc and narrative of the orchestral arrangement. This structured approach ensures that each musical element serves a purpose within the composition, leading to a cohesive and impactful musical journey for the listener.

In summary, music theory is a powerful tool that empowers composers to create well-crafted and expressive orchestral arrangements. By leveraging its principles in harmonic structure, counterpoint and voice leading, orchestration techniques, and composition structure, composers can elevate their orchestral compositions, resulting in engaging, coherent, and emotionally resonant musical works.

The Process of Composing Your Orchestral Parts

When composing symphonic orchestral parts, a structured approach is crucial to effectively assign melody, harmonies, layers of instrumentation, and balance within the arrangement.

Begin by establishing the main melody or theme, which serves as the focal point of the composition. This melody sets the tone and emotional context of the piece, guiding subsequent musical elements. Composers often use music theory to develop and vary the melody, incorporating motifs and variations to add depth and interest.

Harmonies play a vital role in enriching orchestral compositions. Composers can assign harmonies to different sections of the orchestra, such as strings, brass, and woodwinds, to create lush and textured soundscapes. Understanding chord progressions, cadences, and harmonic relationships helps in crafting harmonies that support and enhance the main melody, adding color and harmonic depth to the arrangement.

Layering instrumentation is key to creating dynamic and compelling orchestral parts. Composers can strategically assign instruments to different roles within the arrangement, such as providing rhythmic support, carrying melodic lines, or adding textural embellishments. By layering instruments effectively, composers can achieve a balanced and cohesive sound, with each instrument contributing to the overall musical narrative.

Balancing all these elements requires careful attention to orchestration and arrangement. Composers must consider instrument ranges, timbres, and dynamics to ensure that each instrument is heard clearly and serves its intended purpose within the composition. Techniques like orchestral swells, dynamic contrasts, and instrumental solos can be used to add variety and interest while maintaining a sense of balance and unity.

Throughout the process of composing symphonic orchestral parts, continuous refinement and revision are essential. Composers often iterate on their ideas, experimenting with different orchestrations, harmonizations, and melodic variations to achieve the desired musical expression. By staying mindful of melody, harmonies, layers of instrumentation, and balance, composers can create intricate and compelling symphonic orchestral parts that resonate with listeners.

Mixing Orchestra Arrangements with Metal Guitars

Combining metal music with symphonic orchestras requires a thoughtful approach to ensure that both elements complement each other effectively. One key aspect is finding moments where the metal instrumentation and orchestral arrangements can seamlessly blend or contrast to enhance the overall musical experience. For example, during intense and climactic sections of a metal piece, the symphonic orchestra can amplify the drama and power by adding grandeur through strings, brass, and percussion. This collaboration creates a larger-than-life sound that heightens the emotional impact of the music.

The use of other instruments, such as keyboards and synthesizers, also plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between metal and orchestral music. These instruments can provide atmospheric textures, orchestral sounds, and electronic elements that complement both the metal instrumentation and orchestral arrangements. By layering these elements strategically, composers can achieve a rich and immersive sonic landscape that fuses the aggression of metal with the sophistication of orchestral music.

Timing is key in determining when to let metal and orchestral elements shine individually or in unison. For instance, during quieter passages or introspective moments in a metal composition, the orchestral instrumentation can take the forefront, adding depth and emotion without overpowering the metal elements. Conversely, during intense guitar solos or heavy riff sections, the orchestral arrangements can provide a dynamic backdrop, enhancing the overall intensity and energy of the music.

Ultimately, making everything fit between metal music and symphonic orchestras requires a delicate balance of arrangement, instrumentation, and musical intuition. By carefully orchestrating moments of collaboration, contrast, and synergy, composers can create cohesive and compelling musical pieces that transcend genre boundaries and captivate listeners with their depth and complexity.

Metal Songs to Listen to with Orchestration

Listening to other songs, especially within the symphonic metal genre, can be a great source of inspiration and ideas for crafting your own compositions. By immersing yourself in the work of other artists, you gain insight into different musical techniques, arrangements, and thematic elements that can spark creativity and guide your own musical journey.

One way listening to other songs can inspire you is by exploring diverse instrumentation and orchestration styles. Pay attention to how symphonic metal bands integrate orchestral elements with traditional metal instrumentation, such as guitars, bass, and drums. Analyze the use of symphonic textures, choirs, and symphonic arrangements to create a cinematic and epic sound.

Additionally, studying song structures, dynamics, and melodic motifs in symphonic metal songs can provide ideas for developing your own compositions. Take note of how these songs transition between different sections, build tension and release, and develop thematic material over the course of the music. You can also explore how symphonic metal bands incorporate storytelling, mythology, and fantasy themes into their lyrics and musical concepts, offering a narrative framework for your own creative expression.

Here’s a list of metal songs and their respective bands that you may find use orchestration in interesting ways:

• Nightwish: “Sahara”
• Epica: “Architect of Light”
• Dream Theater: “Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence Suite”
• Symphony X: “Paradise Lost”
• Ensiferum: “Victory Song”
• Wintersun: “Time”
• Leah: “Archangel”
• Ghost: “Deus In Absentia”

Final Tips for Writing Orchestration for Metal

When writing orchestral music in the metal genre, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Balance and Blend: Ensure a balanced integration of orchestral elements with metal instrumentation. Use orchestral textures, such as strings, brass, and choirs, to complement and enhance the heaviness of guitars, bass, and drums. Experiment with layering orchestral and metal sounds to create a cohesive and dynamic sonic landscape.
2. Embrace Dynamics: Utilize dynamic contrasts to add depth and drama to your compositions. Explore softer orchestral passages juxtaposed with intense metal sections to create tension and release. Pay attention to transitions between dynamics to maintain a fluid and engaging musical flow.
3. Melodic Development: Focus on melodic development to create memorable and emotive themes. Use orchestral instruments to introduce and develop melodic motifs that can be echoed or harmonized by metal instrumentation. This interplay adds richness and complexity to your music, making it more engaging for listeners.
4. Thematic Consistency: Maintain thematic consistency throughout your orchestral-metal compositions. Develop themes and motifs that recur and evolve over the course of the music, creating a cohesive narrative and musical continuity. This thematic approach enhances the storytelling aspect of your music and adds depth to the listening experience.

If you find yourself wanting to learn more, I go into the orchestra in my music theory course, Metal Music Theory. I built this course to help metalheads overcome challenges like these. As a professor who has taught music and audio technology, I go in depth from basics to more advanced theory and how it can be incorporated as well as exercises that you can look through yourself to get practice!

The post How to Compose Orchestration for Metal Music appeared first on Metal Mastermind®.

In this post, I’m going to share everything you need to know to master alternate picking. Of course, you’ll be able to apply this to leads but we’re going to cater this to the most important parts of the song: the riffs and rhythms.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Getting Started with Alternate Picking for Metal Rhythms
• Hand Positioning, Motion, and Picking Angle
• Basic Alternate Picking Riff Exercises
• Developing Accuracy First, then Speed
• Applying Alternate Picking to Riffs and Songs
• Troubleshooting Common Alternate Picking Problems
• Tips for Practicing Alternate Picking Rhythms
• Recommended Resources for Further Learning

Getting Started with Alternate Picking for Metal Rhythms

Simply put, alternate picking is a downstroke followed by an upstroke. Or vice versa but the technique is picking back and forth.

The core purpose is to allow you to play faster. However, you’ll also notice the slight tonal difference you get with alternate picking versus downpicking.

Try this (you can do this slow or at a moderate speed; it doesn’t matter):

1. Pick the open E string with only downstrokes (you can palm mute these note so that it sounds cooler)
2. Now pick those same notes but use alternate picking (down, up, down, up, etc.)

Can you hear the subtle difference in sound and tone? Did you notice a different feel to the notes you played with both techniques?

Alternate picking isn’t just about speed. There are other elements that will come out in your guitar playing and riff writing when you’re using this method.

Hand Positioning, Motion, and Picking Angle

There are a few things with alternate picking that are similar to downpicking. And there are some that are complete opposite.

With both alternate and downpicking, you’ll start by placing your palm just over the bridge of your guitar (where the strings go in). This gives you an advantage with accuracy and control.

It also allows you to easily combine alternate picking with palm muting. This is common when playing metal riffs.

The general motion for alternate picking is similar as you’re involving the wrist, not your full arm.

The biggest difference is the angle and path of your picking. When alternate picking, you may notice that your pick has a natural tendency to be angled towards the bridge. This isn’t extreme, but it’s not straight up and down.

You may notice the opposite with downpicking metal riffs where your pick flows more towards the neck. In both cases, this is ok. Allow your hand, wrist, and pick to gravitate naturally.

TIP: What’s the best pick gauge for alternate picking? There isn’t a best; there’s only what works best for you. Some prefer thin picks while other prefer thicker gauges. I personally prefer 1.0mm (I play many years prior with .60mm and .88mm). Try different picks to see what feels most natural to you and go with that.

Basic Alternate Picking Riff Exercises

Now get’s play some alternate picking riff exercises that will help you master this technique. We’ll start with a basic riff and gradually move up in speed and complexity.

Alternate Picking Exercise 1

You’re going to play a combination of simple palm muted alternate picking notes on the open E string mixed in with some power chords. This is an example of a ‘real world’ scenario meaning this could be a riff in an actual song. It’s perfect to start with at a modest BPM of 135. It’s a classic heavy metal style riff.

Alternate Picking Exercise 2

We’re stepping the tempo up a little to a BPM of 145. This isn’t substantially faster but there’s more movement in this riff and the added complexity of going from alternating picking on one string to another (from the A to the E string in this case). This is more of a thrash metal style riff.

Alternate Picking Exercise 3

I’m going to throw you for a loop on this one. It’s much faster at a BPM of 171 and it’s straight-forward alternate picking, or what is also called tremolo picking. There’s no palm muting involed here although you can lightly palm mute this as you go through the riff (this is more of an advanced strategy – don’t worry about that quite yet as we’ll get to that in other advanced lessons). This style is common in death metal and black metal sub genres.

Developing Accuracy First, then Speed

Because alternate picking allows you to play faster, increasing speed is the goal of most metal guitarists. However, I want to encourage to not focus on speed right away.

Let accuracy and clarity of your notes be your number one goal. If you do that, the speed with come a lot faster (no pun intended!).

How do you play fast riffs with accuracy? Play riffs that involve alternate picking that you love and that are fun to play.

If you’re just practicing things like scales or riffs that you really don’t care for, you’re not going to be as motivated to practice. So why not learn a few simple riffs or parts of simple riffs that you captivate and move you? After all, that’s what metal music is to people like us (I’ll give you some examples of riffs to learn later).

Even better, start writing your own riffs with alternate picking. And these riffs, whether learning riffs or writing your own, don’t have to be complicated. In fact, if you’re just getting started, they shouldn’t be.

With that, I encourage to do at least half of your alternate picking practice with something that will help you with timing. A metronome may sound obvious, but I’m going to recommend something that’s going to motivate – get a drum program or drum machine. Practicing to a beat, especially metal-sounding drums, will keep your desire for playing metal running hot.

Lastly, allow yourself the freedom to gradually build up. You can challenge yourself but don’t overwhelm yourself. Remember, accuracy and precision over how fast you can play. Speed doesn’t matter if the notes are sloppy.

Once you get to a certain level of accuracy, you’ll want to start playing what’s called galloping riffs. There’s a complete tutorial on galloping here: Galloping for Metal Guitarists

Applying Alternate Picking to Riffs and Songs

Let’s talk about some songs that have some killer yet attainable alternate picking riffs that you can learn. I’ll also list the time of the riffs I want you to focus on below.

• ‘Whiplash’ by Metallica – 00:29 – 01:17
• ‘Angel of Death’ by Slayer – 00:00 – 01:36
• ‘F’n Brutal’ by Jason Stallworth (Heavy Metal Workout II) – 00:00 – 00:40
• ‘The Dream Calls for Blood’ by Death Angel – 00:19 – 00:38
• ‘Head Crusher’ by Megadeth – 00:00 – 00:53
• ‘Weak Fantasy’ by Nightwish – 00:00 – 00:45
• ‘In Metal We Trust’ by Primal Fear – 00:33 – 01:01
• ‘Firestorm’ by Sabaton – 00:18 – 01:04
• ‘One Man’s Fight’ by Siren – 00:24 – 00:46
• ‘Blank File’ by Sonata Arctica – 00:02 – 00:37
• ‘The Pale King’ by Testament – 00:00 – 00:49
• ‘One Against All’ by Amon Amarth – 00:00 – 00:29

Tip: Once you learn a riff start adding your flavor and style to it. You can do this by adding notes, taking notes away, or playing the riff in a different, uncommon key (another place on the fretboard). Start expanding on the riff and see what you can come up with. This is where your own creativity for writing riffs will grow.

Troubleshooting Common Alternate Picking Problems

As with any metal guitar technique, there are some issues you may struggle with. Especially if your like me – I played downtrokes only for the first year of playing guitar (this is back in 1989). Alternate picking was tough to grasp at first (so dive in now if you haven’t already).

Here are some common struggles with alternate picking and how to conquer them:

• My alternate picking sounds muddy
  There are two possible reasons. One is if you’re alternate picking two notes of the power chord, it’s not going to sound as clean. Try alternate picking just the one (first) note of the power chord. Secondly, it could be an issue of your palm muting with alternate picking. Make sure your palm is places firmly over the bridge, but not too firm as you’ll be out of tune.

• My timing is always off when I alternate pick
  You may be trying to pick back and forth straight up and down. Remember, your pick may have a natural tendency to be angled towards the bridge. There’s also a slightly curvature of the motion you may notice. Allow your pick and wrist to flow in its natural desired direction and angle. Of course, playing along with songs or a drum program/machine will help with timing, as we discussed earlier.

• I’m just overall frustrated with alternate picking; maybe it’s not for me?
  This is where you have to start with the basics and that’s playing slower, short riffs and give yourself the freedom to gradually get better. With time and consistency, it will come.

Tips for Practicing Alternate Picking Rhythms

Let’s combine all of the tips we talked about in this post and put them into a checklist that will help you make your practice time for alternate picking metal riffs efficient:

• First, make a practice schedule that you can stick to (the more serious you are about this, the better guitarist you’ll be).
• Don’t worry about speed in the beginning; focus on accuracy and precision.
• Practice along with a metronome, or even better, a drum machine or program as this will help with timing.
• Break down riffs that you want to learn into small sections; this will help you nail them faster
• Record yourself (both video and audio); listening AND watching yourself perform alternate picking metal rhythms on guitar will help you easily correct problems.

Recommended Resources for Further Learning

• Complete guide for new metal guitar players: https://metalmastermind.com/how-to-play-metal-guitar/
• Video demonstrating alternate: Alternate Picking Exercises for Metal Riffs
• Recommended guitar picks for metal guitar: Dunlop Max-Grip
• Metal Mastermind Discord (look for the Metal Riff Master group): Metal Mastermind Discord
• Metal guitar course for beginners: Metal Guitar Apprentice
• Learn over 80 new metal riffs: Metal Riff Master

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