Heavy Metal Guitar and Drumming Certification

This intensive certification program is designed to equip aspiring and experienced musicians with the specialized skills and knowledge required to excel in the demanding world of heavy metal music. This course dives deep into the technical, theoretical, and practical aspects of playing both heavy metal guitar and drums. This program is not just about learning to play; it’s about understanding the genre's historical roots, its diverse subgenres, and its evolving landscape. Participants will gain a deep appreciation for the nuances that define heavy metal and develop the expertise needed to become a true force within this style of music.

Guitar Instruction

The guitar curriculum encompasses a wide range of techniques essential for playing heavy metal. Students will master alternate picking, legato, sweep picking, tapping, and various vibrato styles. The program also delves into scale and mode theory, focusing on their applications within metal. We will study pentatonic scales, major and minor scales, harmonic minor, melodic minor, and diminished scales, as well as other exotic scales used in metal. Students will then learn how to use these scales to write impactful riffs and lead phrases. Participants will also gain a thorough understanding of arpeggios, their usage in lead playing, and how they add dimension to riffs. The curriculum incorporates harmonic analysis techniques specific to metal, exploring chord voicings, inversions, and progressions unique to the genre. We emphasize learning to craft memorable melodies, explore the use of dynamics, and rhythmic variation.

• Mastering alternate, legato, sweep, and tapping techniques
• In-depth scale and mode theory
• Application of pentatonic, major, minor, harmonic minor, melodic minor, and diminished scales
• Understanding exotic scales used in metal
• Arpeggio applications and usage in riffs and leads
• Metal-specific harmonic analysis
• Crafting memorable melodies, using dynamics, and rhythmic variations
• Instruction in creating your own riffs, solos, and backing tracks

Drumming Instruction

The drumming component is a journey into the rhythmic heart of heavy metal. From fundamental techniques, participants will rapidly move on to complex patterns and fills. The course explores double bass drumming, blast beats, and the art of syncopation. Students will develop the endurance and precision necessary to maintain high-intensity playing. We also delve into the significance of groove in heavy metal, exploring various styles, such as thrash, black metal, doom metal, and progressive metal and the use of ghost notes, dynamics, and cymbal work to enhance their rhythmic expression. This drumming syllabus involves the study of time signatures, odd-meter drumming, and how they enhance the complexity and intensity of heavy metal compositions. Students will learn to listen for and interpret musical nuances to adapt their playing to different styles. They will understand how to use rhythmic variation and dynamics to bring out different sections and create dramatic contrasts in their playing. Students will develop the skills required to record their drums and use them in digital audio workstations to create songs.

• Fundamentals of drum technique and posture
• Mastering double bass drumming and blast beats
• Understanding syncopation and rhythmic precision
• Exploration of various heavy metal subgenres through drumming
• Learning and implementing ghost notes and dynamic control
• Study of odd-meter drumming and its applications
• Developing timing and endurance for extended high-intensity playing
• Working with electronic drum kits for recording and sound experimentation

Advanced Techniques

The advanced section of this certification combines both instruments, showing how guitar and drums interact. This part of the course focuses on composition techniques, songwriting, and recording for metal music. Participants will learn how to collaborate effectively, and refine their performances. The course aims to push the boundaries of musical creativity while remaining true to the heart of heavy metal music. Students will also be involved in collaborative projects to learn how to apply all the techniques that were covered in this certification. Emphasis will be placed on crafting unique and interesting songs that are both technically proficient and creatively inspired. Students will learn how to record and mix their music to produce high-quality audio products. This includes recording both the instruments, mixing them, and mastering. Participants will have opportunities to present and receive feedback on their work from fellow participants.

• Songwriting and composition techniques
• Collaborative project work
• Advanced song arrangement for metal
• Recording and mixing techniques
• Performance refinement and feedback
• Live performance strategies

Genre Exploration

The program also dives deep into the various subgenres of heavy metal. Students will learn what makes each of the styles unique and how to emulate them. The subgenres covered include: the speed and technicality of thrash metal, the occult and atmospheric elements of black metal, the slower, more melodic structure of doom metal, the fast complex drumming and riffs of death metal, the progressive and technically advanced sounds of progressive metal, the arena style of power metal, the blues-influenced roots of classic metal and the more groovy and modern nuances of nu-metal. Participants will be able to incorporate different aspects from these subgenres to develop their own style.

• Analysis of thrash metal
• Exploration of black metal
• Study of doom metal
• Techniques of death metal
• Progressive metal's characteristics
• Understanding power metal
• Analysis of classic heavy metal
• Study of nu-metal

Performance and Composition

Beyond just learning techniques, students will focus on developing their own individual voice in the heavy metal landscape. This includes crafting their own unique riffs, leads, and drum patterns. Participants will also learn how to create a performance presence that is both dynamic and engaging. The course explores the nuances of stage presence, audience engagement, and performance techniques suitable for the high-energy environment of heavy metal. We aim to create musicians who can not only play well, but who also are comfortable on stage as musicians.

• Creating unique riffs, leads, and drum patterns
• Performance presence and stage dynamics
• Audience engagement techniques
• Developing a unique musical voice

Benefits of Certification

Completing this certification program will provide you with the essential skills required to confidently navigate the heavy metal music world. Whether you are looking to join or create a band, or you are a solo artist, or a studio professional, this program provides a comprehensive foundation. Graduates will possess an in-depth knowledge of heavy metal music theory, performance techniques, and music production. They will also have the creative freedom to explore the subgenres and craft their own songs. This certification not only enhances your musical abilities but also cultivates a strong understanding of the industry dynamics and networking opportunities. It is a journey that will make you a more proficient, creative, and confident musician, ready to take on any musical challenge in the world of heavy metal.

• Comprehensive knowledge of heavy metal music
• Proficiency in advanced guitar and drum techniques
• Composition and songwriting skills
• Ability to produce high-quality audio recordings
• Enhanced performance capabilities
• Understanding of heavy metal subgenres and history
• Strong collaborative skills for group projects