Andy James - Insta Licks Volume One

Andy James - Insta Licks Volume One is an exciting guitar instructional course crafted by the renowned shred guitarist, Andy James. This lesson pack is designed to provide aspiring guitarists with a collection of licks that emphasise technical precision, speed, and fluidity. Andy James has long been revered in the metal and shred guitar community for his exceptional skills, and in this course, he breaks down some of his most powerful and intricate techniques. Whether you're looking to improve your lead guitar chops or master complex soloing concepts, this course is a must-have for any guitarist.

About Andy James

Andy James is one of the most well-respected guitarists in the metal and shred scene. Known for his blistering speed, soulful phrasing, and jaw-dropping technical ability, he has inspired countless guitarists worldwide. As a guitarist for bands like Sacred Mother Tongue and Five Finger Death Punch, Andy blends the precision of shred with emotive, melodic phrasing. His technical prowess and deep understanding of musical theory make him one of the most formidable guitarists today. His influence on the modern metal scene, coupled with his teaching abilities, makes this series an invaluable resource for guitarists looking to push their boundaries.

Techniques Featured in Insta Licks Volume One

In Insta Licks Volume One, Andy James explores a variety of essential guitar techniques that every modern guitarist should master. These techniques help you improve your overall guitar proficiency, building both speed and control while also enhancing your musical expressiveness. Let’s dive into the key techniques Andy teaches in this series.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is fundamental for fast and precise note articulation. Andy demonstrates how to alternate pick with speed and control, focusing on the importance of consistent hand synchronisation between your picking and fretting hands. Mastering this technique will allow you to play complex runs with clarity and fluidity.

Legato

Andy also emphasises legato playing, a technique that relies on hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to create smooth, flowing lines. This technique helps guitarists achieve speed without relying heavily on the picking hand, making your playing sound fluid and effortless. Legato also enhances musicality, allowing notes to ring out in a more connected manner.

Pinched Harmonics

One of the more dramatic techniques Andy showcases is pinched harmonics, which produce squealing, high-pitched tones by using the thumb and pick simultaneously. Andy's approach to pinched harmonics gives your playing a sharper, more aggressive edge, making it perfect for heavy metal solos and riffs.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a subtle yet crucial technique for adding expression to your notes. Andy James covers how to apply controlled and wide vibrato, ensuring that your notes have a vocal-like quality and sustain. Mastering vibrato will bring an emotional depth to your solos, allowing you to play with both intensity and feeling.

Sweep Picking

In this course, Andy also delves into the art of sweep picking. Sweep picking involves moving the pick in one fluid motion across multiple strings, allowing you to play arpeggios at incredible speeds. This technique is essential for playing fast, complex solos that sound smooth and professional. Andy’s sweep picking exercises are a game-changer for any guitarist looking to build their speed.

Tapping

Two-handed tapping is another key focus of the course. This technique involves using both hands on the fretboard to create fast, intricate patterns that would be difficult to achieve with just one hand. Andy James demonstrates how to use this technique in both lead and rhythm playing, expanding the versatility of your guitar repertoire.

Bending Techniques

Andy incorporates a variety of string bending techniques, including unison bends and double-stop bends. Bending allows you to change the pitch of a note in real-time, giving your solos a dynamic, vocal-like quality. Mastering different bending techniques will make your lead playing more expressive and give you greater control over pitch manipulation.

Palm Muting

For rhythm guitarists, palm muting is essential. Andy shows how to incorporate this technique into your playing to produce tight, percussive sounds that add definition to your riffs. Palm muting is particularly useful in metal and rock music for creating contrast between muted and open sections of a riff.

Harmonics

Lastly, Andy covers tapped harmonics and natural harmonics, two techniques that add unique tonal qualities to your playing. Harmonics can be used to create ethereal, bell-like tones that enhance the texture of both rhythm and lead parts. Understanding how to utilise harmonics effectively can take your playing to the next level.

The Influence of Andy James on Modern Metal Guitarists

Andy James has been a massive influence on modern metal guitarists due to his exceptional blend of speed, precision, and melodic phrasing. His ability to seamlessly integrate technical prowess with emotional expression has inspired a new generation of guitarists. Players such as John Petrucci (Dream Theater) and Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) share similar techniques, but Andy’s particular focus on smooth legato lines and precise sweep picking sets him apart. His playing style has become a blueprint for many metal guitarists aiming to balance technicality with musicality.

Guitar Techniques in Insta Licks Volume One

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Sweep Picking
• Two-handed Tapping
• Palm Muting
• Tapped Harmonics
• Unison Bends
• Double-Stop Bends
• String Bending