"Cowboys From Hell" by Pantera: Guitar Lesson

The Lead Guitarist: Dimebag Darrell

Let's start by talking about Dimebag Darrell, the late, great guitarist who was a founding member of Pantera. His contribution to the world of heavy metal is monumental, and his playing on "Cowboys From Hell" serves as a textbook example of how to merge technical proficiency with soulful musicality. Dimebag had an uncanny ability to blend various musical elements and scales to produce a sound that was as unique as it was electrifying. Sam Bell breaks down every nuance of this iconic metal anthem and Dimebag's one of a kind style.

Chords and Scales

The song's signature riff is rooted in the E Standard tuning, making use of a chromatic movement that revolves around the E5 power chord. This is anchored by a steady groove that highlights the rhythmic tightness of the band. The main riff primarily uses power chords and borrows notes from the E minor scale, creating a dissonant yet highly effective sonic environment. For the most part, the song incorporates E5, G5, and A5 power chords in a riff-based arrangement.

Dimebag Darrell frequently used the minor pentatonic scale in his solos, but the spice in "Cowboys From Hell" comes from his ability to incorporate the natural minor, Dorian, and Mixolydian modes. This allows for a highly dynamic interplay that complements the song's aggressive texture. The blending of different scales and modes within the same solo was a hallmark of Dimebag's playing, providing a rich tonal palette from which aspiring guitarists can draw inspiration.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The solo in "Cowboys From Hell" is a masterclass in guitar technique and expression. It opens up with a screeching dive bomb, courtesy of the Floyd Rose tremolo, setting the stage for what's to come. Dimebag then proceeds to employ a combination of legato runs, alternate picking, and vibrato, making the entire passage an emotional rollercoaster. It's almost as if the guitar is crying and laughing at the same time. He even incorporates tapped harmonics for added flair.

However, the most captivating part of the solo might be the use of double-stop bends and unison bends. This creates an almost vocal-like quality to the phrasing, allowing the guitar to "speak" in ways that mere notes cannot express. The solo concludes with a crescendo that involves high-register runs and pinched harmonics, ultimately leading back into the iconic main riff.

Techniques Used:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Dive Bombs
• Harmonics
• Pull-Offs
• Palm Muting

Understanding these techniques can give you significant insight into the stylistic choices Dimebag made, and they're worth diving into for anyone looking to expand their own guitar toolkit. With his unique approach to scales, deep understanding of rhythmic interplay, and penchant for layering multiple techniques within a single passage, Dimebag Darrell created a timeless classic in "Cowboys From Hell." His genius serves as a roadmap for guitarists, offering numerous avenues for exploration and innovation.