Marty Friedman Shred Lesson - Melodic Ideas and Patterns

These videos and audio files are bonus content related to the December 2014 issue of Guitar World. For the full range of interviews, features, tabs and more, pick up the new issue on newsstands now or at the Guitar World Online Store:guitarworld.mys...
A great way to discover new licks and melodic patterns is to take a lick, melodic shape or note sequence that you often use and move it to different areas of the fretboard.
The benefits of this approach are two-fold. First, the licks and phrases are physically comfortable for you to play because you are already intimately familiar with them.
Second, without the lick posing any new technical challenge, you are more able to focus on hearing how the idea works over a alternate root notes.

[@tcrane8630]

"that bullshit is played with complete conviction"..... this guy is awesome

[@intellectualsolitudeproduc2865]

T Crane That should be a meme

[@jbasti227]

One of my favorite lines in a tutorial

[@DonnieGoodman-tz7kz]

Awesome? This guy's a fucking ninja on the six string. Slayer named their band after his playiing. He's a fucking ninja assassinator beyond the blackstar ninja.

[@michaellong8812]

"Started off normal...did some complete bullshit in the middle...ended up normal. And people thought it was great!" I dig it! Awesome licks! :D

[@t1mman]

Lesson learned: Bullshit with conviction will make it through!

[@AstraVex]

Marty literally doesn't give a shit because he's too awesome to care xD He even makes Bullshit sound awesome! :D

[@91Metalhead]

everytime i watch Marty Friedman he makes me change my perspective on music

[@chuchahan]

All time best lead guitarist for megadeth along with nick menza on drums.

[@R_Thomp]

That lineup was majestic

[@LeBronJames-sj7ds]

chirs. polnd was better

[@michaelgraham9774]

@@LeBronJames-sj7ds I'd say they are about the same level. They do a lot of the same things but in different styles. Chris uses outside the box notes in a chromatic, jazz-like style while Marty uses unusual note choice in a more Japanese/Middle Eastern style.

[@ethanolhaines4139]

David Ellefson was unreplaceable

[@BrunoGarciaMusic]

Dream Team

[@danny_HP]

"Did some complete bullshit in the middle" lmao

[@darkmatter462]

"The reason why is cuz that bullshit is played with complete conviction in there.." xD

[@PDXguitarfreak]

The challenge of picking the way Marty does is that you have to be very careful not to have the unwanted strings ring out. Muting the unwanted strings in a high gain setting (so they don't ring out), while still having the notes ring out that you want, is where so many guitar players fail. Anyway, very cool to see Marty do this, and it reminds me of an old Frank Zappa quote, which was something like "if you make a mistake, do it again and people will think you did it on purpose." I know that doesn't exactly fit what Marty did here, but it just reminds me of that philosophy of playing outside the box. :)

[@PDXguitarfreak]

***** Right on, that is funny indeed. I don't remember where I heard it, but it was probably in a guitar magazine back in the 80s... I used to read every single Guitar World and Guitar for the Practicing Musician front to back! :)

[@FrankThaThird]

One of favorites, Dimebag, said the same thing. I'm just a wee little beginner, but I'll definitely remember it down the road when I'm more experienced, "mistakes" are what make us as players individual among other things.

[@TheBeadleMachine]

:) "once is an error, twice is Jazz!"

[@AutoRiff]

Or as Adam Neely puts it, REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES REPETITION LEGITIMIZES

[@pedcie]

very underated.his style of playing is just plain awesome

[@TheNewAgeGamer97]

+pedro soliano What do mean underrated?! This is Marty Friedman!

[@dsaashley]

Exactly... Quite easily the greatest metal soloist if all time..maybe apart from randy rhoads.... So not underrated at all

[@dsaashley]

Exactly... Quite easily the greatest metal soloist if all time..maybe apart from randy rhoads.... So not underrated at all

[@danguilas885]

I think he meant the way he plays solos, not him as a guitar player.

[@nebworth6095]

Would kill to have this guy on one last Megadeth album. Kiko's fantastic, but you can't beat Marty

[@daltonmerrill9070]

wish he was on sfsgsw

[@swedisheinherjer]

1:07 ''Complete bullshit in the middle...''Oh yea!? Listen to me while I'm trying to play that shit and you'll change your mind about ''bullshit'' :)

[@sunnys5150]

Love how Matty talks man!! So straight up. People take things so seriously. Stress is ur worst enemy and that goes with anything u do.

[@themaggot8]

Funny that you called this "full shred", considering that Marty hates the word shred

[@JoshGoldie]

the term shred gets views though, thats all they care about

[@jasontaylor670]

He's a badass guitarist in my opinion I love the solos on rust in peace

[@misternil7006]

Jason Taylor dude check his wall of sound album if you havent

[@Dashasohn1]

"See what I'm sayin" -- Marty fucking Friedman.

[@TomPark1986]

It sounds like a bass note is played when he begins the run.

[@azathoz]

Yes, I noticed it too

[@sixstringswl]

see wum sain. cracks me up. dude can play!

[@CoryI]

See I'm sayin'?

[@eric7baldwin77]

Lol I've always loved this guy's playing. He's never been a great teacher for the musicians that learn visually, but I love that his teaching encourages others to create their own individual styles, just as he has. He's always had a true ear for crafting unique note patterns and rhythms!!

[@lamontprospect9974]

Marty said so many important things in this video. I mean let's face it, there's a lot of people out there who can learn to shred or copy someone else's shreds. But turning it into something unique is something else. I've been listening to a lot of the "Allman Brothers at the Fillmore East." There's a 50th anniversary of the album which comes with six cds, one for each of the different shows. They might do a minute amount of shredding but I guess the goal is to go for what's melodic and sounds good. Hope Marty's not mad at me for mentioning The Allman Brothers. I was never a speed metal fan but I'm trying to learn from all influences as Marty suggested.

[@stevewilson9778]

For anyone who hasn't yet, check out Melodic Control by Marty Friedman. One of the most important instructional videos for anyone interested in rock/metal/shred/melodic guitar playing imho. He always brings up the point of playing with conviction. Play it like you mean it. EVH is a prime example of attitude. He constantly pushed himself and "went for it," so even if anyone is able to hear the few missed notes or mistakes it doesn't matter. They're too busy being blown away by the 99% of the time he nails it.

[@JuanAndrade-mf2px]

MARTY IS THE MAN OF ASIAN SCALES !

[@adarov]

he is a true artist,no bullshit.

[@Shid_pants]

+Melodious Bard that bullshit is played with complete conviction XD

[@Dangzag]

Class act, Marty stands out amongst so many guitar players.

[@EternalAwait]

I've really enjoyed these Guitar World lessons Marty has been doing, hopefully he'll do even more in the future :D

[@doobieb0b]

8 years later and it still holds up. I first was inspired by EVH, and even if I didn't phrase nearly as good, it still allowed my creativity to shine bright, and for a while now I've been stuck in the same stuff. Watching Marty explain this in 3-4 minutes immediately just opens my pallet again.

[@scorpionz44]

see what im saying?

[@Pacminch]

see 'm sayin'

[@upplsuckimcool16]

See um' sayin?

[@CaryChilton]

Rocket Science and Clones!

[@mojopin70]

Yeah

[@Ascendancy25]

I read your comment before watching the video, so the video was terrible for me I pissed myself every time he pulled that off see'um sayin

[@SuperWowYou]

So glad I found Marty's lesson vids. I grew up rural before internet and never really had someone to teach me or had much encouragement when learning guitar. It seemed most books and video lessons I would acquire (even a few people) always made me feel I was doing everything wrong because my techniques were different from what they considered "correct". Marty helped me realize that these "abnormalities" are what gives you your own unique style and sound. I feel so much better about myself and my playing now. Thank You so much, and I will be sure to encourage other musicians in the same manner. Peace...

[@SefniAsheforr]

Although it's interesting in how he explains his unique picking style, I've never needed to do that to avoid muting my notes.

[@jerky2112]

No one does. This is some weird quirk he developed. He has also developed a reason for using it. :P Its completely unnecessary though. But, the guy can play! So I can't bash him for it.

[@SefniAsheforr]

True enough

[@temporarymomentary]

He played like that since day one. It's not a technique. It's just his own style. It's Marty's natural way of playing.

[@pablocacaster]

i think it has to do with the bridge of the guitar

[@nino9273]

pablo perez he does that on every guitar, you can pick 'normally' on a les paul

[@divineheretic82]

Just knowing he finally spoke about his pick style. Been watching him since the early 90’s.

[@andrerichard628]

I saw him live in September at the Great American in SF. What a great show! His playing is such an inspiration to me as player. Inferno rocks, long live Marty!

[@Locoandchooch]

When I first heard Marty in the late 80’s, his string bending blew my mind. Very hard to duplicate,copy.

[@THE_WOAT]

Introductions and Scenes... two of the best guitar albums ever. I so wish that Marty would make another record in that style.

[@SinistrousWoodlove]

So cool! I've been into Marty's (and Jason's) playing since I heard the first Cacophony album way back in '87? I wore out the grooves on my copy of "Dragon's Kiss" because I listened to it so often. His approach to the art of shred was truly original and inspirational. Like all great players, he's one of a kind. No clones!

[@cryomanc3r]

Love that he always tells it like it is without sugar coating anything.

[@garysingleton149]

It looks like marty mutes the top strings without muting the the one he wants to play. .Incredible control... and he had to be conscious of doing this at first until it became his picking technique, without having to always be thinking about it. I needed this lesson.

[@PedroYippeekayaye]

Marty Friedman, you're a total kickass player!

[@mr.m2051]

The reason why I picked up a guitar and started shredding. This guy is so inspiring!

[@Flawson317]

Great vid! I'd like to add one helpful hint for anyone trying to decipher the first lick- when he says he's staying in the rules with basic Em triads, the lower one (before what he starts calling "bullshit") is actually a Cmaj triad- the relative major of the actual key he's soloing in (Am). This Cmaj triad sets up the chromatic descent and it's the key to making the "BS" part work (besides the conviction thing, that always true) Anyway, great lick, and yes I've been a fan since cacophony. PS- correct, the picking is very much like George Benson. I can't get my wrist to play ball on that one, but both Marty and George get VERY fast and toneful playing from it. I'm not hating on it, I really wish I could do it comfortably cheers

[@ryanmartin8837]

Marty is the best. Been my fav guitarist since the early 90's...

[@211Appolo]

Damn, for a 52 year old Marty looks great.

[@mikemerifield5708]

+211Appolo he's 52?

[@211Appolo]

Mike Merifield Yeah....lol

[@R_Thomp]

He probably doesn't drink or do drugs, probably eats right and looks like he exercises too

[@BlueLeon2287]

I love how marty never stops getting better. Same with paul gilbert and steve vai.

[@alexisverduzco646]

Damn marty is so humble,honest and fucking skilled

[@Bodyknowledge77]

I've grew up listening to hard rock and metal and still dig it somewhat (especially the classic's) Its not really though what I'm orientated to in my playing style mostly. But still I watch lessons like this to pick up something. Some kind of inspiration or nugget. Thanks Marty!

[@MrLiorman]

Marty is a gamechanger.Marty you are the best!

[@lamontprospect9974]

Thank you for the excellent advice, heartfelt suggestions, and encouragement. It's so easy to feel intimidated watching someone this fast. But you give a lot of great advice about doing what fits me and making it my own to create something new and unique. Thank you.

[@musicformysanity9050]

No words man! This is freaking amazing and hilarious at the same time!

[@crazy.horse.]

Love his playing, he is awesome, haven't heard his solo work, but his solos in Megadeth were absolutely amazing, cool, different...Marty is one of my favourite guitarist!

[@topeka321]

this guy is an absolute idol

[@whackcracka]

I enjoy the way he speaks and I feel I can actually learn and take in ideas the way he explains stuff

[@humanperson4132]

I took this advice 8 years ago and I'm happy to inform everyone that i still suck. Keep shredding

[@lcjg2013]

Marty has only gotten better with age, man. this guy is awesome!

[@craigharrison5406]

Ya he definitely has a unique picking technique with the up slant...most schools of thought discourage the up slant...but it definitely works for marty. Paul Gilbert used the upslant when he was young and switched to the down slant when he was in racer x.

[@tomprice3258]

Marty is great! Hands down, a great player with his own style.

[@SaneRevel]

Ive been practicing for about 5 months now and I love playing guitar. These videos here are great and Marty is great to learn from! Just yesterday I was practicing scales and I looked down at my picking hand and it was positioned just like Martys oh no !

[@bilalmalikguitarist]

inferno was amazing.Still listen to it!

[@TheMasterfulcreator]

I don't understand Marty's justification for his picking technique. You don't mute the strings you're playing. You mute the strings you're not playing.

[@tomowenpianochannel]

He just lets the other strings ring, creating harmonics and richness. Compared to an elastic band plucking in a cardboard box on its own. He has the virtuosity to just play what he wants or what he feels on the open strings as it happens, and the devil may care if there's a wrong note here or there, it gets incorporated into the whole which is swift, evolving, different each time and far more awesome than most people can produce with years of practise. Same as piano - pedal off - dry and soulless. Pedal down - different worlds open up, overtones, echoes, fullness of tone. Black and white, or rainbows of colour. Does Roger Federer jump when he serves? No idea. But it goes in more of the time and goes in faster than most other players ever. Basically when you're as good as this guy already was 20 years ago, you can do what the hell you like after and he has. He is a career guitarist, an exploratory musician, one of the greatest exponents of the guitar ever in so many musical styles.

[@amjan]

Random noise is not richness.

[@FriedMetroid]

Going to reply to a four-year-old comment here. I don't really get it either. On classical guitar they for sure let the open strings resonate on purpose to add more depth to the sound, but with High Gain that usually just ends up sounding like staticy noise

[@TheMasterfulcreator]

@@FriedMetroid i feel like I made this comment very recently. Also Samus4Life.

[@archdukefranzferdinand4992]

the reason is when you’re playing with high gain you don’t need to mute all your other strings. It’s hard to explain but just Plug in your guitar and turn your gain up all the way and try playing a chord then a note without muting that previous chord and it won’t be ringing out still.

[@Samadabedi]

Marty has always been a beast!

[@hawkwind8468]

Luv it when martys like . ""So I played this bullshit but I did it with conviction it's true people want confidence bc they r inspired by it...beethoven said to play a wrong note is insignificant to play without passion is inexcusable!

[@ixa-3140]

Who gives a dam

[@ixa-3140]

No one

[@irmasil3]

Watching this and hearing Marty talking about his "suffle the soup" picking technique I think you can definitely play non-muted notes without this stuff. But, as I huge fan, I will try to do another interpretation here. I have seen Marty in zillion videos, and my guess is that picking this way actual helps him play very fast sequences of "down stroking" arpeggios ( pick is in a pretty harsh angle towards the ground) and also helps pinching this last note upwards as well ( usual Marty stuff) on his 2 string arpeggios. Lets face it the man is almost arpeggiating everything. No trying to be a wise guy here, just my 2 cents to the story...BTW Marty rules!!!

[@takeshelter5313]

Marty is amazing

[@gaelbgalbar9307]

Marty is the man who has a new song idea each second.

[@dr.darrenmartinphd509]

He is such a awesome person, thanks Marty

[@kevinhunt5362]

I don't know much still an intermediate playwright myself, but I can tell his passion for playing is the same as mine. Nice guitar too.

[@ChristosAvg]

Marty turned to Dio

[@sashingopaul3111]

Christos Avg true

[@midorilimex3199]

but can he stop time

[@jto541]

I don't know how Marty can solo with that right hand position and get basically no unwanted string noise. Goes to show what a naturally gifted guitarist he is. He has a touch to his playing that most normal people will never replicate.

[@MauricioCaran]

he mutes as much as possible with his left hand

[@failedattempt624]

Marty is one of the greats.his style is very unique,not anyone can emulate him.He and Al Pitrelli are two of Megadeth's most technical guitar players.these licks are tough to play.

[@ferriswill4929]

Failed Attempt Who's Al Pitrelli and when was he in Megadeth?

[@troysmithfr]

I disagree with Al Pitrelli, Chris Poland has that spot.

[@troysmithfr]

Pitrelli was in Megadeth in the early 00s.

[@TheKobe246]

I always loved the way he picked its different..

[@larrywhitted7333]

I love his playing.

[@garysanders4310]

Love you Marty!

[@TheGalilee416]

How can you not love him?!

[@christianolivera3286]

marty is the man

[@danmcamis4887]

I finally know why he picks like that! But you can still pick without muting while in the muting position so you can mute easier if needed. Then again he probly never mutes at all.

[@msumungo]

In other words, you need both trained musician's confidence And street showman's resolve. Ok.

[@phabi0]

+msumungo and a little bullshit to throw in the middle!

[@andrewdenine1685]

I can hear the rust in peace album in your solos alot

[@k1k2k37]

happy birthday martyy

[@ssblu2112]

The Tailpiece and Bridge on that Paul Reed Smith are sweet af

[@aleksandarpotocnjak9219]

the man is in the Top 15 of the world's🌎🎵 best guitarists🎸🎸🎸

[@jpcontreras87]

the new friedman album is amazing, love love love it...HORRORS feat jason holly becker, cacophony 2014...can't ask for more

[@taLLdavidproduction]

hes my favorite after seeing him live

[@MrPetepetepetepete]

Great job Marty. Well said.

[@bilalmalikguitarist]

Inferno is awesome! Still listening!

[@nicolettenuss]

Damn, I'm living for that lick at 3:27

[@zakkrick]

I took one advice from you long long time ago, that its OK to be different from the next guitar player next to you.

[@BARAKSHIMONY]

there's no problem with changing to any kind of chord while on Pedal Tone anytime in history, so why saying someone forbids it? love you Marty.

[@chuckpowers7503]

Muting tip that was a great tip thanks Marty and thanks for being down to earth and I will get that Inferno record thanks again Marty 🎸🎶✌👍

[@A7XxAfterlifex]

"ya see what I'm saying?" - Marty

[@shtfuk668]

+NickyVengeance it's more of a seeum sayin?

[@sentiasabelajar7431]

thanks you marty..very easy to understand...practice to make my style guitar..

[@ModernGolfer]

This is Marty's style, and approach. Don't copy his style, but learn from it to develop your own.

[@work1907]

Zeeum zayin'

[@valeriylevin373]

I like him, he's funny and he knows what he's talking about.

[@SuperPsychoterror]

Love the finger flick....he does it repeatedly through all his video's. If you don't know what I'm talking about watch his video's again. He won't use his pick but rather uses his other finger and "flicks" the string.

[@PurpleDreki]

Thank you Marty!

[@Eszz2384]

This contains some of the most important Marty-isms

[@kennethsantana1101]

my sister wants her hollister hoodie back, dude.

[@drewschroeder4233]

This leterally is the best

[@drewschroeder4233]

Literally*

[@yugesh99]

watching friedman and malmsteen 's latest videos ... i feel old :)

[@MitjaShi]

awesome lessons! thanks!

[@jaymz8222]

actually pretty sure he did like an e major arpeggio, unlocked that harmonic minor sound, then some weird triads but kept a base note of the scale...

[@loombaron]

most technical explanation ever 1:14