| iv> | | | | create a different tone while playing the same chord, |
| Playing metal bass is fun and not just for those | | | | at the same speed, in the same song. The type of |
| bassists who are only interested in the metal style of | | | | distortion and the quality of your technique will create a |
| music. The heavy sound and fast playing is a | | | | heavy, percussive rhythm sound which must be able |
| hallmark of metal which has a variety of variations | | | | to be maintained throughout the length of a standard |
| from classic metal, nu metal, hair metal, etc. Metal | | | | song. |
| bass riffs are used over metal chords and can be | | | | You will find that as you practice some of these |
| made up of chords themselves. For example, power | | | | rhythms whether with consistent down strokes or |
| chord riffs are often used in metal. The bass picking | | | | alternating up and down pick strokes, you will have to |
| method used for the lead playing may be alternate | | | | have your hand and forearm relaxed because if you |
| picking for scales, and sweep picking on arpeggios for | | | | get too tense you picking hand will start to lock up on |
| example. While chords are picked in various directions, | | | | you and you will not be able to maintain your speed or |
| one method is repeated, rapid fire down strokes, in one | | | | accuracy. |
| direction without alterations that makes the sound | | | | The speed bass licks and riffs that are played over |
| heavy and characteristic of the thrash metal style. | | | | metal chords need the energy of the heavy chord |
| Metal chords are also alternate picked many times as | | | | rhythm to have a solid sound background to play the |
| well, depending on the style that you want to emulate | | | | solo over. Whether the licks are played with |
| and your own personal preference. | | | | alternate picking or economy picking, one thing is for |
| While some metal chords may seem like easy bass | | | | sure, they will not be played with all down strokes. A |
| chords, executing them properly and with precision is | | | | chord riff could be played that way depending on how |
| an art that takes practice and dedication to the style. | | | | it is constructed. The real secret to metal bass |
| Often times, the chords may be some form of a | | | | chords and chords of all types is to learn your bass in |
| power chord, whether b5, +5,(diminished or | | | | a way that is going to give an intensive education on |
| augmented) straight power 5 or other type of chord. | | | | the bass. For bass players from beginner to advanced, |
| A common technique used when playing these chords | | | | and all styles including jazz it is best to learn the bass |
| is palm muting which can be added on and off to | | | | with a serious software program. |