Thrash Course w/Revocation's Dave Davidson: How to Build Heavy Riffs

[@phillipgohorns]

remember when you first learned power chords and thought you were done learning guitar?

[@benjaminrapp8651]

oh man, the first time I played the rhythm to "rock you like a hurricane" all the way through. I felt like a God! 21 years later and I still don't know jack compared to guys like Dave.

[@CJ_YT.]

Yep I do

[@houston626]

Ah the moment you think you are ready to start a band .

[@HipsterEatinShark]

Haha, it's all good man. The rest of it from here is where the magic happens. Isn't that at least kind of exciting?

[@guitarofdestiny]

Magnus Berzerkersen you mean I'm not? 😟

[@junkawakami3193]

love the fact that he seamlessly tells what interval he's playing from the root note i know, he's a berklee alumni

[@TronciM]

One of the best modern guitarists. Revocation are way too underrated

[@Kojitsu]

Ya'll need to stop complaining about the theory. You can learn how to construct the sound you want, or you can just hope it happens by accident for the rest of your life.

[@faustomrtnz]

Kojitsu that's generally how I learned piano as a kid lol

[@jbasti227]

I feel that balancing both works best. Some people just have a natural ear for great sounds while others may not, but relying too much on theory can make your work sound too contrived. Once you master theory, you can fall back on it if your struggling on how to progress a piece

[@CannabisKills]

Dave: You seem like an awesome person. There are true musicians and fans out there who appreciate the work you have created, the music you share. You are loved by people, keep being yourself and do what you love.

[@iviaverick52]

Am I the only one too distracted by that gorgeous spalted maple top to pay attention to the playing?

[@TheAgentAssassin]

I'm more distracted by the sprig of red bush hair. 0_o

[@playedthefool]

I'm more about the beard his under arms are rockin'

[@tollelege5635]

Nah I can’t hear him whenever he plays his guitar. Hard to understand

[@nooralamgir3703]

Im more distracted by the Death shirt

[@adel.l.92]

I didnt understand anything, but i like it.

[@qubla2]

word

[@MrMANGAT0]

Same...think he's talking about a girl called Lydia?

[@HipsterEatinShark]

+MrMANGAT0 No, I believe it's Dori Anne. Lydian is just one of her moods. She's an Ionian. I think he said she works on the archipelago.

[@marcusaschenbrenner3126]

Brundlefly lmao funny shit

[@JGAbstract]

@@HipsterEatinShark the fly, great movie

[@mksounds6326]

Great lesson, Mr. Davidson. The sharp IV has a cool flavor to it. Having grown up with late 80's metal I learned the hell out of Aeolian, and therefore I tend to see the fretboard based off natural minor more than Ionian. Learning the major scale is truly the key to all things mode-alicious. Rock on. MK

[@hawk6111]

No. Not true...the guy who learnd only in major scale would say the same thing about minor scale. However most rock and metal is in minor scale

[@mksounds6326]

@@hawk6111 I agree. Rock and metal live in Aeolian, Harm Minor, etc. I've found it easier to call sharps and flats to other guitarists if they understand the major scale for the intervals. Thanks again for the feedback and the lesson and all the best from the Bay Area! MK

[@hemorrhoids4022]

"As a kid, I found this very confusing "

[@oldGnRrocks1]

yes.. he did say that.. so??

[@kudagenit]

It's still confusing lol

[@uragonertoo1335]

Its easier to grasp if you change the modes but keep the root the same. You are then essentially changing keys of course but you will definitely hear the difference. So play G Ionian , G Dorian , G Phrygian, G Lydian , G MIxolydian, G Aeolain and of course Locrian. Ionian, Lydian and MIxolydian have a Major 3. Dorian , Phrygian and Aeolian have a MInor 3rd so play those after each other to get the depth and difference of the modes

[@SuperPyrusMaster]

I can testify :S one can only start to understand theory when they apply it to their instrument

[@rickfeith6372]

Learn the notes!! This is where piano is cake, and is MUCH easier to visualize the notes. With guitar, you cant expect to get very far with theory until you can name the notes all over the neck...then things will RAPIDLY start to make sense. Also, play the modes with the same root to REALLY hear the subtle differences as stated above, and do interval ear training to lock that upstairs...there is only 12 intervals and they ALL have a very unique sound.

[@joeyoung9185]

Really digging his tone.

[@Kwert]

As far as I'm concerned there is no such thing as "theory inhibiting creativity". Keep in mind that the theory came after the sounds. People found tones/pitches that sounded good together, and then found ways to quantify/qualify those sounds. People get too caught up in their head about knowing standard theory and often look at it as this strange beast that is "separate" from the music. It makes it seem far less daunting when you realise that all "theory" is is a language to describe an organized (or in some cases, disorganized, hahah) set/grouping of sounds.

[@viniciusbertucci]

@@crm321 Music theory is meant to develop your vocabulary, so you can express yourself in much more complex and richer ways. All the Rock musicians that write music without theory background, write stupidly simple harmonies without much development.

[@TheSchemer1]

Yeah, to sum it up - Theory is "descriptive", not "prescriptive"

[@Kwert]

​@@crm321 I'm aware this comment is 6 years old, but where the hell did I say that? What I'm commenting on is this pedestal that guitarists tend to place music theory on, as if it's an unattainable force or a cure-all to creative woes. It's neither of those things. As the poster below put it, theory is descriptive, not prescriptive. It should not be looked at as something "separate" from music as it is a language used to describe music. Expanding your vocabulary can help expand possibilities when it comes to writing and playing, but knowing it is not a panacea.

[@Coloradiohead]

dave, imo you are one of the best skilled all around guitarists out there today man, keep on rockin bro! sick shirt too, leprosy is my favorite death album

[@WeKnowTheTruth2012]

Best t shirt to wear.

[@rudociliak6683]

oh the ignorance of these "play music fuck theory" people... lol

[@JMetalGuitarist]

For anyone that had a hard time understanding this he’s doing a two string lick that gies up an octave each time and emphasizing that distinct sound of the scale that cones from that one change to major scale you get in the fourth nite by using that position. By centering his ideas around the one note that’s different between that scale and the major scale he’s setting the tone for a strong suggestion of that scale’s sound so instead of just hearing the major scale in a different position you really have an undeniable connection to the sound of the different scale mode. I mean, it’s all relative to what type of sound or feeling you’re trying to accomplish. Since the fourth note is the only thing the two scales don’t have in common focusing on ideas based around that note brings out the distinction between the two. It’s just a way of bringing out the subtle difference between the two and letting the listener know that he’s intentionally going for this general type of sound that is distinct to lydian as opposed to just being the major scale notes in another spot on the neck.

[@JMetalGuitarist]

Basically since the fourth note of the scale changes in lydian he’s starting his ideas with that note or at least centering them around it so you hear it all good and stuff

[@tietjen666]

It's cool to mention how modal variants of ionian have, for you, certain feeling or emotional implications. For example, the aug4 interval. Thanks for doing this.

[@HCmetal022]

Once again that T-shirt \m/

[@Forkface01]

Dude, I think they record all the videos the same day and then release them sporadically, that's why he's wearing that tshirt in all videos :P

[@HCmetal022]

Forkface01 I know I just love that t-shirt

[@jbasti227]

It's a great shirt

[@tristaningram945]

Yeah it's a Death t-shirt! I believe we all know by now that he likes that band. Very observant BTW

[@victor706103]

The guitar is so beautiful!

[@GravelThroatReviews]

e-mC2 x 1 billion % of corndog

[@juanmanuelmarrerotorruella2412]

Dave "this is easy" Me "huh?"

[@n.a31214]

2:20 is that a song? I love that riff

[@gabrielalbertogarcia4356]

great lesson but misleading title

[@nvrtkn]

Very helpful. I really need to practice my modes.

[@Setamine]

Dave Davidson - packaging genius in the form of sound since 1999

[@wyldeman71]

Well I've just realized how much I don't know about guitar.

[@anarchyintheusa4443]

wyldeman71 cool thing is is that theory applies to all instruments to the most part a G scale has the same notes on all instruments

[@blazfuturama]

Proud that this all makes sense to me lol

[@Oblivion175]

+Robert Manzone Fucking same

[@nicosmat]

Really gave me hope for myself as a musician

[@andrewarriola6127]

I like the shred at the end

[@DaveManleyguitar]

Really the one of THE BEST ways to explain the modes, is to include the harmonic structure, hence triads over bass notes. Using the major triads built form the 4th and 5th degree of the key you are "borrowing" the mode from is a better way to highlight the actual melodic and harmonic sound (mood) of the mode. So, if your trying to capture the essence of E Locrian, take the major key that E locrian comes from (F). Take the triads based on the 4th and 5th degree of F, Bb and C. (the sub dominant and dominant). These two major triads played back to back want to resolve to F, Try, you'll see. Then to capture the E Locrian Mode sound, play Bb and C over E. (Bb/E and C/E) Record or loop these alternating chords, say a bar a piece and improvise your heart out on E Locrian. Again all the notes in the F major scale will work, but the essence of the mode will be captured in by the Triads over bass notes.

[@gibsonfenderish]

I totally got it,,,,will reinvestigate the lydian mode as soon as I get to CMC Guitars in Vineland, NJ

[@danielepitzoi6097]

2:38 "No Way Out" by Annihilator LOL

[@MarkArandjus]

Dude knows his shit.

[@kazaakas]

Digging the guitar, tone, melodies and theoretical explaination!

[@xXxThelegend27xXx]

Goddamn this guy is really good at making up riffs on the spot (yes I know he went to Berklee)

[@opethinchains]

this guys an all-round bad ass. with a death shirt, no less. and that Jackson got me cryin in my pants....

[@jordencharles4830]

What I like to do is hit the open E and A strings together, like doing a power chord, but I call that gorilla chugging. I obviously palm mute them as well. I think it just makes it bigger and heavier.

[@camfre4k]

what does it mean when you say you go up a major 7 or sharp 4 ? Does that mean he's playing and arpeggio of a chords in the scale in different octaves. but only are playing 3 notes from that chord, like the 1-3 and 7 degree of the chord ?

[@boyanovgimn]

Jackson are the best looking guitars for sure!

[@troublingleaf]

Everything you've said in this video is useful to learning to write riffs, but it was really a rushed lesson on the modes, good stuff to learn and useful for building the right vibes in to the riffs, but it felt more like a domonstration of your playing ability than a lesson to me!

[@JonnyCrackers]

How to build heavy riffs: "Uh hey guys, here's how lydian works." At least give it a fitting title, Guitar World.

[@hawg427]

Are you the same DAVE that was on the phone with The Tone King on Friday's LIVE webcast?

[@argetect2847]

4:06 oh is that all that is? Why didn't you say so, Dave? *throws guitar out window *

[@rodericklenz5030]

I understand the concept, but I have no idea how to memorize stuff like "This is b octavionin". I know how to find the scales (or at least the combinations that sound "right"), do these names matter at all?

[@todd0000420]

i didnt hear any heavy riffs.

[@JensTwn]

Probably the best tshirt in the world =)

[@mikebunero6147]

that spalted top is sick

[@209chancho]

This actually helped. Thanks!!!

[@stangzilla331]

I never studied theory and now I'm 44 years old ,I have my sound my own tone but my limited "modes" I know have held me back . So my point is learn it all so you can put your thoughts soul ideas to better use or ya just end up Limited playing doom metal ..but that's cool too light it up 👍

[@Milehighshred]

I was the same way when learning about modes when I started playing guitar. Never understood the point back then!

[@JohnM-cd4ou]

i came here from a Satchel guitar lesson, so watching someone being serious during a guitar tutorial was kind of weird

[@infernapeDLS]

Does anyone know which pickups he has in his guitar, I know he used Dimarzios but are they they the D-activator 7's ?

[@DaveDavidsonMusic]

Yeah they're D Activator 7's

[@DualHelix5]

David Davidson Appreciate everything you do bro, but it's gonna take a lot more than this lesson to help me understand modes! Lmao. But I'm trying!

[@nooralamgir3703]

This is the guy we needed in Yousician

[@mihaelguitarhero]

Are you a wall for painting?

[@randucci]

I have no idea what he was talking about but it's great video.

[@thesnaker_96dc7]

What's the name of the song at the intro? Or is is just something they made up for the video?

[@a.n.t.94]

Fuck, I really need to learn this stuff...

[@coal1987]

all that theory talk is making my head hurt

[@coal1987]

+Janeen Clark u can't read?

[@coal1987]

***** my bad bro.my apologizes.

[@nmjdfbjq]

music theory sounds like a foreign language, I am currently taking guitar lessons, even though I'm not that advanced, a lot of the videos make sense and its easier to understand once you have some music theory knowledge. I recommended you to take guitar lessons if you can. it so much easier to learn than just by using the internet. trust me, I know.

[@coal1987]

+Mario Murillo i understand where u come from and i respect it. however jimi actually admitted in a an interview that he couldn't even read music. do u think he learned theory? Theory can help depending how u play the guitar but when the majority of the great rock songs of the 60s 70s 80s rely on simple riffs and melodies it makes me feel that musical intuition triumphs over theory. that's just my opinion.

[@nmjdfbjq]

I agree, some people just have that gift. Not just musicians, some people can learn just by ear. However not all of us have that ability, Thats when learning the proper way comes handy, it can be a mess if you try to gig with other musicians and don't even know in what key they're playing.

[@kthcsh]

Have no idea who this guy is but that was great!

[@CesarSandoval024]

Was dave still doijg tweek at this time?

[@djc741]

Where can we find tabs of the Figures? You know, without buying the magazine..

[@djc741]

nvm found it www.guitarworld.com/artist-lessons-lessons-news-magazine/thrash-course-revocations-dave-davidson-building-heavy-riffs

[@treygreypaws3689]

Revocation and Death shirt...Soo much metal

[@gatomaru]

If this is a thrash course then i'm beyonce.

[@TheObZenx]

Hey Beyonce

[@mrsWat-sc1xd]

Go Go Girl ,oppsss BEYONCE

[@Stumpy801]

Fuck you Beyoncé

[@DSWEIG]

If peeing your pants is cool, then call me Miles Davis.

[@TheLotusManFILMs.]

I love Bey Once

[@royengineer9808]

lol @ 1:40 the riff reminds me of queen. its a kinda of magic nice tutorial

[@AnkothOfficial]

It's more like part of the lead in It's a kind of magic. I heard it too. I thought nobody noticed. There's also an annihilator riff in the video at 2:38.

[@jonashellborg8320]

Yeah very cool -basic diatonic scale is piss easy to learn. Then find the 7 modes (basically with each of the 7 different notes as root), and you have a lot of cool stuff to play.

[@justsomedudelmao]

When he played that single note riff at 2:20 I kinda felt like I just opened a new can of worms for my playing maybe it was the way he explained it before playing it but all I know is that I have something big for my guitar arsenal don't ask how it just came to me it's weird

[@pumpernickel4429]

What's the song during the video's intro?

[@the92project]

my favorite mode is depeche Mode

[@troyfrost1980]

That's one f****** Badass Jackson Guitar . TroyFrost / Troyster

[@RodinTheOnlyOne]

nice t shirt.

[@brianmcalpine3948]

Was the riff around 3:05 a vektor riff lol

[@jgmopar]

there was nothing that showed how to build a heavy riff. just how to play a scale. figure 4 was not a heavy riff. very useful video but titled wrong in my opinion. I love that guitar is it painted or wood grain that i see.?

[@Duffzig]

EVERYONE. HES TUNED A HALF STEP DOWN. SO DONT WORRY. JUST TUNE YOUR GUITAR A HALF STEP DOWN. OR JUST PLAY WHATS HES PLAYING ONE FRET UP. Sorry for the caps lock. I just feel like this could frustrate a lot of people who didn't realize it.

[@cynicalliesttv]

You mean one fret down?

[@Duffzig]

Whoops. Yeah that lol

[@cynicalliesttv]

Lol. Ya done goofed

[@justsomeclown7197]

looks like i'm in the wrong place.. back to practicing smoke on the water

[@thathandleistakentrythisone]

This helps thank you

[@matteocoda6368]

His background allows him to make his metal quite fun and original even thought he doesn't invent anything new.

[@tombulTOMBUL]

kuul t-shirt. hail Chuck.

[@EnCrypticon23x]

I too am familiar with the numbers and the alphabet.

[@OrestGarasum]

What's that guitar model is ? Looks awersome !

[@Art_Riddle]

Its a Jackson Warrior 7 with a Spalted maple Top. I believe its either a signature or a custom.

[@OrestGarasum]

thx !

[@patriklannebrink3579]

Arthur Riddle It's a custom.

[@pedraw]

Looks like a Jackson Warrior to me.

[@rasmusdunkanhovgaard5652]

How does he get that sharp tone? :0

[@jasonlawhorne4669]

nice Jackson custom shop Warrior

[@malcolmrff]

What was that song in the intro?

[@thrasher2863]

Invidious - Revocation

[@LoosegripGR]

Now THIS is some fucking Thrash riffage. And this guy is one hell of a guitarists, kinda makes me sad people still worship that Kerry King fucker and don't even know Dave.

[@retpaladin593]

what guitar model is that? cool video btw..

[@Qliphirot]

Jackson Warrior custom 7 string

[@toneywhisnant151]

How does one play thrash in major?

[@mylerwilson4879]

Vektor does it in tetrastructual minds

[@DeathMetalThrasher]

I have no idea what he's talking about referring to theory lol I read tabs, that works for me. I'm sure I'd understand if I knew.

[@iliketoscreamLOUD]

Lydian and Phrygian are the best modes for heavy music.

[@kilianseifertleitch8803]

Donald Sowash Locrian is beautiful for riffing

[@BenCalver]

Please someone tell me what guitar this is!!

[@Coldwallbar]

Dave had a couple custom Warrior guitars built by Jackson for him.. This was one of them who in the end, didn't make the final cut

[@Mop_v21]

Just bought that shirt....now I want to buy that guitar

[@themuse321]

+Jose Valles make sure you got armpit hair too

[@Mop_v21]

+majed wabbi working on it 😂

[@terran236]

that seventh string is lonely, not enough Djent. :( jkjk

[@Twice_Marvel]

Daves tats are fucking sick

[@AdrianRamirez-tj3st]

I dont know if he is teaching us or just flexing on us

[@300kike]

You’re a great teacher, but oh boy am I in the wrong class

[@LambofPantera66]

This guy is a fucking genius

[@jacks2axe]

simpsons theme notes on those arpeggios at the end :D

[@numetal1982]

This video make me feel more confident when I play my guitar 🤪🤪

[@Freepin]

Does he only have one shirt or did he just record a whole pile of video's in one day?

[@granto425]

God that shirt is just... yes.

[@thetruemusichead]

Is it possible to be a thrash metal guitarist without knowing any theory at all, or no?

[@declanp1]

If course it is!

[@declanp1]

Most don't know any of it.

[@thetruemusichead]

@@declanp1 Oh, lol!

[@metaldownm]

Great video, wrong title. Still liked it.

[@theodore738]

WHO'S LIDIA

[@thebigsour6212]

I knew it was him just by the shirt and the guitar