"Aerials" by System of a Down – Guitar Lesson Breakdown

"Aerials," by System of a Down, is a song that blends complex and powerful guitar techniques with a melodic, haunting sound. This song offers a variety of playing styles and techniques that can elevate any guitarist's skills. At LickLibrary, we have created a note-for-note guitar lesson for "Aerials," designed to focus on specific techniques found in the song. These lessons will help guitarists not only master this iconic track but also develop foundational guitar skills that can be applied to many other rock and metal songs. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library exclusive video tutorial.

Guitarist Spotlight: Daron Malakian

Daron Malakian is the guitarist behind "Aerials," and his work with System of a Down has influenced modern metal and alternative music. Malakian’s guitar playing is known for its intensity, experimental sounds, and emotional depth. He blends Middle Eastern musical influences with traditional metal elements, often creating heavy riffs and intricate melodies that make System of a Down's music unique. Learning Malakian's techniques offers guitarists the opportunity to dive deep into the world of creative metal guitar playing and explore diverse musical approaches.

Techniques Focused on in This Lesson

1. Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of many rock and metal songs, including "Aerials." These two-note chords provide a strong, punchy sound that drives the song's heavy feel. Power chords are easy to play but critical for developing strength in your fretting hand and precision in your picking. Mastering power chords helps guitarists lay down solid rhythm foundations, making it an essential technique for any aspiring rock player.

2. Alternate Picking

The driving rhythm of "Aerials" is often powered by alternate picking. This technique involves rapidly alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes to create smooth, fast picking patterns. Alternate picking helps guitarists play with more speed and accuracy, especially during riffs and solos. For players looking to improve their timing and picking consistency, alternate picking is a key skill to develop.

3. Palm Muting

Palm muting is used to add texture and dynamics to the heavy sections of "Aerials." By lightly resting the picking hand on the strings near the bridge, guitarists can create a more percussive, muted sound. This technique is vital for adding depth and aggression to riffs, making it an essential element for any metal guitarist’s toolkit.

4. Slides

Slides are used throughout "Aerials" to add a smooth, seamless transition between notes. This technique involves sliding your finger along the fretboard from one note to another, creating a fluid sound. Incorporating slides into your playing adds expressiveness and can enhance the emotional depth of your solos and riffs.

5. Octave Melodies

In the song’s bridge and outro sections, Malakian often uses octave melodies to create rich harmonies. Playing octaves on the guitar involves striking the same note on two different strings, usually separated by 12 frets. Octave melodies add a fuller sound to the music and help guitarists develop their ear for harmony and melody.

6. String Bending

String bending is a crucial technique used in the melodic solo sections of "Aerials." By pushing or pulling a string to raise its pitch, you can create a more expressive sound. String bends add emotion and intensity to solos, and learning how to execute them properly will give your lead playing more character and depth.

7. Vibrato

Vibrato is used throughout "Aerials" to sustain notes and add expression to both rhythm and lead sections. This technique involves slightly bending a note up and down to create a pulsing effect. Vibrato helps guitarists develop control over the pitch of their notes and adds a human touch to their playing, making it a key tool for any guitarist looking to play with more emotion.

8. Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are common in the lead sections of "Aerials," allowing for quick transitions between notes without picking each one. These techniques enable smoother and faster playing by reducing the need to pick every note. They are essential for building fluidity and speed in solos, making them important for players focused on metal and rock genres.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Mastering the guitar techniques found in "Aerials" can significantly improve your overall playing skills. Here’s why these techniques matter:

• Power Chords: Building rhythm playing strength and learning to control the energy of a song.
• Alternate Picking: Enhancing speed, timing, and accuracy for faster riffs and solos.
• Palm Muting: Adding texture and dynamics to rhythm playing, perfect for heavier music.
• Slides: Introducing smooth transitions between notes for more fluid lead and rhythm work.
• Octave Melodies: Learning to play harmonically rich melodies for a fuller sound.
• String Bending: Adding emotional expression to solos and melodies.
• Vibrato: Improving sustain and expression, making notes sound more alive.
• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Building speed and fluidity in lead playing, reducing picking effort.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Aerials" by System of a Down

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• String Bending
• Octave Melodies

By focusing on these techniques, you will not only master "Aerials" by System of a Down but also expand your guitar skills for a wide range of rock and metal music. Whether you're looking to improve your rhythm playing, add depth to your lead sections, or develop speed and accuracy, these lessons offer an invaluable learning experience.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

• Arpeggios
• Palm Muting
• Octave Melodies
• Altered Tunings

Explore these techniques through our detailed lessons to not only learn "Aerials" but also to enrich your overall playing experience. Each technique is linked to an in-depth glossary page to aid your understanding and application in various musical contexts.