Quick Licks - Kirk Hammett: Mastering Metallica's Lead Guitar Techniques

"Quick Licks - Kirk Hammett" is a comprehensive guitar tutorial series by Andy James that is tailored for guitarists aiming to master the dynamic and intense lead guitar style of Metallica’s Kirk Hammett. This series focuses on key techniques that define Hammett’s playing: using a wah pedal, fast metal licks, double stop bends, and two-hand tapping. Each lesson is crafted not only to teach these techniques but also to capture the essence of Hammett's aggressive yet melodic playing style.

What You Will Learn In This Course

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

• Using a Wah Pedal
• Fast Metal Licks
• Double Stop Bends
• Two Hand Tapping

Technique Breakdown

Using a Wah Pedal: Crafting Expressive Solos

Kirk Hammett’s use of the wah pedal is iconic in the world of metal guitar. These lessons explore the art of integrating the wah pedal into your solos, teaching you how to use it to add expressiveness and a vocal-like quality to your playing. You’ll learn the subtleties of pedal control and how to use it to enhance your phrasing, a technique that has become a signature element in many of Metallica's solos.

Fast Metal Licks: Speed and Precision

Fast metal licks are a cornerstone of Hammett’s style, characterized by their speed and precision. This series teaches you how to develop fast, articulate, and aggressive licks, much like those Hammett plays in Metallica's fastest and most intense songs. You'll learn techniques like alternate picking and legato to build speed, along with exercises to improve your finger dexterity and coordination.

Double Stop Bends: Adding Depth to Riffs

Double stop bends are a technique where two strings are bent simultaneously, a feature that Hammett often uses to add richness and depth to his riffs and solos. These lessons will guide you through the technique of executing double stop bends, showing you how to use them to create powerful and melodically interesting phrases.

Two-Hand Tapping: Expanding Your Soloing Vocabulary

Two-hand tapping is a technique that allows guitarists to play rapid and complex melodies on the fretboard. In this part of the series, you'll dive into Hammett’s approach to tapping, mastering how to use both hands on the fretboard to create fluid, intricate passages typical of his solos. This technique is essential for guitarists looking to add a higher level of complexity and flair to their playing.

Practicing Over a Backing Track: Contextualizing Techniques

Each technique is reinforced with a backing track, providing a practical context for your learning. Playing with backing tracks helps you understand how these licks and techniques fit within a song, improving your timing, rhythm, and ability to improvise. This approach is crucial for applying these techniques in a musical and cohesive way.

Kirk Hammett’s Guitar Style

Kirk Hammett’s guitar style is a blend of aggression, speed, and melody. Known for his work in Metallica, his playing combines elements of thrash metal with traditional heavy metal, characterized by fast-paced riffs, intricate solos, and the extensive use of the wah pedal. Studying his style offers valuable insights into playing metal guitar with both technical skill and expressive power.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering these techniques, you will:

• Enhance your soloing skills with expressive wah pedal use.
• Develop the ability to play fast, precise metal licks.
• Learn to add richness to your playing with double stop bends.
• Gain proficiency in two-hand tapping for more complex solos.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Quick Licks - Kirk Hammett"

Upon completing "Quick Licks - Kirk Hammett," your skills will be enhanced in the following techniques:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stop Bends
• Two-Handed Tapping
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

"Quick Licks - Kirk Hammett" is an essential course for any guitarist looking to delve into the realm of metal guitar. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, these lessons offer a comprehensive guide to mastering the style of one of metal's most influential guitarists.