Music Lesson: Understanding Power Chords and Scales

Introduction

So that was Bone Crusher. It's a heavy metal style song influenced by bands like Black Sabbath and more modern groups such as Avenged Sevenfold, Pantera, and Trivium. Despite spanning many decades, one common element they all share is the power chord.

Power Chords

Introduction to the F Power Chord

The opening part of this song starts with the F power chord.

• Root Note: F
• Fifth: C

When played together, they sound like this:

• Use your first finger on the first fret of the lowest string.
• Then, on the fifth fret, place either your fourth finger or your third finger.

Technique:

• Use a downstroke with your pick across both strings in one motion.

Sustaining vs. Staccato Power Chords

1. Sustaining Power Chord:

   • Keep your two fretting hand fingers pressed down on the frets.

2. Staccato Power Chord:

   • Notated with a little dot underneath the two notes signifies cutting the chord short.
   • Sound example: Play the staccato by relaxing your fretting fingers, hold the chord shape and lift your fingers slightly away from the fret to mute the strings.

Alternative Technique:

• Use the palm of your picking hand to stop the strings. Combining both techniques can prevent extra noise like harmonics or unwanted ringing sounds.

Amp Settings for Metal Guitar

To achieve the best guitar sound, most action should happen with the bridge pickup for a sharper tone.

Recommended Settings

• Gain: Around 6:00
• Bass: About 11:00 (too much will cause muddiness)
• Mid Range: 12:00 (crucial for clarity in metal)
• Treble: 2:00 (adds attack to each note)

B Section: E Minor Pentatonic Scale

The riff in the B section utilizes the E minor pentatonic scale.

The Notes

• E Minor Pentatonic: E, G, A, B, D
• Extra note (Bb) for the E blues scale: This adds extra flavor to the standard pentatonic scale.

Practicing the Scale

• Use a metronome, starting slowly.
• Ensure your finger positioning is just behind the fret wire for the cleanest sound.

C Section: Rhythm and Timing

The C section incorporates many rests.

Tips for Timing

• Keep your picking hand moving consistently.
• Example: Down, up for the first two notes, followed by a silent down and up, ensuring all notes and rests are equal in length.

D Section: Combining Techniques

The D section combines riffs from both the B and A sections.

1. Remember the blues scale notes.
2. Switch back to power chord playing, mixing sustaining and staccato techniques.

E Section: Melodic Techniques

The melody focuses on the top two strings, starting on the E note on the fifth fret (second string).

Scale Practice

• Use one finger per fret for efficiency:
  • First finger: 5th fret
  • Third finger: 7th fret
  • Fourth finger: 8th fret

Picking Techniques

Two methods:

1. All Downstrokes: Down, down, down...
2. Alternate Picking: Down, up, down, up...

Practice Recommendations

When learning this track:

• Section by Section:
  • Master the A section before moving to B.
  • Focus on clean and precise notes.

Start slowly, as every great guitarist began their journey this way. Consistent practice with a metronome ensures progress.

Conclusion

So that was the track Bone Crusher. If you enjoy this style, check out bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Trivium, Killswitch Engage, and Metallica. Have fun with it!