Iced Earth - How to Play "Burning Times"

Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer shows you how to play some riffs from the song "Burning Times"
These videos are bonus content related to the December 2011 issue of Guitar World. For full print reviews, lesson tabs and more, look for the December 2011 issue of Guitar World on newsstands now, or purchase this issue in our online store here:
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[@bishopm4401]

I like that this is getting recommended now

[@tyleranthonybeauvais4999]

Hell yeah man he knew what was going to happen

[@bishopm4401]

@@tyleranthonybeauvais4999 yeah you have to be dumb af to raid the capitol and not expect them to come after you

[@nckhed]

@@bishopm4401 Yep, the same goes for the people who think they can burn businesses down just because a seasoned criminal OD'd while in the custody of the Democratic Gestapo. 🤷‍♂️

[@bishopm4401]

@@nckhed looting isn’t the same as literally storming the capitol. You’re just here to say you support police murdering people

[@modifidious666]

@@bishopm4401 he was standing up for what he believes in, the same as blm, or antifa or whatever group were burning, thieving, assaulting killing etc last year. you cant call one right and the other not, i just didnt see much of that at capitol hill, but everybody made such a big deal about it and praised the riots all over america, fucking deluded hypocrites.

[@TheSkarlander]

How could someone dislike this video? Jon is the best rythm guitar player on this planet.

[@klauswigsmith]

You spelled James Hetfield wrong.

[@McSorleyFan33]

@@klauswigsmith Jon is more consistent than James

[@beefnacos6258]

@@klauswigsmith man I grew up pretty much listening to Metallica exclusively and Metallica is awesome. But at the end of the day I give it up to this guy especially if you play guitar and you actually know the songs. These rhythm sections are way funner to play at least to me to each their own though. Oh and usually more challenging as well

[@PsychomachineryEBM]

@@klauswigsmith lol good joke

[@freedomNLG]

@@beefnacos6258 agreed

[@NeonBlazeMusic]

Such a warm sounding tone and nicely dialed-in distortion.

[@WhyTheHorseface]

Just got into Iced Earth this year. I don’t love every record, but Jon has made a handful of absolutely fantastic albums.

[@drgrlitz]

He'll be having lots of handfuls soon.

[@MetalJohnIcedEarthFan]

I've been a Iced Earth fan since 1996 when I was in High school & never gave up.

[@arfolc]

Creating illusions is what the music industry's all about. Good point.

[@beefnacos6258]

@@thomasscoville1148 LOL you people can't even enjoy good music, always make something political, oh yeah I bet you're loving life now huh with this inflation

[@trentthehandrocker1292]

Free Jon Schaffer! I need new Iced Earth music

[@Tacone87]

Amen 🙏

[@sopwithsnoopy8779]

I love Iced Earth's music, but would anyone else want to join the band at this point? 🙁

[@beefnacos6258]

​@@sopwithsnoopy8779quick answer no, they're scared. Can't blame them.

[@Psychokyuubi666]

@@beefnacos6258Yeah I know. The whole thing with Jon sucks. I still love to listen to all of Iced Earths catalog of Albums.

[@Littlemangoneinsane]

​@@sopwithsnoopy8779Randy Shawver would! He said so in response to a fan asking him if he would like to work with Jon again. Now we only need a bass player and a vocalist.

[@HandOfMetal]

Funny how this appeared to my recommendations right now.

[@annetteslife]

Mine too just now

[@TheKorfish]

same here

[@rjc7289]

The same thing happened to me. I thought maybe it's just coincidence because I play guitar too, but now I'm not so sure. If the powers-that-be at KZbin are up to something, I'd like to know what it is!

[@nckhed]

@@rjc7289 Deceiving you. That is all.

[@ceasze5072]

KZbin has a sick sense of humour

[@TheKorfish]

I blame the algorithm

[@omerustaoglu1871]

Oh snap!

[@InTheWasteland101]

Jon Schafer is the man

[@timobrien1030]

F Black He’s the man alright. A traitor to his country, and now a snitch.... helluva a man.

[@TheKorfish]

@@timobrien1030 And now faces 30 yrs in prison

[@mysticinvasion]

Schaffer's playing really showed me how important rhytm is. Even though my music taste has developed far away from bands like iced earth it's still one of the most influential bands for me (and I still remember how to play over 50 of their songs :D).

[@oskarpajunen]

Could you do a tutorial on how to play "Storming the Capitol"?

[@J155P]

Only after he does the lesson on "Hypocrite"

[@dracoquarce6750]

Hahahahha

[@rickm9001]

Yikes 😬😬 hahahaha

[@VulgrimOfficial]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ulvinheim2720]

Dam flamed him

[@IkmelAAA]

Jon Riffer.

[@Blue_Narciss]

Jon Racist. Jon Fascist. Jon Inprison. Take your pick they all work

[@trashrabbit9412]

@@Blue_Narciss why isnt all of the above a choice

[@IkmelAAA]

@@Blue_Narciss Yeah yeah, right-winger = racist and fascist

[@Blue_Narciss]

@@IkmelAAA Glad you understand the truth.

[@miguelschor8725]

@@Blue_Narciss What band do you play in? Who are you?

[@timothyholmes4588]

they were the coolest traditional metal band to surface back in the day nobody was doing it . iced earth kickass metal

[@Littlemangoneinsane]

They carried the torch through the worst times for rock music and survived to see a new lifetime.

[@dragonbone1]

This has aged well.

[@dylanfitch2997]

Sure has. People have been looting stealing and burning shit all summer

[@antoniodelgado1516]

@@dylanfitch2997 There are many thigs that will never go away, never.

[@GaryRinaldi]

@@dylanfitch2997 😄😄😄😄 Nailed it

[@swantonbombx14]

@@dylanfitch2997 firey but peaceful. 🤣

[@dylanfitch2997]

@@swantonbombx14 iced but mostly peaceful

[@tenthousandagainstone7967]

Just came for the comments.

[@Hellsfire29]

Don't care, will continue listening to iced earth.

[@nl832]

Hell yeah!

[@metalfansavarani]

Same because they influenced me as a guitar player

[@metalfansavarani]

@@cobracommander3529 heck yeah

[@NTAD]

Meanwhile Hansi chose the money over his "friend". Demons and Wizards is no more.

[@Hellsfire29]

@@NTAD yea that sucks. Maybe Hansi can befriend Bruce Dickinson instead lol

[@danielbaugher826]

This dude has fucking earned everything he has , he was homeless living in a abandoned house in winter time , no heat , little food , working on roofs , and he perceivered and now he's a metal God

[@nckhed]

@@user-rc4re5fo2f Yeah, the same place you want real criminals, like rapists and child molesters, to be let out of because you feel so bad for them. 🤷‍♂️

[@drgrlitz]

"Nick'"s taking the time to respond to all anti-Schaffer comments. Seems he's taking this REAL personal...🤣. Why is it worth his time, I wonder (Well, not really.).

[@pacoaraya]

Brave and talented man

[@zivkovicable]

Lol, he's just turned State's evidence...That comment didn't age well.

[@pacoaraya]

I cant hear you, I am enjoying "I died for you"

[@mylescharles]

I’ve always thought of Burning Times as the quintessential Iced Earth tune (not necessarily the “best”). The verses have the stacked sound with layered harmonies and the JS triple picking, the vocals are forward but not too meandering, and the guitar solos are tasteful but not overdone. The song really demonstrates the core of what IE does well.

[@Littlemangoneinsane]

Yes, if we're talking the more radio friendly side of Iced Earth. Else it would be something like Diary or Angel's Holocaust.

[@davidnissim589]

The algorithm has a sick sense of humor, I see

[@BFMVfanatic879]

I love that guitar. :D

[@dyinDream]

Schaffer and Hetfield should make a project together! =)

[@lordberly]

Madarath Nachtmahr they should named their new band Masters of Gallops

[@furiouzzzz]

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[@fearofthedark88]

Who would solo?

[@rattleXhead]

Dennis B. Hetfield the best downpicker in the game and Jon the best alternate picker/galloper

[@thaddeusbingman7133]

Harvester of earth

[@Ramo_Baramia]

I wish Jon had more spotlight as player, he is one of the best/tight rhythm guitarist!

[@MrStrongbox]

Yes! Tight as hell! I'm sure his cellmates will appreciate that!

[@keithberns5]

@@MrStrongbox sounds like you have some experience in the art of dropping the 🧼😂😂😂

[@ANDYB1478]

I absolutely adore this riff!!

[@raventheis4630]

Jon has such an amazing guitar sound i love that signature Iced Earth tone.

[@Maniac_2084]

He should have stayed home and worked on riffs instead of storming the capitol?? perhaps

[@VulgrimOfficial]

You are absolutely right bro... A riff hero lost his way

[@mightymouse447]

Schaffer has written music about rebellion and standing up for what you believe in against totalitarian oppression his entire career. He walked the walk unlike other “rebel” musicians. If it was a BLM rally I guarantee you would feel different.

[@buffalowick8003]

@@mightymouse447 yep. Thank you. Metal is done. The soft have infiltrated. Metal has been ruined by SJW.

[@erictrenbeath9680]

@@mightymouse447 Haha! Unfortunately, he didn't realize he was being manipulated by a wannabe totalitarian ruler who encouraged him and then turned his back. Fools...

[@WatchmyPlaylist.]

@@erictrenbeath9680 trump won pal. He did nothing wrong. He actually kept us out of war for his whole term and didn't waste our money on bullshit. He was good Ur a media lackey, now lick the boot👢

[@chiptrippyfox6106]

I like how the whole time Jon is playing the power chords with is middle finger extended; just like Johnny Cache on his shirt hahaha.

[@markketterer1248]

Well on the plus side he is gonna have a lot more free time to make riff tutorials.

[@VulgrimOfficial]

Jon will be walking out of jail with 20+ full written IE albums in his head... although I will never buy one again

[@stevekelso8386]

Ill still buy one john rules

[@stevekelso8386]

Yeah he did something stupid but im stilm pro iced earth and john

[@buffalowick8003]

@@VulgrimOfficial don't be such a pussy. You're either metal or not...

[@nicolesmrekar2046]

@@cobracommander3529 Yea no. When you believe in lies, and stupid shit, taking action based on them doesn't make it right in any way.

[@SweatyWalrus]

I could watch this all day.

[@maxxfx4767]

standing with you Jon

[@yupperdude1]

Hahaha

[@hinjurock70]

Too bad his hero Trump isn't.

[@hinjurock70]

@@user-rc4re5fo2f Don't drop the soap.

[@nckhed]

@@hinjurock70 You're most likely someone who would willingly drop the soap.

[@TheKorfish]

I have a feeling everyone's recommendations brought them here.

[@Nightcrawl7]

ya

[@Adam-go7cz]

This "don't tread on me" guitar looks and sounds amazing, anybody knows where to get it? And I would give a half of my soul to play half as good as JON :D

[@brewskimetal2]

Pretty damn cool! This is a riff I just always play mindlessly when noodling. When I recorded a test clip for my amp, THIS is the riff that just coming out naturally. Excellent to see the master showing us how it's properly played! I guess I need to removed my clips in honor.

[@halesentertainment2334]

I swear that’s his favorite riff to play in any video where he’s demonstrating on guitar.

[@metalhead41294]

jon is the reason i love playing rhythm!!

[@lukaszk4643]

After DJT vicotry can we expect Jon’s rehabilitation and Iced Earth revival?

[@MireWolf29]

I am really anxious to hear his and Michael from Volbeat's project whenever they get it going.

[@juanavina2262]

Jon Schafer is a living legend. Iced Earth is a national treasure. \m/😆😆😆

[@dibbo9264]

Juan Avina agreed

[@jamescayer5447]

Love to see him James Hetfield do a album together.

[@diezel013]

National treasure, after yesterday lol 🤣 Pure madness.

[@StrumVogel]

This didn’t age well.

[@drgrlitz]

He'll be locked away, like all "national treasures" should be.

[@carl_lindquist]

You just gotta love Schaffer's guitar sound! Kickass!

[@dompierre5256]

ONE of greatest songs in metal

[@MetalHeadViking]

One of my favorite Iced Earth songs!

[@CreamyBone]

Nice tone

[@DudeWatIsThis]

>2011: Burning Times >2021: Doing Time

[@lucaceoloni1574]

Iced Earth is the most underrated band in metal history.

[@elektrik_exekutioner6822]

Rage.

[@VulgrimOfficial]

@@elektrik_exekutioner6822 Jep Rage too... love em

[@ryanxj9000]

@@elektrik_exekutioner6822 lmao! Since when is Rage “underrated”? Thy’re one of the biggest bands in metal history.

[@ryanxj9000]

It’s all subjective. I think they’re very accurately rated, as in, I really don’t care for their style of metal at all. To each their own.

[@elektrik_exekutioner6822]

@@ryanxj9000 lol what? Rage hardly get any credit at all which is a shame since they've been putting out 20+ absolute banger albums since '86.

[@HerrMissionar]

goddamned epic! instant classic

[@fsumeri]

favourite band at all times

[@MireWolf29]

Not all of them. He posted a video a while back doing a gear rundown where he states that he doesn't use the same pick-ups in all guitars. He lets the guitar dictate what pick-ups to use. I was also fairly surprised to find out that he uses low output pick-ups.

[@TheSeaUponUs]

@Jaunldiraens Yep, i know that Jon has a nice right-hand technique because he use very well the gallops, but in my opinion that Tim´s left-hand technique is better, because, he uses a lot of rhythm patterns and he can do every kind of tapping and riffs with different tempo pattenrs. Hear to Bloodmeat or C´est la vie.

[@NiteAngyl]

Goosebumps. All. Over.

[@s0niblackbones]

@Gabriopunk77 Well, what I meant is that John has a sertent style. So don't be surprized if you find out than a lot of songs are kind alike. Iron Maiden has the same riff in Hallowed be thy name, Genghis Khan and Transylvania (and that's only of the song's I've learned from maiden), but if you listen to those songs, you won't realise it :)

[@mvsfan3335]

Most people describe this band as Iron maiden as if James Hetfield Or Kirk was the guest. Its very well done. These guy took over when i didnt care about Korn much. These guys were way better.

[@Zaranell]

@alxdd2 Yes, they did. It's a historical phrase, not something they made up (on the off chance you don't already know).

[@ApacheChief]

If not for the capitol riot, I wouldn’t have came here. Now I’m gonna check out Iced Earth

[@demolitionizer7686]

The albums before Horror Show are great

[@drunkduck9854]

So... did you check them out? Thoughts?

[@natashka1982]

Fake staged riot created by the Democrats. Iced Earth is a most epic band

[@-Christoph]

Nice. Is it still legal to play that? Or do we have to pretend it's shit now?🤔

[@TheSkarlander]

Well said.

[@darkriff777]

Iced Earth: How to get arrested by the FBI.

[@stevekelso8386]

Band didnt get arrested lpl

[@xdx2653]

John my house at Greece its open in case you need it ;)

[@VulgrimOfficial]

The FBI will come to drink a tea with you🤣

[@xdx2653]

@@VulgrimOfficial :)

[@condradgaute7163]

He'll be a "back door" - man for quite a few years now.

[@tch8787]

Same blood that flowed through Lemmy and every other metal legend flows too through Jon’s iced veins

[@chassegardee7694]

That "Don't tread on me" explorer is tight af

[@turbosector8329]

For his next tutorial he should show us how to play Prison Sex by Tool.

[@dibbo9264]

Jon Schaffer is Awesome

[@TheSeaUponUs]

@Jaunldiraens Yep, they are a very technical band

[@G.G14]

I respect Jon Schaffer even more now.

[@VulgrimOfficial]

Yeah... seems he's hiding in your house *grabs the telephone...*

[@MrStrongbox]

Hell yeah! Hopefully we'll get his prison info so we can write to him! LMFAO

[@pattyhays487]

Great riff.

[@jomu8105]

Guitar Hero!!

[@khabriel]

Great sound!

[@Chuloloc]

Interesting. One of the best Iced Earth songs ever. Hail Iced Earth.

[@thrashtilldeath6131]

Hey guys, this is Jon Schaffer and he plays Rhythm-guitar and Lead-Guitar in One part

[@vincemeyer6637]

Jon is a guitar god!

[@ashitaka1337]

@Gabriopunk77 uhm...u know D&W consists of artists of IE and BG...it may sound similar but its not the same...and stop arguing...just listen to a twist in the myth, where BG used the whole song with another text for a second title

[@xxdigoc]

jon schaffer is a true patriot

[@chadmarx7718]

Lmao

[@nckhed]

@@user-rc4re5fo2f Haven't ANTIFA/BLM been attacking cops, though? Why do you care so much now? 🤷‍♂️

[@00JayD00]

Anyone knows what pickups he uses? Sounds like passive ones to me, great sound...what is the tuning people? thanks for help!

[@condradgaute7163]

Passive pickup lines will do just fine where he's going. In fact, he won't even need any.

[@schism8286]

This riff gets me so hard

[@ttannia1]

weird...in jons quitar says dont dread on me...its metallicas song and that snake logo is on metallicas black album

[@Jaunldiraens]

@SRcRasher Sorry dude, i meant it ironically. Tim plays some kind of solos together with the other guy. Great for him, but what i'm talking about are the rhythm patterns of Jon compared with Tims. Hearing Iced Earth, you hear the freaking right-hand technique making the basis of Iced Earth's songs. Hear to Dante's Inferno...a Masterpiece!!!

[@fboyacioglu]

This is Jon Schaffer from the Storming and the song is called Burning Career

[@eaglewarrior8707]

He's just creating a new line up.

[@jongunnarkirkholt8149]

Respect for him vent📉

[@monseespinosa9471]

Maestro aprenderemos contigo, saludos !!!!

[@soilentgreen162]

Schaffer is the Lord Of The Riffs

[@brycesstuff]

Free Jon Schaeffer 🤘🤘

[@rej1cry]

...so people say "Wait! How do you do that live?" "You don't worry about live. You know, you do, what you GOT to do" Fucking genius

[@landon6811]

legend

[@lmjones7716]

Now I've got Leather Rebel stuck in my head...

[@rechabdowding244]

best ever

[@Ivokbg]

@AJtheGuitarist38 Of course, it's not a sin to listen to a music other than metal either. But I don't hit the "dislike" button on every Justin Bieber or Shakira video, right? I hope you get my point :)

[@AJtheGuitarist38]

So you know... the phrase 'Don't tread on me' (along with the rattlesnake) was on the Gadsden Flag during the Revolutionary War. It has nothing to do with Metallica, even though they used it on the Black Album's cover and used it for the name of a song. Please learn your history instead of relying on assumption.

[@nckhed]

But, but... relying on assumption is so much easier! 😁

[@Maxbev14]

We're all here at the same time, huh?

[@darkchaos3487]

Viewing spiked when it came out and it spiked again lol

[@tomyblake7971]

Best real great tone.

[@ronescabral]

very good brother

[@AndViolate]

GODDAMN MR. JON,I JUST CAN'T FUCKING PLAY LIKE THAT.

[@acidangelster]

I know its pretty stupid to reply to a year old comment but I couldnt resist.If u really are a Metallica fan and if u have reached puberty u ll know that,the'Metallica signature' (Lol..assuming u re talking bout James) is actually an ESP and not a GIBSON.Matter of fact ESP were the one who plagarized the 'Explorer' shape of Gibson.Dont believe me,look at how the shape of James s (Metallica) guitar's shape has changed over the years.Basically its gibson asking Esp to come up with their own stuff

[@maxmolodtsov]

@FCValle Mine two 'cause two weeks ago he din't want to do the video lesson!

[@reapermanful]

december,15 live in cyprus!!!! f*cking yeah!!

[@pvlaur]

Swamp people playin' heavy guitar chords. I love it.

[@FCValle]

My face when i saw Jon Schaffer on GuitarWorld: :O

[@Cara-Calico]

@FazSaber totatlly agree, you got some good taste in music... good for you :D

[@Alejandro_87]

You know what would be cool to have? Perfect pitch. I don't have it so if you can tell me the fucking tuning you're using, that would be nice.

[@bnikolab]

I have to partly agree with you. I think that Death Magnetic is really good album.

[@SanctusFragmentum]

So whatever happened to Mr.Shafer

[@Cara-Calico]

he and many others are good reasons of mine to get the explorer, you will not get disappointed

[@s0niblackbones]

@Gabriopunk77 maybe because John wrote that one too? :D

[@U07110743]

so fucking amazing