Attention all aspiring guitar heroes! If you’ve been captivated by the thunderous riffs and soaring solos of Judas Priest, the legendary heavy metal band that has inspired generations, it’s time to embark on a musical journey to conquer the secrets of their signature sound. With this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll discover the fundamental techniques, essential gear, and practical exercises to ignite your inner metal virtuoso.
To kick-start your heavy metal odyssey, let’s delve into the guitar setup favored by Judas Priest’s iconic guitarists. An electric guitar with humbucker pickups is your trusty companion, providing the thick, distorted tone that defines the genre. Combine this with a high-gain amplifier and a distortion pedal to unleash a sonic fury that will make you feel like a guitar-wielding warrior. Remember, tone is paramount in heavy metal, so experiment with different settings until you find the sound that resonates with your soul.
Now, let’s dive into the essential building blocks of Judas Priest’s guitar playing: riffs and solos. Riffs are the rhythmic foundation of heavy metal, repetitive yet captivating patterns that drive the music forward with their relentless energy. Judas Priest’s riffs are renowned for their melodic hooks and infectious grooves, so practice these fundamental patterns until they become second nature. As you master the riffs, turn your attention to crafting solos, the melodic flights of fancy that showcase the guitarist’s virtuosity. Judas Priest’s solos are often characterized by their soaring melodies, intricate runs, and expressive bends, so emulate the techniques of the masters and let your musical imagination soar.
Essential Techniques for Beginners
- Mastering the Down-Picking Technique
Down-picking is a fundamental technique in heavy metal guitar playing, used extensively by Judas Priest. It involves striking the strings with downward motions of your picking hand, alternating between the downstroke and an upstroke. To perform down-picking effectively:
- Hold the pick correctly: Grip the pick between your thumb and index finger, with the tip pointing slightly downwards.
- Angle the pick correctly: Position the pick at a 45-degree angle to the strings, with the tip facing the bridge.
- Use a metronome for accuracy: Practice down-picking with a metronome to develop precision and consistency.
- Keep your wrist relaxed: Maintain a relaxed wrist and move your forearm primarily.
- Start slowly and gradually increase speed: Begin practicing at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as your technique improves.
- Use damping to control overtones: Use your fretting hand to mute the strings not being picked to eliminate unwanted overtones.
Mastering down-picking is crucial for developing a solid foundation in heavy metal guitar playing and executing Judas Priest’s iconic riffs and solos.
- Palm Muting for Crushing Rhythms
Palm muting is a technique used to create a percussive, muted sound in heavy metal music. It involves placing the edge of your picking hand against the strings to damp them. To perform palm muting:
- Position your palm: Place the edge of your palm against the strings where they meet the bridge.
- Apply light pressure: Use just enough pressure to dampen the strings, not so much that they are completely silenced.
- Alternate between palm muting and down-picking: Combine palm muting with down-picking to create a variety of rhythmic patterns.
- Experiment with different palm positions: Try varying the position of your palm on the strings to achieve different sound textures.
Palm muting is essential for playing crushing metal riffs and adding rhythmic depth to your guitar work.
- Vibrato for Expressive Leads
Vibrato is a technique used to add expression and depth to lead guitar solos. It involves rapidly rocking your finger back and forth on the string to produce a slight pitch fluctuation. To perform vibrato:
- Use your fretting hand: Use the finger that is fretting the note to apply vibrato.
- Rock back and forth: Gently rock your finger back and forth on the string, creating a slight pitch bend.
- Experiment with different speeds and widths: Vary the speed and width of your vibrato to achieve different expressive effects.
- Use vibrato sparingly: While vibrato can add expression, use it sparingly to avoid over-embellishment.
Developing a controlled and expressive vibrato is vital for creating soaring solos in the style of Judas Priest.
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Down-Picking | Alternating downward strokes on the strings |
| Palm Muting | Damping the strings with the edge of the picking hand |
| Vibrato | Rapidly rocking the fretting finger to create pitch fluctuation |
Master the Heavy Metal Riffage
Judas Priest’s heavy metal riffs are legendary for their power and complexity. Here are some tips on how to master them as a new player:
Traditional Heavy Metal Riffs
Begin with straightforward power chords. Judas Priest’s riffs often feature basic power chords, such as A5 and D5. Practice playing these chords cleanly and firmly.
Develop a strong alternate picking technique. Alternate picking allows you to play riffs smoothly and consistently. Focus on developing a fluid motion between your picking and fretting hands.
Embrace syncopated rhythms. Judas Priest’s riffs often incorporate syncopated rhythms. These rhythms create a sense of urgency and energy. Practice playing riffs with strong off-beats.
| Concept | Example |
|---|---|
| Power Chords | A5, D5 |
| Alternate Picking | Fluid motion between picking and fretting hands |
| Syncopated Rhythms | Riffs with strong off-beats |
Unleashing the Power Chords
Power chords are the backbone of heavy metal riffs, and Judas Priest has mastered their use. These chords are created by playing only the root and fifth notes of a scale, providing a solid and heavy foundation for the music. To play power chords on guitar:
1. Choose a root note
The root note is the foundation of the chord. Choose a note on the low E or A string that sounds low and heavy.
2. Find the fifth note
The fifth note is located two frets higher than the root note on the same string. For example, if the root note is E, the fifth note would be G.
3. Bar the strings
Use your index finger to bar the strings above the root and fifth notes. This creates a thicker and more distorted sound. The remaining strings will be muted, leaving only the power chord ringing out. Here’s a table summarizing the notes and fretting positions for some common power chords:
| Root Note | Fifth Note | Barred Strings |
|---|---|---|
| E | G | 3rd, 4th, 5th |
| A | C | 2nd, 3rd, 4th |
| D | F# | 1st, 2nd, 3rd |
Perfecting the Palm Muting
As you gain proficiency in palm muting, several additional techniques will expand your abilities:
1. Varying Palm Pressure: Adjust the pressure of your palm on the strings to control the volume and decay of the muted notes. Lighter pressure produces a quieter, shorter sound, while heavier pressure dampens the strings more thoroughly, creating a longer, more sustained tone.
2. Using the Side of Your Hand: Instead of using the flat of your hand, try muting with the side of your hand, near the thumb. This technique provides a slightly muffled sound that can create a more subtle or resonant effect.
3. Fingerpicked Palm Muting: Combine fingerpicking with palm muting to add a rhythmic element to your muted passages. Use your picking hand to play individual notes while simultaneously muting the adjacent strings with your palm.
4. Advanced Palm Muting Techniques: For even more intricate palm muting effects, experiment with different hand positions and string combinations:
| Technique | Effect |
|---|---|
|
Cross-String Muting: |
Mute multiple strings simultaneously by placing your palm across them. |
|
Selective Muting: |
Mute specific strings while allowing others to ring out freely. |
|
Variable String Muting: |
Quickly change the strings you are muting to create a syncopated or rhythmic effect. |
Developing Finger Dexterity
Finger dexterity is crucial for mastering Judas Priest’s heavy metal stylings. Here are some exercises to enhance your finger agility:
Isometric Finger Isolations
Hold your hand flat with your fingers spread apart. Isolate each finger, lifting it up and down while keeping the others still. Repeat this exercise with different finger combinations to improve individual finger control.
Fingertip Taps
Place your hand on a flat surface with your fingers curled inward. Tap each fingertip on the surface, one at a time, in quick succession. Gradually increase the speed and accuracy of your taps.
Spider Walks
Create a “spider” shape by placing your fingers in the following positions on a guitar fretboard:
| Finger | Fret |
|---|---|
| Index | 1 |
| Middle | 3 |
| Ring | 4 |
| Pinky | 6 |
Move the fingers one at a time, walking them up and down the fretboard while keeping the other fingers stationary. This exercise develops dexterity and coordination between your fingers.
Hand Stretches
Regularly stretch your fingers and hands to improve flexibility. Hold each stretch for 15-20 seconds:
- Finger extensions: Extend your fingers straight out and hold.
- Finger curls: Curl your fingers into a fist and hold.
- Wrist extensions: Bend your wrist back, pulling your fingers towards your forearm.
- Wrist flexions: Bend your wrist forward, pushing your fingers away from your forearm.
Exploring Lead Guitar Runs
One of the most distinctive characteristics of Heavy Metal Judas Priest is their elaborate and aggressive lead guitar runs. These runs are not for the faint of heart, but with some practice and dedication, you can master them too.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Hammer-ons and pull-offs are two techniques that are essential for playing lead guitar. A hammer-on involves hitting a string with your picking hand while you fret a note with your fretting hand. A pull-off is the reverse, where you pull off a fretted note while you pick the string with your picking hand.
Slides
Slides are another essential lead guitar technique. To perform a slide, simply slide your fretting hand from one note to another while keeping the string picked.
Vibrato
Vibrato is a technique that adds expressiveness to your playing. To perform vibrato, simply bend the string back and forth quickly with your fretting hand.
Bends
Bends are a great way to add tension and release to your lead guitar playing. To perform a bend, simply bend the string up or down with your fretting hand.
Double Stops
Double stops are a technique where you play two notes at the same time. This can create a fuller and more powerful sound. To perform a double stop, simply fret two notes on the same string.
| Example 1 | Example 2 | Example 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Hammer-on from the 5th fret to the 7th fret on the G string. |
Pull-off from the 7th fret to the 5th fret on the G string. |
Slide from the 5th fret to the 7th fret on the G string. |
|
Vibrato on the 5th fret of the B string. |
Bend the 5th fret on the G string up a whole step. |
Double stop on the 5th and 7th frets of the G string. |
These are just a few of the basic lead guitar techniques that you can use to play Heavy Metal Judas Priest. With a little practice and dedication, you can master these techniques and start playing your favorite songs.
Understanding Song Structure and Form
Most Judas Priest songs follow a common structure and form, which can be divided into the following sections:
Intro
The intro typically consists of a short, attention-grabbing riff or melody that sets the tone for the song.
Verse
The verse is the main body of the song, where the lyrics and melody are presented. It is usually repeated several times throughout the song.
Chorus
The chorus is the catchy, memorable part of the song. It is typically repeated several times and contains the main lyrical hook.
Bridge
The bridge is a contrasting section that provides a break from the verse and chorus. It often introduces new musical elements or lyrics.
Solo
The solo is an instrumental section where the guitarist gets to showcase their technical skills. It is usually played over the chorus or bridge.
Outro
The outro is the final section of the song. It can be a fade-out, a repetition of the intro riff, or a completely new section.
Typical Song Structure
| Section | Number of Times Repeated |
|---|---|
| Intro | 1 |
| Verse | 2-4 |
| Chorus | 2-4 |
| Bridge | 1-2 |
| Solo | 1 |
| Verse | 1-2 (optional) |
| Chorus | 2-4 |
| Outro | 1 |
Practice Tips for Rapid Progress
1. Start Slowly and Gradually Increase Speed
Begin by practicing at a comfortable speed. As you feel more comfortable, gradually increase the speed of your playing.
2. Use a Metronome
A metronome helps you stay in time and improve your rhythm. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase it as you improve.
3. Focus on Accuracy First
Rather than focusing on speed, prioritize playing each note accurately. Speed will naturally come as your accuracy improves.
4. Alternate Picking
Use alternate picking to play fast, even runs. This involves picking upstrokes with your downstroke and downstrokes with your upstroke.
5. Practice the Right Techniques
Learn and practice proper fingerpicking, fretting, and picking techniques. These techniques will improve your dexterity and accuracy.
6. Use a Vibrato to Add Expression
Add vibrato to your playing by slightly bending the string back and forth while holding down the note. This technique adds depth and expression.
7. Learn from Great Guitarists
Study the techniques of legendary heavy metal guitarists like Glen Tipton and K.K. Downing. Analyze their playing and try to emulate their style.
8. Practice Songs and Riffs
Practice playing complete Judas Priest songs and riffs. This will help you apply your skills in a musical context and enhance your overall playing ability.
| Judas Priest Songs for Practice |
|---|
| “Living After Midnight” |
| “Breaking the Law” |
| “Turbo Lover” |
| “Beyond the Realms of Death” |
| “Burn in Hell” |
Equipment Recommendations for Metal Guitarists
Electric Guitars
Metal guitarists typically use electric guitars with solid bodies, which provide greater sustain and a more aggressive tone compared to hollow-body or semi-hollow guitars. Some recommended electric guitar models for metal include the Gibson Les Paul, ESP V-Series, and Jackson Soloist.
Amplifiers
Metal guitarists need amplifiers that can produce a powerful, distorted sound. Tube amplifiers are often preferred for their warmth and natural overdrive, while solid-state amplifiers offer greater reliability and versatility. Some recommended amplifiers for metal include the Marshall JCM800, Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier, and Peavey 5150.
Effects Pedals
Effects pedals can be used to add a variety of effects to a guitar’s sound, including distortion, overdrive, reverb, and delay. Some essential effects pedals for metal guitarists include a distortion pedal for heavy, saturated tones, a wah pedal for adding expressiveness, and a delay pedal for creating atmospheric effects.
Strings
Metal guitarists typically use heavier gauge strings (9-46 or 10-52) to provide greater tension and produce a more aggressive tone. Nickel-plated strings are often used for their brighter sound, while stainless steel strings offer greater durability.
Picks
Metal guitarists typically use thicker picks (0.8mm or 1.0mm) to provide greater control and picking speed. Triangle or teardrop-shaped picks offer a good balance of grip and speed.
Other Accessories
In addition to the essential gear mentioned above, metal guitarists may also use accessories such as tuners, cable extenders, and guitar straps. A tuner is essential for ensuring that the guitar is in tune, while cable extenders and guitar straps provide greater freedom of movement.
Mastering the Duality of Darkness and Light in Judas Priest’s Music
Understanding the Dichotomy
Judas Priest’s music is renowned for its unique blend of darkness and light, a dichotomy that permeates their lyrics, melodies, and riffs. This duality, often expressed through themes of love and hate, good versus evil, and the struggle between hope and despair, gives Judas Priest’s music its distinctive edge.
Embracing the Darkness
Judas Priest’s darker side manifests itself in their heavy riffs, driving drums, and sinister lyrics. They explore themes of rebellion, violence, and the destructive nature of humanity. Songs like “Hell Bent for Leather” and “Electric Eye” exemplify this aspect of their sound.
Seeking the Light
Despite their association with darkness, Judas Priest also incorporates elements of light and hope into their music. Their songs often offer a glimmer of redemption or a longing for something better. Ballads like “Never Satisfied” and “Diamonds and Rust” showcase this softer, more introspective side.
Balancing the Opposites
The true brilliance of Judas Priest lies in their ability to balance darkness and light without sacrificing the integrity of either. They create a musical tension that keeps listeners engaged and on the edge of their seats. Songs like “Breaking the Law” and “The Hellion/Electric Eye” seamlessly blend both sides of their musical spectrum.
Influence on Metal Music
Judas Priest’s embrace of duality has had a profound impact on metal music. By pushing the boundaries and exploring the extremes of darkness and light, they set a precedent for subsequent heavy metal bands to experiment with these contrasting elements.
Achieving the Priest Sound
Playing Judas Priest’s music requires a combination of technical proficiency and an understanding of their unique sound. Here are some tips for aspiring guitarists:
10. Master the Dual Solos
Judas Priest is renowned for their twin guitar harmonies and soaring solos. To achieve this sound, practice coordinating with another guitarist while developing your own melodic and technical soloing abilities.
How To Play Heavy Metal Judas Priest On Guitar-New Player
Judas Priest is one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. Their music is characterized by its heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and powerful drums. If you’re a new player who wants to learn how to play Judas Priest on guitar, here are a few tips:
1. Start with the basics. Before you can start playing Judas Priest songs, you need to master the basics of guitar playing. This includes learning how to hold the guitar, strum, and play basic chords. There are many online resources and tutorials that can help you get started.
2. Learn some Judas Priest riffs. Once you have the basics down, you can start learning some Judas Priest riffs. Some of their most popular riffs include “Breaking the Law,” “Livin’ After Midnight,” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” There are many online resources that can teach you how to play these riffs.
3. Develop your own style. Once you’ve learned some basic Judas Priest riffs, you can start developing your own style. Experiment with different picking techniques, scales, and chords. There’s no right or wrong way to play Judas Priest, so have fun and be creative.
People Also Ask
How do you play a Judas Priest solo?
Judas Priest solos are typically characterized by their use of fast alternate picking, legato techniques, and wide vibrato. To play a Judas Priest solo, you need to have a good command of these techniques. There are many online resources that can teach you how to play Judas Priest solos.
What kind of guitars do Judas Priest use?
Judas Priest guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing typically use Gibson Les Paul guitars. They also use Marshall amplifiers.
What are some good songs to start with?
Some good songs for new Judas Priest players to start with include “Breaking the Law,” “Livin’ After Midnight,” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” These songs are all relatively easy to play and they will help you get a feel for the Judas Priest sound.
