Metal Section Lesson: Lead Boots

We've made it to the end of the metal section. Today, we're looking at a part from the song Lead Boots, which we're going to learn eventually in this course.

Overview of Techniques

This section combines:

• Power chords
• Single notes

It specifically uses the F sharp, which we've identified at the second fret on the E string.

Power Chords

Taking a look, we have two types of power chords here:

• E5
• A5

Again, we're going to use our rolling finger to get down to that A5 chord. After that, we'll play:

• G with our middle finger
• F with our first finger
• Open E string to finish.

Adding Expression

When this phrase becomes a bit more comfortable, try hitting the strings slightly harder to give it more rock expression.

• This will cause it to hit the amp with more intensity, meaning you'll get a bit more distortion.

Demonstrating Different Dynamics

I'll just show you a few ways to change the sound of the amp without adjusting any settings on our guitars:

• Soft Strumming: Here's me hitting the strings really softly. You can still hear lots of power coming through with plenty of distortion.

• Increased Force: But when I strum harder, you'll hear it becomes much more compressed and rounded sounding, with an increase in distortion and gain.

Remember, this doesn't mean pelting the strings as hard as possible, but using firm, controlled power. We're still maintaining good technique while digging in a little more.

Using the Volume Pedal

As I was going through that example, I was using my volume pedal to add or reduce some distortion. We can do this by:

• Pushing our foot down to increase distortion.
• Taking our foot off to decrease it.

If you don't have a volume pedal at home, that's totally okay! You can achieve this using your hands as well.

Hand Technique

1. Start off really soft.
2. Gradually get firmer.
3. Then back off again.

Cleaning Up Your Tone

Another trick for cleaning up your guitar's tone is using the volume knob.

• With my pedal all the way up, you can hear it's really distorted.
• Now, I'll roll back the volume knob about halfway, and you'll hear the tone become slightly cleaner.
• If I go back even more, it gets even cleaner.

Notice the amount of gain is changing, but not significantly the volume. This is great if you don't have any pedals at home and want to switch between single notes and big chords.

Practical Application

This technique is often used in rock music, especially during solos, when transitioning from playing chords.

I'll give you an example of that:

• You can hear how the guitar cleans up without needing pedals or changing your amp settings.

It's worth trying out at home to see if you can get different sounds from the gear you have!