Metallica – Eye Of The Beholder

Take your metal guitar skills to the next level with Licklibrary’s note-for-note guitar lesson of "Eye of the Beholder" by Metallica. Originally featured on their 1988 album "...And Justice For All", this song is a prime example of Metallica's complex rhythmic structures, dynamic riffing, and aggressive picking techniques. Our detailed guitar lesson breaks down every riff, lick, and solo section, teaching you the exact techniques used by Metallica’s guitar legends James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett.

Whether you're looking to build precision, speed, or improve your metal phrasing, this lesson delivers a deep dive into multiple core metal guitar techniques that define the track. From the relentless down-picked rhythm sections to expressive lead phrasing, "Eye of the Beholder" is a masterclass in tight guitar playing and creative technique. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists

James Hetfield, Metallica’s frontman and rhythm guitarist, is widely respected for his incredible right-hand precision, tight palm muting, and unmatched down-picking endurance. His rhythm playing in "Eye of the Beholder" showcases syncopated riffs and complex time signatures that demand accuracy and stamina.

Kirk Hammett, Metallica’s lead guitarist, brings expressive lead lines and fiery solos into the mix, often blending traditional metal shredding with bluesy phrasing and wah-soaked tone. His work in this song includes impressive alternate picking, legato phrasing, and phrasing ideas that push melodic boundaries while staying true to the song’s aggressive energy.

Both players have had an enormous influence on heavy metal and rock guitar playing worldwide. Learning from their work not only improves your technique but also gives you insight into the musical mindset behind one of the most iconic bands in metal history.

Rhythm Guitar Breakdown

The rhythm sections in "Eye of the Beholder" are a perfect practice ground for developing tight, controlled playing. James Hetfield’s parts focus heavily on:

• Palm Muting: Used to add percussive clarity to the galloping riffs. This technique gives each riff punch and allows the rhythm to lock in tightly with the drums.
• Galloping Rhythms: This classic metal rhythm creates forward motion and urgency, demanding precise right-hand control.
• Syncopated Rhythms: The main riffs alternate between 12/8 and 4/4, creating off-beat, disorienting grooves. Mastering this improves your timing and awareness of complex time signatures.
• Power Chords: Used throughout to deliver crushing harmonic weight. These are foundational to metal rhythm playing and help strengthen your fretting hand accuracy.
• Open-String Riffs: These inject energy and groove into the song and challenge your muting technique for clarity.

Lead Guitar Techniques

Kirk Hammett’s soloing in "Eye of the Beholder" incorporates a number of expressive and technical lead guitar techniques:

• Alternate Picking: Essential for maintaining clarity and speed during rapid note sequences. This builds hand synchronization and stamina.
• Legato: Smooth hammer-ons and pull-offs used in fast runs, allowing fluid phrasing and efficient fretboard movement.
• String Bending: Used to add expression and intensity to longer-held notes in the solos. Mastering this improves your control over pitch and emotional phrasing.
• Pinched Harmonics: Add bite and attitude to individual notes, especially during accented solo sections. Learning this helps your tone stand out.
• Slides: Create smooth transitions between phrases and notes, giving a fluid, vocal-like quality to leads.
• Trills: These fast back-and-forth movements give life to static notes, improving finger independence and dexterity.

Why Learn “Eye Of The Beholder”?

Learning "Eye of the Beholder" will push your metal guitar skills into professional territory. Whether you're trying to:

• Develop tighter rhythm guitar chops
• Improve speed and picking efficiency
• Build confidence in odd time signatures
• Expand your lead guitar phrasing

…this lesson covers it all.

Each technique is broken down slowly, demonstrated in isolation, and shown in the context of the full song. You'll not only learn to play the song note for note, but you'll also understand why each part works, and how to incorporate these ideas into your own playing.

This is more than just a song lesson – it’s an in-depth study of essential metal guitar vocabulary.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Slides
• String Bending
• Power Chords
• Galloping Rhythms
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs

With our expert instruction, you’ll have everything you need to confidently master "Eye of the Beholder" and level up your guitar playing. Dive into this legendary Metallica track today and experience the riffs and solos that helped shape the sound of modern metal.