"Escape" by Metallica: Guitar Lesson

Escape, from Metallica's groundbreaking album "Ride the Lightning", is a song that shines with its unique composition, intriguing riffs, and a solo that carries the signature touch of the lead guitarist, Kirk Hammett. The track, while not as popular as some of Metallica's biggest hits, is a treasure trove for guitar enthusiasts. Sam Bell dives into every nuance in this exclusive Lick Library video lesson.

Chord Progressions and Scales

Metallica, with their thrash metal style, leans heavily on power chords and minor scales. The foundation of "Escape" is built on a series of power chords that create a sense of tension and release, a cornerstone of the genre. A quintessential example is the progression from E5 to D5 to A5, which provides a bedrock for the song.

The solos and lead lines lean heavily on the E minor scale, with occasional dips into the blues scale for that extra bit of grit. The blending of the blues and minor scales is a signature of Hammett’s style, and it's evident in "Escape."

Kirk Hammett and the Solo

Kirk Hammett, Metallica's lead guitarist, has a style that's a blend of aggression and finesse. His influences range from Jimi Hendrix to Michael Schenker, and one can feel those inspirations when listening to the solos in "Escape".

The solo in "Escape" starts with a series of rapid alternate picking, where Kirk runs through the E minor scale. This quickly evolves into a blend of legato and tapped harmonics, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. One of the highlights of this solo is the double-stop bends, where two strings are bent at the same time, producing a rich, complex sound.

As the solo progresses, we witness the application of unison bends, a technique where one string is bent to match the pitch of a note on an adjacent string. It's a technique that adds a rich depth to the solo, creating a sense of two guitars playing in unison.

Techniques

"Escape" showcases a plethora of guitar techniques, some of which are common in the thrash metal genre, while others reflect Hammett's unique style.

Below is a list of some prominent techniques used in "Escape" with hyperlinks for those wanting a deep dive:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• Hammer-Ons
• Slides
• String-Bending
• Open-String Riffs
• Chord Progressions

While this is not an exhaustive list, these techniques form the backbone of the song. It's a testament to Metallica's versatility and Kirk's prowess as a guitarist.

In Conclusion

"Escape" is a song that stands out even in Metallica's vast discography. For guitarists, it offers not just an auditory treat but also a lesson in the blending of technique, melody, and aggression. Whether you're a budding guitarist or a seasoned pro, there's something to take away from this track, be it inspiration or a new technique to add to your arsenal. Kirk Hammett's influence on the metal genre cannot be understated, and "Escape" serves as a prime example of his mastery over the instrument.