Scales For Rock & Metal Guitar by Richard Shaw

Unlock the secrets of rock and metal soloing with “Scales For Rock & Metal Guitar” by Richard Shaw, an in-depth, note-for-note guitar course available exclusively at LickLibrary.com. This expertly crafted lesson series is a powerful exploration of the essential scales and modes every rock and metal guitarist should know, combined with practical applications and real-world examples. Richard Shaw, a world-class guitarist known for his work with extreme metal legends Cradle of Filth, breaks down each scale into accessible segments, showing not just the “how,” but the “why” behind their sound and power.

Whether you’re a bedroom shredder or an aspiring stage performer, this course is packed with invaluable insight that will elevate your fretboard knowledge, improvisation, and soloing skills. Below, we’ll explore each section of the course and how these scales and techniques can level up your playing.

Intervals of the Minor Pentatonic Scale

This section dives into the minor pentatonic scale and breaks down the intervallic structure that makes it a staple in rock and metal. By understanding the 1, b3, 4, 5, and b7 intervals, guitarists can unlock phrasing that resonates emotionally and aggressively. This foundation is crucial for building expressive licks and solo ideas across various positions.

Benefit: Learn to visualise and use the pentatonic scale musically, leading to more controlled bends, phrasing, and expressive playing.

Starting the Scale Using Other Fingers

Shaw demonstrates how beginning the scale with different fingers—not just the index—can open up position shifting, legato phrasing, and speed. This technique enables fluid movement across the neck, essential for crafting professional-sounding runs and lead passages.

Benefit: Develop better fretboard navigation and break out of boxed patterns.

The Aeolian Mode (Natural Minor Scale)

One of the most used modes in metal, the Aeolian mode provides a dark and melancholic tonality perfect for heavy riffing and expressive solos. Shaw demonstrates how to construct licks using the Aeolian mode and apply it in real-world musical contexts.

Benefit: Build emotionally powerful solos and minor key riffs that sound authentic and intense.

The Phrygian Mode

A favourite in extreme and neo-classical metal, the Phrygian mode has a distinctly exotic and sinister sound due to its flattened second interval. Shaw explores its use in modal riff writing and melodic lead guitar.

Benefit: Add tension and drama to your solos with a Spanish or Middle Eastern flair.

The Dorian Mode

The Dorian mode balances darkness and groove, making it ideal for funk-metal fusion and dynamic rock solos. It combines the minor third with a natural sixth, which adds a unique edge to your phrasing.

Benefit: Infuse bluesy licks with a modern twist, enhancing versatility in your playing.

The Harmonic Minor Scale

Used extensively in neo-classical and progressive metal, this scale features a major seventh over a natural minor base, delivering an intense, dramatic, and classical feel. Shaw shows you how to integrate it into your leads for that unmistakable Yngwie-style flair.

Benefit: Craft technically impressive and musically compelling solos that demand attention.

The Phrygian Dominant Scale

A scale derived from the fifth mode of the harmonic minor, this scale brings out a Middle Eastern and symphonic vibe. Its dominant quality and exotic flavour are perfect for lead lines that sound epic and unconventional.

Benefit: Introduce complex modal textures that break away from generic metal sounds.

The Major Pentatonic Scale

Too often overlooked in metal, the major pentatonic adds an uplifting, southern rock-inspired sound. Shaw shows how this scale can contrast heavier tonalities for effective dynamic shifts in solos.

Benefit: Create contrast and emotion in soloing, making heavy parts sound even heavier.

The Ionian Mode (Major Scale)

The basis of Western music, the Ionian mode is rarely associated with metal—but when used tastefully, it provides a heroic or melodic tone perfect for intros, clean parts, and solo segments that need brightness.

Benefit: Gain full tonal awareness and become a well-rounded musician.

The Mixolydian Mode

This mode has a dominant, bluesy rock feel, great for shredders who want to add groove and swagger to their metal solos. It’s especially useful in styles like southern metal and progressive rock.

Benefit: Unlock expressive modal playing and bend-heavy licks with attitude.

“Scales For Rock & Metal Guitar” is more than just a scale run-down—it’s a practical and inspiring journey through the fretboard that equips you with the tools to craft iconic solos and riffs. Dive in today and take your metal and rock playing to the next level with Richard Shaw and LickLibrary.