Quick Licks - Yngwie Malmsteen: Unleashing the Fury of Shred Guitar

"Quick Licks - Yngwie Malmsteen" is a meticulously crafted guitar lesson series taught by Andy James that is designed to immerse players in the techniques of one of shred guitar's most iconic figures. This series focuses on key elements of Malmsteen's style: fast alternate picking, neo-classical guitar licks, modal scales, and the art of shred guitar. Each lesson is tailored to help guitarists understand and execute these techniques, mirroring the intensity and precision that Yngwie Malmsteen is renowned for.

What You Will Learn In This Course

35 killer metal licks in the style of Yngwie Malmsteen. This course also includes a backing track to play over. The techniques you will learn include:

• Fast Alternate Picking
• Neo-Classical Guitar Licks
• Modal Scales
• Shred Guitar

Technique Breakdown

Fast Alternate Picking

Fast alternate picking is a fundamental technique in Malmsteen's playing. It involves rapidly alternating downstrokes and upstrokes to achieve lightning-fast runs and sequences. This technique is essential for playing at high speeds while maintaining clarity and articulation. You'll learn to develop a relaxed but firm picking hand to handle the demands of fast alternate picking, a skill that will greatly enhance your overall playing speed and precision.

Neo-Classical Guitar Licks

Malmsteen's signature style is heavily influenced by classical music, particularly the works of composers like Paganini and Bach. In these lessons, you'll explore how to integrate classical motifs and structures into rock guitar playing. This includes understanding the phrasing, dynamics, and ornamentation that define neo-classical guitar licks. Mastering this style will not only expand your musical vocabulary but also enhance your ability to create more sophisticated and melodically rich guitar solos.

Modal Scales

Modal scales are another key aspect of Malmsteen's guitar playing. Unlike traditional major and minor scales, modes offer a unique set of intervals that can significantly alter the mood and color of your playing. You’ll learn how to use and incorporate different modes, such as the Phrygian and Harmonic Minor, into your solos and improvisations. This understanding will allow you to craft solos with varied and intriguing sonic palettes, setting your playing apart from conventional rock and metal guitarists.

Shred Guitar

Shred guitar is not just about playing fast; it's about precision, control, and musicality at high speeds. These lessons dissect the elements that make up Malmsteen's shredding technique, including his fluid legato runs, intricate arpeggios, and precise string skipping. You’ll learn to integrate these techniques into your playing, enabling you to execute solos that are both technically demanding and musically compelling.

Practicing Over a Backing Track: Contextualizing Your Skills

Each technique and lick is practiced over a backing track, which is crucial for developing musical context and application. Playing with backing tracks helps you understand how to fit these complex licks into actual music, improving your timing, rhythm, and improvisational skills. It also offers a more engaging and enjoyable practice experience, keeping you motivated and focused on your learning journey.

Yngwie Malmsteen’s Guitar Style

Yngwie Malmsteen is a pioneer in the world of shred guitar, known for his blistering speed, technical precision, and strong classical influences. His playing style redefined guitar virtuosity and has inspired countless guitarists across genres. Malmsteen’s approach to the guitar combines the intensity of rock and metal with the sophistication and complexity of classical music, creating a unique and powerful musical voice.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Embracing these techniques will enable you to:

• Achieve incredible speed and accuracy with fast alternate picking.
• Blend classical elegance with rock energy through neo-classical licks.
• Express a wider range of emotions and colors using modal scales.
• Master the art of shred guitar, combining speed with musicality.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Quick Licks - Yngwie Malmsteen"

Upon completing the "Quick Licks - Yngwie Malmsteen" series, your repertoire will include proficiency in the following techniques:

• Fast Alternate Picking
• Neo-Classical Guitar Licks
• Modal Scales
• Shred Guitar Techniques

"Quick Licks - Yngwie Malmsteen" is an essential resource for any guitarist eager to delve into the realm of high-speed, technically demanding guitar playing. These lessons offer more than just a study of techniques; they provide a window into the stylistic nuances that make Malmsteen a guitar legend. Whether you're aiming to boost your technical prowess or seeking inspiration for your musical expression, this series is a gateway to mastering the thrilling art of shred guitar.