Slayer – War Ensemble

Take your metal playing to the next level with our in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson for "War Ensemble" by Slayer, exclusively at LickLibrary. This song is an intense showcase of speed, aggression, and technical proficiency, and our expert breakdown of the guitar work will equip you with the skills to perform it with absolute precision. Whether you’re a die-hard Slayer fan or a guitarist looking to push your abilities into the realm of extreme metal, this lesson offers a masterclass in thrash guitar technique. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarists

War Ensemble, from Slayer’s iconic 1990 album Seasons in the Abyss, is a relentless thrash metal anthem driven by speed and aggression. The track is a testament to the combined force of Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, two of metal’s most influential guitarists. Their fierce guitar interplay and unrelenting riff style redefined the sound of thrash and influenced countless bands that followed.

Hanneman’s punk-inspired riffing, merged with King's chaotic soloing and dive-bomb-heavy lead work, creates a sonic battlefield. Learning this song isn’t just about mastering the notes—it's about capturing the raw, unfiltered energy of Slayer's sound.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

This LickLibrary lesson dives into a wealth of guitar techniques that are crucial for any aspiring metal guitarist. Below is a breakdown of the key techniques featured in War Ensemble, and why they’re so beneficial to your playing.

Tremolo Picking

Fast, consistent tremolo picking is a defining element in War Ensemble. You'll be challenged to build endurance and synchronisation between your picking and fretting hands—an essential skill for executing high-speed riffs with clarity.

Palm Muting

The song’s tight, chugging rhythms require precise palm muting. Mastering this will enhance your rhythmic control and give you the articulation needed for creating tension and aggression in your playing.

Alternate Picking

High-speed passages and riff transitions rely heavily on alternate picking. This technique develops efficiency, accuracy, and stamina—making your playing cleaner and faster over time.

Pinched Harmonics

Kerry King’s signature squeals cut through the mix with pinched harmonics. Learning this technique helps you add expressive, aggressive tones that can elevate solos and riffs.

String Bending

Slayer’s leads are packed with aggressive string bending, adding intensity and character. Developing this skill will improve your phrasing and bring emotion into your solos.

Dive Bombs

A staple of King’s soloing, dive bombs use the whammy bar for dramatic pitch drops. These are perfect for players looking to expand their sonic palette with classic metal theatrics.

Legato

Fluid lines within the solos feature legato phrasing, using hammer-ons and pull-offs to maintain speed. Strengthening your legato technique helps smooth out your phrasing and reduces picking fatigue.

Trills

You'll encounter aggressive trills in Slayer’s solos, often adding a chaotic flair. Trills are great for finger independence and adding stylistic flourishes to your licks.

Slides

From quick transitions to expressive solo lines, slides are used to connect phrases smoothly. Practicing slides increases your fretboard navigation and expression.

Pick Slides

Used to create eerie sound effects, pick slides are great for adding texture and tension between riffs or during breakdowns.

Why Learn War Ensemble?

This lesson isn’t just about learning a classic metal song—it’s a full-on workout for your picking hand, fretting accuracy, and rhythm chops. Each technique you master here can be applied across a wide range of metal and hard rock genres. It’s a great way to test your skill level and develop the precision and power needed for professional-level thrash metal.

Moreover, dissecting the individual parts crafted by Hanneman and King offers insight into how two legendary guitarists built such an iconic sound. You’ll gain both technical ability and a deeper appreciation of one of metal’s most ferocious duos.

Techniques Featured in this Lesson

• Tremolo Picking
• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• String Bending
• Dive Bombs
• Legato
• Trills
• Slides
• Pick Slides

Unlock the secrets of War Ensemble and inject your playing with Slayer’s trademark aggression, speed, and unrelenting energy. With detailed tuition, slow-down features, and expert guidance, this LickLibrary lesson is your gateway to one of metal’s most iconic tracks.