Metal Part Two: Exploring Sharps and F Key Signatures

Welcome to part two of our Metal lesson! In this segment, we'll cover the following topics:

• What sharps are
• How to play the F sharp note specifically
• What key signatures are
• A section of the song Lead Boots (to be finished at the end of the course)

Let's get rocking!

Understanding Sharps

In this first example of Metal part two, we'll dive into the concept of sharps. Here's what you need to know:

1. Playing A:

   • Play the fifth fret on the E string.
   • This note is called A.

2. Sharpening A:

   • If we sharpen the A, we move up a semitone (or a fret) to the sixth fret.
   • This note is called A sharp.

3. Finding a Flat:

   • If we take that same A (fifth fret) and go backwards a fret (down a semitone), we get A flat.

Remembering the Concept

A simple way to remember:

• A flat note is like a flat tire: it goes down.
• A sharp note goes up in pitch, so it's higher on the neck.

Finding F Sharp

We know from previous examples that:

• F is found at the first fret on the E string.
• To find F sharp, raise the pitch by one fret (one semitone), which puts F sharp at the second fret.

Reading Music

On a music stave, F sharp is indicated by a small hashtag sign in front of the note:

• This signifies we're sharpening the note.

Playing F Sharp

• For this example, play F sharp with your middle finger.
• We're following a finger per fret approach.

Exercise Breakdown

• Bar 1: Play an open E string for a half note, followed by F sharp for a half note.

  • Sequence: Open E ‚Üí Second fret (F sharp)

• The interval has that characteristic dirty metal sound.

• Bar 2: Repeat E ‚Üí F sharp.

• Bar 3: Move to quarter notes (1E, 3 F sharps).

• Last Bar: A dotted half note (three beats long) will be our open E string.

Riffing Technique

For the metal style:

• Play down plucks consistently for that heavy, sludgy sound.
• It's about hitting the strings with intent, not necessarily harder, but firmer.

Example

To practice:

• Play softly and gradually build up intensity.
• Count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 2. 1, 2, 3.

Take as much time as you need to get used to understanding sharps and flats. I'll join you in the backing track to give this a go!