That Eric Alper

Are you a diehard fan of metal music and guitar? Or do you want to buy a double neck guitar to play metal? If yes, then you must wonder that metal guitar players like Kirk Hamett (Metallica), Marty Friedman (Megadeth), or Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne) sounds metal form guitar. Most of these people use the blues/pentatonic scale according to my exploration. Hey, don’t wonder about it, just read the article and find the scales for metal.

1. Phrygian Dominant Scale

Phrygian Dominant Scale is very dramatic but the most famous exotic scale that produces one of the best sounds of metal. For this scale, the pattern repeats every two strings.

The notes of A Phrygian Dominant scale: A Bb C# D E F G. Note that with the same root, you can play this scale on any major chord which indicates by the scale contains the note of the A major chord (A C# E).

As I said, the pattern repeats every two strings. From the image, you can find that the left-hand fingers to use above the score (4-pinky, 3-ring, 2-middle, 1-index). On the 5th string, slide up your index finger and then play the Phrygian Dominant Scale.

2. Lydian Scale

Lydian Scale is a favorite of Steve Vai, John Petrucci (Dream Theater) and Joe Satriani. Here, the A Lydian scale, made by the following notes: A B C# D# E F# G#.

Similar to the Phrygian Dominant scale, this scale also contains an A major chord, but the sound is entirely different.

3. Hungarian Minor Scale

Less used than the Lydian Scale, but it is a favorite scale of many players due to its exotic oriental sound. Different from the above two scales, it contains an A minor chord (A C E) instead of an A major chord. The A Hungarian Minor scale notes are A B C D# E F G#.

This pattern requires a practice to play, but one can easily remember it and speed it up after stretch.

4. Diminished Scale

Now, this is a different scale with eight notes instead of seven. The notes make the A diminished scale is: A Bb C C# Eb E F# G. The Diminished scale contains all of the following: an A minor chord (A C E), an A diminished chord (A C Eb) and an A major chord (A C# E), which makes it different from all of above. So with the same root, it is fit both a minor and a major chord.

You find that which scales your favorite guitar players uses for metal. Now pick a double neck guitar and start practicing these scales. The best way is to try these scales on a backing track, and then try to improvise some melodies on these patterns. When you attempt for the first time, you might feel scary or discourage, as you are new to this type of blues/pentatonic scale. But read the guide carefully and check images, it will surely help you.