Andy James - Insta Licks Volume Two

Andy James - Insta Licks Volume Two is a must-have guitar course for any aspiring or advanced player who wants to master the techniques that define modern rock and metal guitar playing. Andy James, a renowned guitarist known for his technical prowess, offers step-by-step lessons that break down complex licks, solos, and techniques into manageable chunks, allowing players of all skill levels to elevate their playing. Whether you're into shredding, melodic phrasing, or high-energy soloing, this course offers something for everyone, focusing on core guitar techniques that are vital to any player’s arsenal.

About Andy James

Andy James is a highly respected guitarist in the rock and metal communities, known for his precision, speed, and melodic sensibility. With an extensive career as both a solo artist and a guitarist for iconic bands like Five Finger Death Punch, Andy's influence on the modern metal scene is undeniable. His playing is a blend of virtuosic technicality and musicality, making his licks not only challenging but also deeply expressive. In Insta Licks Volume Two, Andy distills his years of experience into bite-sized lessons, each focusing on a specific technique that will dramatically enhance your guitar playing.

Techniques Explored in Insta Licks Volume Two

Each lesson in this course emphasises a particular guitar technique that is crucial for mastering the style of Andy James. Here's a breakdown of the techniques covered and how they can benefit your playing:

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a foundational technique that involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes when playing notes. This technique is essential for speed and precision, especially in fast-paced solos and riffs. Mastering alternate picking will allow you to play complex passages with greater accuracy and fluidity, helping you build endurance and control.

Legato

In the world of lead guitar, legato playing allows for smooth, fluid note transitions. Rather than picking every note, you rely on hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to create a flowing sound. This technique is key to achieving the seamless, effortless sound that defines Andy's soloing style. By focusing on legato, you'll improve your phrasing, reduce finger fatigue, and add a melodic touch to your playing.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics are used to create high-pitched, squealing notes by catching the string with the edge of the pick and thumb. This technique adds a screaming, aggressive tone to your playing, particularly in metal and rock. Pinched harmonics can make any riff or lick stand out, adding an extra layer of expression and dynamics to your performance.

Sweep Picking

Sweep picking is one of the most efficient ways to play arpeggios at high speeds. By sweeping the pick in a single, fluid motion across multiple strings, you can play complex patterns that would be difficult to execute with alternate picking. This technique is ideal for fast, intricate passages and allows you to create dramatic, cascading sounds that are a hallmark of virtuosic guitar playing.

Two-Handed Tapping

A signature of Andy James' playing, two-handed tapping involves using both hands to tap notes on the fretboard, allowing for rapid-fire arpeggios and complex licks. This technique opens up a new realm of possibilities for speed and creativity. Mastering two-handed tapping will not only enhance your soloing but also give you the tools to explore unique melodic ideas that would be difficult to achieve with standard picking.

Vibrato

Vibrato is one of the most expressive techniques in guitar playing, involving subtle pitch modulation by bending a note slightly up and down. Andy James uses vibrato to add emotion and sustain to his solos, making notes "sing." Proper use of vibrato will bring more feeling and personality to your playing, giving your notes a richer, more vocal-like quality.

String Bending

String bending is another expressive technique where you push or pull a string to raise its pitch. Andy's use of bends, particularly in blues-inspired licks, adds soul and power to his playing. Learning to control your bends accurately is essential for creating dramatic and expressive solos that convey emotion and intensity.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios are essential to both rhythm and lead guitar playing. They are broken chords where the notes are played individually rather than strummed together. Andy’s use of arpeggios allows him to move across the fretboard efficiently while outlining the harmony of a song. Mastering this technique will improve your understanding of chord structures and enhance both your soloing and rhythm playing.

Tapped Harmonics

Tapped harmonics create bell-like tones by tapping specific frets in conjunction with harmonic nodes. This technique is a perfect way to add an ethereal, shimmering quality to your solos, making them stand out. Andy incorporates tapped harmonics for unique sound effects, enhancing the sonic diversity of his playing.

Influential Guitarists

Andy James has been influenced by a wide range of legendary guitarists, including players like John Petrucci, Zakk Wylde, and Paul Gilbert. These guitarists are known for their technical ability, melodic phrasing, and mastery of various guitar techniques. Their influence is evident in Andy’s music, as he seamlessly combines precision with emotion. Learning from Andy will give you insight into the techniques that these icons have popularised and used to craft their unique sound.

Techniques Covered in the Course

Below is a list of the key guitar techniques used in Andy James - Insta Licks Volume Two:

This course is packed with techniques that will help you expand your skill set, enabling you to play with greater speed, control, and expression. Whether you’re looking to master fast, technical playing or improve your melodic phrasing, Insta Licks Volume Two by Andy James is an essential tool for your guitar journey.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Andy James

Andy James needs little introduction as one of the most popular LickLibrary tutors, respected the world over for his unbelievable technical skills and teaching material. "As a player Andy has released a string of solo albums, the last being 2012's ""Andy James"" on Transcend Music which was met with huge...

View More