Riff By Riff

In all my two and a half years of playing guitar I've put most of my focus on one band, Metallica. They were the ones who got me into playing in the first place. I heard Master of Puppets and decided what I wanted to do. Now years later I'm able to play Master and a bunch of other Metallica songs all the way through. But it wasn't the easiest thing in the world. We're talking about the best band ever. The ones who revolutionized thrash metal, and inspired thousands of people to play the guitar, drums, bass, or sing.

A lot of people will tell you that playing a Metallica song is easy to do, and I will say they aren't that hard, for the most part, but that's what makes the band great, simplicity. The challenge is nailing the riff without error, and matching the break-neck speeds of either James or Kirk, depending on what style you play, rhythm or lead.

When it comes down to it for me lead is harder than rhythm. This is especially true when talking about Kirk Hammett. His soloing technique is amazing, and can't be matched by anyone else no matter how hard they try. A lot of these newer bands try to copy his style but aren't all that successful. He combines blues into metal and gets that sound that could almost knock you over. At the same time Hammett can have really passionate solos, that show his true love for the instrument, and that he isn't just a guy that can pick fast and use a lot of effects. He is the meaning of metal guitar. Pure, raw, technical, passionate, etc.

When we talk about James on the other hand, it isn't as much speed as it is power and rage. James is an amazing player, and he can sing while playing songs like Battery, Blackened, and Damage Inc. to name a few. He's like the driving force behind the band. Without those heart-stopping riffs their wouldn't be a Metallica. Just another metal band in the mix.

By far the best band ever, with the possibility of having the best guitar duo ever, Metallica's Kirk and James, are what makes the unique. Not trying to take anything away from Lars, who is a killer drummer, but guitar is usually what stands out for most bands, and for the metal gods that are Metallica it's takes them to the top.