Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr by Trivium

Trivium's "Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr" is a monumental piece in the world of heavy metal, showcasing advanced guitar techniques, thrilling dual harmonies, and explosive rhythms. This lesson on LickLibrary.com breaks down each section of this powerful track, guiding players through its unique challenges and technical demands. With a focus on developing precision, speed, and musical expression, this lesson offers essential skill-building for guitarists looking to master some of metal’s most demanding techniques. Andy James breaks down this classic Trivium track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists Behind the Song

"Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr" features the exceptional guitar work of Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu, two influential guitarists in modern metal. Heafy and Beaulieu's style blends thrash, melodic death metal, and metalcore elements, creating a unique, high-energy sound that has inspired countless musicians worldwide. Their signature combination of heavy, syncopated riffs, intricate harmonies, and blistering solos are integral to Trivium's sound. This song, with its precise techniques and innovative structure, demonstrates their technical prowess and creative approach to guitar, providing an inspiring foundation for any aspiring guitarist.

Techniques and Sections Breakdown

Alternate Picking and Galloping Rhythms

One of the song’s standout elements is the tight and relentless galloping rhythm, which requires a mastery of alternate picking to maintain a rapid, even pace. Alternate picking in this song builds muscle memory and strengthens precision, a foundational skill for achieving speed and articulation in metal. Galloping rhythms, on the other hand, create a driving force behind the riff and develop the guitarist’s timing and consistency, which are essential in metal guitar playing.

Power Chords and Palm Muting

Throughout the song, Heafy and Beaulieu make extensive use of power chords combined with aggressive palm muting, producing a thick, punchy sound. Power chords are a core element in rock and metal, offering a dynamic way to add depth to a riff without overwhelming the harmonic structure. Palm muting brings precision to these chords, helping guitarists build control over their sound dynamics and clean execution of rhythmic patterns.

Tremolo Picking and Trills

In the pre-chorus sections, tremolo picking adds intensity, while rapid-fire trills contribute to the song’s dark atmosphere. Tremolo picking develops the guitarist’s stamina and timing, while trills improve finger dexterity and control. Mastering these techniques allows for greater expressive range and builds the speed required for complex passages in metal guitar.

Harmonics and Pinched Harmonics

To create a sharper, more aggressive sound, Trivium incorporates both natural harmonics and pinched harmonics. Harmonics add eerie tonalities that enhance the track’s atmosphere, while pinched harmonics contribute a gritty, screaming edge to the riffs. Learning these techniques helps players add character to their playing, providing tools for emphasising specific notes and creating unique tonal effects.

Double-Stop Bends and Unison Bends

The solo features expressive double-stop bends and unison bends, which allow for harmonic layering and tension. Double-stop bends give guitarists the ability to create complex harmonies within a single phrase, while unison bends emphasise certain pitches, enhancing musical phrasing. These techniques not only develop finger strength and bending accuracy but also encourage creative phrasing that gives solos more emotional impact.

Two-Handed Tapping

During the breakdown, Beaulieu utilises two-handed tapping, adding a fast, percussive flair to the solo. This technique is crucial for achieving intricate, fast-paced licks and adds a virtuosic edge to a player’s skill set. Mastering two-handed tapping opens doors to new soloing styles, allowing guitarists to experiment with speed and complexity in their lead playing.

Sweeping Arpeggios

One of the most challenging techniques in the song is sweep picking, used in arpeggio passages within the solo. This technique enables rapid note articulation across multiple strings, creating a fluid, cascading sound. Sweeping builds finger independence and hand synchronisation, providing a foundation for playing intricate arpeggios and adding versatility to a player’s lead guitar arsenal.

Syncopated Rhythms

Trivium’s rhythm sections often use syncopated rhythms to create a complex, unpredictable feel. This rhythmic approach strengthens timing and adaptability, crucial for navigating the dynamic shifts in metal music. By practicing syncopation, guitarists improve their ability to play with tight precision and explore rhythmic diversity, making their overall technique more versatile and expressive.

Guitar Techniques in "Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr"

The techniques covered in this lesson provide a comprehensive toolkit for any metal guitarist looking to elevate their playing. Below is a list of the techniques used in this lesson:

• Alternate Picking
• Galloping Rhythms
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Tremolo Picking
• Trills
• Harmonics
• Pinched Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• Syncopated Rhythms

This lesson on "Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr" is not only a step-by-step guide to mastering this song but also a pathway to achieving greater technical proficiency and expressive freedom in metal guitar playing. Whether you are a beginner looking to build your skill set or an advanced player aiming to refine your technique, this lesson provides invaluable insights and practical guidance.