Modern Metal Masterclass

What’s it about?

This Masterclass is a unique opportunity to see how one of modern metal’s mainstays operates. Understand the approaches that Matthew Kiichi Heafy has developed throughout his career across an hour of candid lessons and a whole host of playing examples.

Matthew has carefully selected each topic to ensure players learn the essentials of modern metal. With his guidance, you will break down the must-know aspects of rhythm, lead and even vocals.

From beginner concepts to advanced tremolo picking, with posture, gear choices and a range of “Heafyisms” in between, this Masterclass will help you improve as a guitarist, a songwriter and a musician.

Chapter Breakdown

Introduction

Matthew begins the Masterclass by outlining his ideas and giving you his philosophy for daily practice. How to maximise ergonomics for efficient and sustainable workouts, how to maximise your available time, and additional tips for playing live.

Warm-Ups

Understand how Matthew warms up using simple exercises that don’t require any complex theory or patterns. These examples will improve your dexterity and are designed to benefit both rhythm and lead players.

Rhythm Playing

The largest section of the Masterclass focuses on the bread and butter of metal. Understand how Matthew applies techniques to develop riffs, how he incorporates lead elements into those riffs and how to build stamina.

Solos and Melodies

This lead-focused section looks at Matthew’s self-styled “dad solos”, his take on sweep picking and how to use technique and theory to serve the song and jam with others. The study guide provides extra context for the modal concepts used in the lessons and examples. 

Tremolo Picking

Matthew explains his technique for tremolo picking, known as the "Raptor Claw," and how your anchor points will change depending on what you are playing; be it a complex single-note line or ambient black metal chords. 

Heafy Style

Here you will dive into everything that Matthew has made his own. Chordal explorations, ideas used in both Trivium and his Ibaraki solo project and his approach to “pick attack”. Unique traits developed over a 25-year career.

Vocals

Treat your voice like an instrument with a range of repeatable warm-ups and understand the importance of context when it comes to vocals. He also provides guidance for playing and singing simultaneously.

Who’s it for?

This Masterclass is made for players of every level. Cement the foundations, develop new skills and understand what it takes to become a master of modern metal.

Photo credit: Mike Dunn