Latest about Techniques
The gallop is the most important metal rhythm of them all – learn the breakneck guitar technique behind Metallica, Slayer and Iron Maiden classics
This rhythm found fame in heavy metal, but it's been used in all genres for decades – making it a must-learn for every guitarist
Rewire your lead playing with four soloing ideas inspired by contemporary blues maestros
Expand upon traditional blues approaches with this lesson in the style of Joe Bonamassa and Eric Johnson
How to palm mute on guitar – and take it from beginner to pro
First used by ’50s legends Chet Atkins and Les Paul, it is rock, metal and punk that have made palm muting so popular today
Everyone from Metallica to jazz pros have made use of the ominous sound of the Locrian mode – here's how it could shake up your guitar playing
The Locrian mode is the seventh and darkest mode derived from the major scale. Stuart Ryan takes you through the structure of the scale and gets creative with some rhythm and lead examples
Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour and Slash all love Aeolian – the minor mode that rules over them all. Here’s what makes this scale work
Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour and Slash are just three of the countless fans of this staple minor mode. Here, Stuart Ryan takes you through the structure of the scale, plus a handful of chords, riffs and licks
An essential scale for classic blues and rock solos, the Mixolydian mode is loved by everyone from B.B. King to Guns N' Roses – here's how it works
Used by countless blues guitarists and hard rockers from B.B. King and Guns N' Roses to Josh Smith and Joe Bonamassa, the Mixolydian mode is essential knowledge. Stuart Ryan explains all
Dweezil Zappa shares the surprising beginner guitar lessons he learned from Eddie Van Halen
Zappa first met Van Halen when he was just 12 years old, and it wasn’t long before he was receiving lessons from the guitar god – on his legendary Frankenstein
3 easy rock guitar solo licks you need to know
A quick power-up for beginner and intermediate players' rock soloing, with three ripping solo ideas based around the D minor pentatonic scale
Learn 10 funk guitar riffs inspired by James Brown, Prince and Vulfpeck
Pickup Music’s LA-based session ace Jamey Arent is your host for a lesson that’s not only a great introduction to the fundamentals of funk guitar, but could be the inspiration you need to take your funk chops to the next level
Loved by Yngwie, Santana and Slash, the harmonic minor scale is an essential part of every guitar player's vocabulary
Whether you're checking into the Hotel California or sheltering from the cold November Rain, the harmonic minor scale is right there with you. This lesson demystifies it with examples you can use now
