All this week’s licks use Drop-D Tuning. Here’s a quick break down for each of them:

Lick 37: Modern Style Gallop

Here we have the normal style gallop rhythmic pattern that became a staple of Iron Maiden tracks. Here we find it played with a more modern approach using Drop-D tuning and pull-offs from the one-finger power chords to the Drop-D pedal tone.

Lick 38: Killswitch Engage Style

Here’s some heavy syncopation in the style of Killswitch Engage. The odd groupings of the hammer-on/pull-offs phrase create an almost frantic sound. Riffs like these work really well in the breakdown sections of the song and this particular one ends with a confident pinch harmonic.

Lick 39: Chordal/Cluster Approach

Killswitch also has very inventive use of chord clusters along with their riff playing, using open strings and allowing the notes to ring out where possible. When playing at high gain like this, where you need definite silences in
between the riff based playing, a noise gate effect will come in very handy.

Lick 40: Megadeth Style

This riff is something Dave Mustaine might play in Megadeth. It uses a descending Phrygian Dominant Scale against the Drop-D pedal tone. The rhythmic pattern for both bars is the same, as you only have to alter the notes you are playing.

Below the YouTube video you’ll find the tablature, and please feel free to ask questions or just share your thoughts in the comments.

Watch the video:

Read the tab: