Music Lesson: Cranial Contraption

Introduction

So, that was Cranial Contraption. I wrote that song with influences from bands like:

• Disturbed
• Machine Head
• Shadows Fall
• Slipknot

These bands have a thrash metal background along with metalcore elements, which means there are:

• Heavy riffs
• Darker tonalities
• Stomping breakdown sections
• Melodic playing, found in the E minor melody and the solo

Let's get into it! This piece has a lot of fun sections to play, so I hope you enjoy it.

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Section A: Clean Guitar Melody

The A section features a clean guitar section based around a melody that we'll hear later in a more lead guitar style. This sets up what we're going to hear later on.

Playing Technique:

1. Arpeggiated Chords:

   • Hold one note for the opening chord (fourth fret, fourth string using your third finger).
   • Use your pick to play the sixth, fourth, third, and second strings.
   • Ensure all notes ring together.

2. Finger Positioning:

   • Arch your fingers to leave the open strings exposed for a clean ring.
   • Start slowly with neat and accurate finger placement.

3. Practice Tips:

   • Use a metronome at a slow tempo.
   • Gradually speed up by increments of 5 bpm.

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Section B: Distorted Octave Section

For the B section, we switch to a distorted sound, based on an octave shape.

Playing Technique:

1. Octave Shape:

   • First finger on the second fret, fourth string (E).
   • Fourth finger on the fifth fret, second string (E an octave above).

2. Strumming Technique:

   • Focus on muting the unused strings to avoid unwanted noise.
   • Use your fingers to stop other strings from ringing.

3. Muted Strumming:

   • Strum all six strings but only hear the fourth and second strings.

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Section C: Simple Riff

The C section presents a simple riff using three notes: first fret, fourth fret, and the open sixth string.

Playing Technique:

• Use first and fourth fingers to reach the notes with minimal hand movement.
• Emphasize loud playing with downstrokes.
• Use a good part of the pick for a louder, more confident sound.

Variation:

• At bar 23, repeat the riff with 16th notes and palm muting.
• Angle your pick to hit the string with the edge for a more cutting tone.

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Section D: Lead Guitar Melody

The D section features a melody reminiscent of the intro but with a lead guitar approach.

Learning Tips:

1. E Minor Scale:

   • Familiarize yourself with an E minor scale starting from the open sixth string.

2. Finger Positioning:

   • Use one finger per fret to maximize reach without moving out of position.

3. Transition to Harmonic Minor:

   • Play the major seven at the end, hinting at the harmonic minor scale used in the solo.

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Section E: Heavy Breakdown

In the E section, we encounter a heavy breakdown characteristic of metalcore music.

Playing Technique:

1. E Power Chord:

   • Utilize the open sixth string and the second fret on the fifth string with heavy palm muting.

2. Natural Harmonics:

   • Play a natural harmonic at the fifth fret (fourth string).
   • Lightly touch the string and pick while lifting your finger for a clean sound.

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Section F: Guitar Solo

The F section is the guitar solo in the key of E minor, utilizing notes like:

• E, F sharp, G, A, B, C, D

You can play this solo from different positions, incorporating both melodic lines and a bluesy style.

Final Chord: Use a B major chord borrowing from the harmonic minor scale.

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Section G: Main Melody Return

In the G section, we return to the main melody from the intro, now played an octave higher.

Improvisation Tips:

1. Develop the melody as much as you wish.
2. Stick closely to the previous version, or explore new ideas.

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Section H: Riff Development

The H section revisits the riff, now developed further with power chords.

Additional Techniques:

• Incorporate pinched harmonics when striking the strings with your pick to create distinct tones.

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Conclusion
That wraps up Cranial Contraption. There are plenty of fun riffs and techniques to explore. This will allow you to learn the E minor scale in different positions and incorporate the harmonic minor scale too. Enjoy your practice!