Learn to Play Killswitch Engage: A Comprehensive Guide to Metalcore Mastery

Welcome to the world of metalcore. Licklibrary's comprehensive course, "Learn to Play Killswitch Engage," promises an intimate encounter with the band's iconic riffs, relentless rhythms, and explosive solos. Tutor Andy James will focus on the band's signature sound, while also delving into their key tracks: "Fixation on the Darkness," "My Last Serenade," "Rose of Sharyn," "The End of Heartache," and "My Curse."

An Overview

At the heart of Killswitch Engage's sound is lead guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, a master of balance between melody and aggression. His contribution to these songs under review is immense, ensuring the band's unique sound is unmistakable - intricate harmonies, evocative melodies, and thunderous breakdowns. Dutkiewicz's style often centers around minor scales, particularly the natural minor and harmonic minor scales, injecting their music with that quintessential metal moodiness and tension.

Song Breakdown

Fixation on the Darkness

"Fixation on the Darkness" is an exemplary mix of aggression and melody. Here, Dutkiewicz employs the E minor scale, characterized by an ascending sequence of intervals. Pay close attention to the dual guitar harmonies in the bridge, with one guitar maintaining the root notes while the other creates a harmonious layer above. The solo is short yet intricate, featuring alternate picking and quick legato runs in the E minor pentatonic scale.

My Last Serenade

"My Last Serenade" uses the harmonic minor scale in B minor. Dutkiewicz uses palm-muted power chords in the verses, providing a backdrop to the vocals before unleashing the full intensity of the chords in the chorus. The solo showcases a signature technique of Dutkiewicz - tapped harmonics, adding an ethereal quality to the melody. This, combined with careful vibrato, gives it a unique sound and feel.

Rose of Sharyn

"Rose of Sharyn" is a standout track with its soaring melodies and aggressive rhythms. The intro features an arpeggiated B minor chord, providing a moody start before the main riff kicks in with punchy power chords. The solo in this track focuses on the B minor pentatonic scale, making use of fast alternate picking runs and legato phrases.

The End of Heartache

"The End of Heartache" uses the D minor scale to create its melancholic mood. The guitar work in this song is primarily rhythm-based, with power chords and syncopated rhythms in the verses. However, the solo is where Dutkiewicz shines, making use of pinch harmonics and quick legato phrases to create a melody that is both haunting and memorable.

My Curse

"My Curse" stands out with its memorable intro, created by an arpeggiated chord progression in C# minor. The rhythm guitar uses palm-muted power chords to create a driving rhythm, while the lead guitar uses a combination of alternate picking and legato to create a fast and melodic solo.

Techniques and Tips

Below is a list of some notable techniques utilized throughout these songs:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Pinch Harmonics
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Syncopated Rhythms

In conclusion, this course promises to transform your approach to metalcore guitar playing. Through learning and understanding the techniques employed in Killswitch Engage's biggest hits, you will develop a deeper appreciation of their music and build a solid foundation for your own guitar playing journey. So grab your guitar, plug in, and get ready to explore the fascinating world of Killswitch Engage.