Modern Metal Rhythm Techniques by Sam Bell

Take your guitar playing to the cutting edge of modern metal with ‘Modern Metal Rhythm Techniques’ by Sam Bell, exclusively at LickLibrary.com. This in-depth guitar course is tailor-made for intermediate to advanced guitarists looking to master the core mechanics and creative subtleties of modern metal rhythm playing. Sam Bell, known for his exceptional technical prowess and rhythmic precision, guides you through a comprehensive set of techniques and concepts that define the sound of contemporary metal.

Tonal Considerations & Setup

Tone is everything in modern metal, and this course begins with a deep dive into guitar tone shaping and gear setup. Sam explains how amp settings, pickups, EQ, gain structure, and even pick choice affect the clarity and aggressiveness of your tone. Getting the right tone not only helps cut through a mix but also supports the articulation of fast, complex rhythms. Students will understand how to sculpt a tight, percussive sound that complements the technical aspects of their playing.

Pick Attack & Dynamics

The pick attack and dynamics section is all about how your picking hand influences your sound. From aggressive palm-muted chugs to more fluid lead passages, Sam demonstrates how varying the intensity and angle of your pick affects articulation, clarity, and groove. This part of the course trains your ability to control energy and feel — vital for expressive metal rhythm guitar playing.

Accents

Modern metal thrives on rhythmic nuance, and accent placement is key to this. Sam explores how emphasising certain notes within a riff can transform its feel, using accents to create tension, emphasise downbeats, or introduce syncopation. Mastering accents will help you build dynamic, groove-heavy riffs that keep listeners engaged.

Syncopation

Syncopation is a cornerstone of modern rhythm guitar playing. In this lesson, Sam breaks down how to play riffs that feel "off the beat" while remaining locked into the groove. These patterns challenge your timing and improve your internal sense of rhythm. Guitarists will walk away with a tighter groove and a deeper understanding of how to create complex rhythmic textures.

String Skipping Control

String skipping isn't just a lead guitar technique — it has a big place in riff creation. Sam introduces string skipping to build angular, aggressive riffs that avoid conventional patterns. The focus here is on accuracy, control, and picking discipline. This helps develop hand synchronisation and promotes cleaner articulation across wider intervals.

Dyads

A modern approach to rhythm involves more than just power chords. Dyads, or two-note chord shapes, are explored in depth to help you craft riffs that are both harmonically interesting and rhythmically tight. Sam demonstrates how dyads can be used melodically or as rhythm anchors, giving your riffs greater harmonic flexibility.

Standard Chord Forms

Even in metal, standard chord voicings are relevant — especially when creating contrast or building transitions. Sam highlights how major, minor, and extended chord shapes can be creatively integrated into rhythm parts for atmosphere, tension, or resolution. This adds emotional depth to your compositions.

Drop Voicings

Drop voicings provide a fresh approach to rhythm guitar voicing. Sam explains how drop 2 and drop 3 voicings, typically found in jazz, can be reinterpreted with gain and aggression in a metal context. This unique blend gives your rhythm playing an unexpected harmonic twist that cuts through dense arrangements.

Arpeggio Based Patterns

Arpeggios aren't just for solos. Sam teaches how to use arpeggio-based rhythm patterns to add a flowing, linear quality to your riffs. These parts often combine sweep picking and alternate picking in syncopated grooves, giving your playing melodic clarity and forward momentum.

2-1-2 Arpeggios

A signature technique in Sam Bell's playing, 2-1-2 arpeggios involve a repeating three-string arpeggio pattern (two notes on the first string, one on the next, two on the next). These patterns are excellent for both rhythm and lead application, blending melody and rhythm in a modern, creative way. They also challenge your picking accuracy and coordination.

Guitar Techniques Used in ‘Modern Metal Rhythm Techniques’

• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Sweep Picking
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Power Chords

Whether you're aiming to write cutting-edge riffs or want to refine your rhythmic precision, Modern Metal Rhythm Techniques gives you all the tools you need. With Sam Bell’s expert guidance, you’ll unlock a new level of rhythmic fluency, tonal awareness, and creative confidence — all essential for the modern metal guitarist.