Blooddrunk - Children of Bodom

Our note-for-note lesson of "Blooddrunk" by Children of Bodom delivers the intensity and complexity of this metal anthem directly to your guitar. This lesson breaks down each aspect of the song's guitar work, providing you with an in-depth look at the techniques that power its sound. From blistering solos to heavy, intricate rhythms, each segment is designed to help you master techniques like sweep picking, alternate picking, legato, and pinched harmonics. With each section, you’ll gain new skills that not only enhance your technical ability but also deepen your understanding of Alexi Laiho’s groundbreaking guitar style. Andy James breaks down this classic metal track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Alexi Laiho and His Influence

"Blooddrunk" was crafted by the iconic Alexi Laiho, the lead guitarist and vocalist for Children of Bodom, and is a testament to his skill and innovation in metal guitar. Renowned for his speed, precision, and unique approach to guitar tones, Laiho’s work has influenced countless guitarists in the heavy metal and melodic death metal genres. His playing style combines classical influence with aggressive metal techniques, creating a distinct sound that stands out for its melodic yet intense quality. This lesson not only covers the essential techniques of the song but also provides insight into how Laiho's innovative style has shaped modern metal guitar playing.

Guitar Techniques Featured in "Blooddrunk"

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a fundamental technique in "Blooddrunk" that helps achieve the song’s rapid pace and clarity. In alternate picking, guitarists alternate between downward and upward strokes, creating a smooth and fast picking pattern. This technique is crucial for mastering the song’s fast-paced riffs and leads, as it allows for precision at high speeds. Learning alternate picking will improve your timing and accuracy, particularly when playing intricate passages.

Sweep Picking

"Blooddrunk" features sweep-picked arpeggios that add a fluid, cascading effect to the guitar solos. Sweep picking involves smoothly moving the pick across multiple strings, typically while performing an arpeggio, allowing each note to be heard in quick succession. This technique builds finger strength, control, and coordination, enabling you to execute fast arpeggios and complex chord shapes efficiently.

Legato

Legato techniques, including hammer-ons and pull-offs, give the guitar solos a smooth and connected sound. By minimising the picking involved, legato playing creates a more fluid motion between notes. This is particularly useful in "Blooddrunk," where certain solo passages demand seamless transitions between notes. Mastering legato will enhance your fluidity in soloing, helping you achieve a more expressive and controlled sound.

Pinched Harmonics

To add intensity and a distinct “squeal” to the sound, "Blooddrunk" utilises pinched harmonics, a technique where the thumb lightly touches the string immediately after it’s picked. This method generates a high-pitched, overtone-rich sound perfect for adding aggression and personality to riffs. Learning pinched harmonics will give your playing a new level of articulation and dynamics, essential for metal guitar.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is a technique that is heavily utilised in "Blooddrunk" to create a powerful, chugging rhythm sound. By resting the palm on the strings near the bridge, guitarists can mute the notes, making the tone tight and percussive. This technique is especially useful in metal genres, as it controls sustain and gives the riff a heavier, punchier quality. Practicing palm muting will improve your rhythm playing, enhancing control over your tone and dynamics.

Tapped Harmonics

Tapped harmonics are used in "Blooddrunk" to produce bell-like tones that resonate above the main riff. This technique requires tapping on specific frets to produce harmonic overtones, adding a unique dimension to the song's sound. Learning tapped harmonics will expand your tonal palette, giving you a more expressive way to play melodic passages.

Tremolo Picking

Tremolo picking, another staple in "Blooddrunk," involves picking a single note rapidly, creating a high-energy, continuous sound. This technique is essential in fast-paced solos and sections that require sustained intensity. Practicing tremolo picking will build endurance and speed in your picking hand, preparing you for faster and more rhythmically demanding songs.

String Bending and Vibrato

Laiho’s lead work in "Blooddrunk" often includes intense string bending and vibrato to create an expressive, vocal-like quality. String bending involves pushing or pulling a string to change the pitch, while vibrato adds a controlled oscillation to the note. These techniques are essential for adding emotion to solos and giving your playing a dynamic, personal feel. Mastering string bending and vibrato enhances your ability to convey emotion and achieve tonal variety.

Double Stops

Double stops, or playing two notes simultaneously, add a rich harmonic layer to "Blooddrunk" and are a technique Laiho frequently uses. This technique is excellent for rhythm and lead sections alike, providing a fuller sound without requiring full chords. Practicing double stops will improve your chordal playing, help with finger independence, and add depth to your overall playing style.

Guitar Techniques List

• Alternate Picking
• Sweep Picking
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Palm Muting
• Tapped Harmonics
• Tremolo Picking
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Double Stops

By studying the techniques in "Blooddrunk," you’ll not only play this powerful song but also build foundational skills that are crucial for any aspiring metal guitarist. Dive into each lesson, and let the legendary sound of Children of Bodom inspire and elevate your playing!