Down From the Sky by Trivium

The song "Down From the Sky" by Trivium is a modern metal masterpiece that showcases a wide array of advanced guitar techniques. This Licklibrary lesson offers a deep dive into each riff, solo, and breakdown in the track, providing note-for-note guidance to replicate the powerful, intricate guitar work found in the original song. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players, this lesson dissects each technique that defines Trivium’s unique sound, building your skills and enabling you to perform with confidence and accuracy. Andy James breaks down this classic Trivium track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Trivium and Their Guitar Style

Trivium, a Florida-based heavy metal band, has gained worldwide acclaim for their technical prowess and sophisticated compositions. The song "Down From the Sky," from their album Shogun, highlights the guitar work of Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu. Known for their intricate riffing, melodic solos, and heavy rhythms, Heafy and Beaulieu have helped shape the modern metal scene by blending metalcore, thrash, and melodic metal. Their style is characterised by a mix of technical precision and emotional intensity, making them an influential force for aspiring guitarists in the genre.

Techniques Used in "Down From the Sky"

This lesson on "Down From the Sky" covers several essential techniques used by Trivium to achieve their distinctive sound. Each section breaks down a specific technique, explaining how it’s used within the song and the benefits for players who incorporate these methods into their practice routines.

Galloping Rhythms

Galloping rhythms are a hallmark of metal and are featured prominently in "Down From the Sky." This rhythm involves rapid down-up picking patterns that give riffs a driving, aggressive pulse. Learning galloping rhythms will improve your timing, accuracy, and right-hand endurance, enabling you to add power and intensity to any metal riff.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is frequently used throughout the song, particularly during the main riff. By resting the edge of the picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge, players create a muted, percussive sound. This technique allows for a tighter, more controlled rhythm, which enhances the song's dynamic range. Practicing palm muting improves hand coordination and control, essential for precise metal riffing.

Alternate Picking

In the faster sections, alternate picking is used to maintain speed and fluidity. By alternating down and up strokes, players can achieve rapid notes and maintain a consistent rhythm. Mastering alternate picking increases your speed and efficiency, especially useful for performing complex metal songs with high energy.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics add an intense, screeching effect to select notes in the riff. Executed by striking the string with the pick while lightly grazing it with the thumb, this technique creates a harmonic overtone. Learning pinched harmonics will help you add texture and flair to your playing, ideal for creating standout moments in solos or riffs.

Two-Handed Tapping

This song also features two-handed tapping in the solo, a technique that allows for fluid, rapid note sequences. By tapping the fretboard with both hands, you can create intricate melodic runs. Practicing tapping builds dexterity and speed across both hands, a key skill for advanced guitar solos.

String Bending and Vibrato

String bending and vibrato are vital to Trivium’s expressive playing style, adding emotion and depth to solos and lead lines. Bending notes up to pitch or adding a subtle vibrato gives your playing a vocal quality. Mastering these techniques will help you control pitch and add expression to your playing, making each note resonate with greater impact.

Sweep Picking

The solos also include sweep picking, where players ‘sweep’ their pick across strings in a single fluid motion. This technique is used to play arpeggios with speed and precision, creating a cascading effect. Sweep picking challenges your timing and hand synchronisation, ideal for achieving rapid arpeggios commonly found in metal solos.

Double Stops and Harmonised Riffs

Throughout "Down From the Sky," Trivium uses harmonised riffs with double stops to create a full, layered sound. This technique involves playing two notes simultaneously, adding harmonic depth. Mastering double stops can improve your fretboard familiarity and harmony understanding, allowing for richer-sounding riffs and solos.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Learning the techniques found in "Down From the Sky" will not only allow you to play this Trivium song but also equip you with a versatile skill set that applies across various metal subgenres. Each technique has its own benefits:

• Galloping Rhythms: Enhances rhythm control and hand synchronisation.
• Palm Muting: Builds dynamic control and adds texture to riffs.
• Alternate Picking: Improves speed and stamina in fast passages.
• Pinched Harmonics: Adds intensity and creates memorable tonal effects.
• Two-Handed Tapping: Expands melodic options and dexterity.
• String Bending and Vibrato: Boosts pitch control and emotional expression.
• Sweep Picking: Elevates arpeggio accuracy and speed.
• Double Stops: Enhances harmonic depth and adds complexity to riffs.

Each of these techniques contributes to a well-rounded metal guitar skill set, offering players the tools to replicate Trivium's sound and develop their own unique style.

List of Guitar Techniques

Here is a list of the guitar techniques used in the "Down From the Sky" lesson. You can explore each technique in more detail through the provided links:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• Two-Handed Tapping
• String Bending
• Sweep Picking
• Double Stops
• Palm Muting
• Galloping Rhythms

This lesson provides a thorough breakdown of "Down From the Sky," equipping guitarists with essential skills to tackle complex metal pieces and develop greater technical proficiency.