Electric Eye – Judas Priest

LickLibrary’s Electric Eye guitar lesson breaks down one of heavy metal’s most iconic and influential tracks in precise, note-for-note detail. Taken from Judas Priest’s landmark 1982 album Screaming for Vengeance, “Electric Eye” is a masterclass in aggressive rhythm guitar, razor-sharp picking accuracy, and the tight dual-guitar interplay that helped define the sound of British heavy metal.

Nick Jennison guides you through every section of the song, from the atmospheric intro that builds tension to the relentless main riff and driving verse patterns. You’ll learn how the guitars lock in with the rhythm section to create a sense of mechanical power and forward momentum, and how subtle articulation choices turn relatively simple parts into something huge and authoritative. Throughout the tutorial, emphasis is placed on timing, consistency, and tone control—key elements that separate authentic metal rhythm playing from merely playing the right notes.

By studying “Electric Eye” in detail, you’ll gain valuable insight into classic metal songwriting and rhythm guitar construction, while developing techniques that remain essential for rock and metal players today.

Song Overview and Lesson Focus

“Electric Eye” opens with a clean, phased intro that slowly builds atmosphere before detonating into one of metal’s most recognisable riffs. Once the distortion kicks in, the song becomes a relentless exercise in tight picking, palm-muted precision, and rhythmic discipline. This lesson shows you how to transition smoothly between sections, maintain stamina during fast, repetitive patterns, and keep everything sounding controlled and aggressive.

Particular attention is paid to right-hand technique and muting, ensuring that fast passages remain clean and articulate. You’ll also explore how small variations in attack and emphasis help shape the groove, making the riffs feel powerful rather than mechanical.

Guitar Techniques Explored in This Lesson

Palm Muting

Palm muting is central to the tight, percussive feel of “Electric Eye.” In this lesson, you’ll learn how to position your picking hand to control sustain while keeping the attack sharp and defined. Developing consistent palm muting improves rhythmic clarity, helps lock your playing to the drums, and is essential for achieving the authoritative metal tone heard throughout the track.

Alternate Picking

The fast, driving riffs in “Electric Eye” rely heavily on precise alternate picking. This lesson breaks down how to maintain even pick strokes at higher tempos while staying relaxed. Improving your alternate picking will increase speed, endurance, and accuracy, allowing you to tackle demanding rhythm parts with confidence and consistency.

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of the song’s heavy sound. You’ll explore how Judas Priest use tightly voiced power chords to create weight without cluttering the mix. Learning to control pressure, muting, and timing with power chords will enhance your rhythm playing and help your riffs sound tighter and more professional.

Galloping Rhythms

A defining feature of “Electric Eye” is its galloping rhythm feel, a hallmark of classic metal. This lesson shows you how to execute these rhythms cleanly and evenly, focusing on pick control and timing. Mastering galloping rhythms improves coordination and groove, and opens the door to countless metal and hard rock styles.

Open String Riffs

The use of open strings adds aggression and resonance to the main riffs. You’ll learn how to balance open notes with fretted power chords while keeping everything tight and controlled. This technique strengthens muting awareness and helps you create bigger, more dynamic rhythm parts.

Pinched Harmonics

Subtle pinched harmonics add attitude and expression to selected notes. The lesson explains how to strike the string and thumb simultaneously to produce consistent squeals. Developing this technique adds character to riffs and enhances your ability to inject personality into heavy rhythm playing.

Vibrato and String Bending

Although “Electric Eye” is riff-driven, expressive vibrato and controlled string bends are still essential in lead phrases and sustained notes. You’ll learn how to apply vibrato evenly and bend notes accurately, improving pitch control and musical expression across all styles of lead guitar.

The Guitarists Behind “Electric Eye”

“Electric Eye” showcases the legendary twin-guitar partnership of Judas Priest, with Glenn Tipton and K. K. Downing delivering one of the band’s most iconic performances. Together, Tipton and Downing helped define the sound of heavy metal with their precise rhythm work, harmonised leads, and uncompromising aggression.

Their approach to rhythm guitar—focused on tight picking, disciplined muting, and unison power—has influenced generations of metal players, from thrash and speed metal guitarists to modern hard rock bands. Studying “Electric Eye” offers invaluable insight into how two guitarists can work together to create a massive, unified sound that still feels dynamic and exciting.

Why Learn Electric Eye?

Learning “Electric Eye” is about more than just mastering a classic song. This lesson strengthens your core rhythm guitar skills, improves picking stamina, sharpens timing, and deepens your understanding of classic metal riff construction. Whether you’re looking to refine your heavy rhythm technique or explore the roots of modern metal guitar, this lesson delivers essential skills you can apply across countless styles and songs.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• String Bending
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Open String Riffs
• Galloping Rhythms