TOP 10 THINGS METAL GUITARISTS ARE DOING WRONG

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What really grinds my gears - episode 1 - Top 10 things metal guitarists are doing wrong.
#1: Using a Fret Wrap to cover up Bad Technique
#2: Not Enough focus on rhythm playing
#3: Wowing people with technique rather than writing a song
#4: Using multiple noise gates to hide fundamental problems
#5: Playing with too much gain
#6: The lack of James Hetfield appreciation
#7: Not playing to a metronome
#8: Not recording yourselves to critically analyze your playing.
#9: Progressive metal means to progress. Writing a riff salad is not progressive
#10: We believe we are better than we actually are
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[@truescotsman4103]

but music is a subjective artform. similar to burping or farting its all subjective. what makes you think you can define standards? you're so full of yourself. shut the fuck up and play

[@t3hgir]

lol

[@flufficornss]

if its subjective then he can state his opinion

[@truescotsman4103]

@@flufficornss standards aren't an opinion everybody shares a standard each individual has opinions

[@flufficornss]

@@truescotsman4103 wah wah i do one of the things he said and im angry

[@flufficornss]

@@truescotsman4103 all of his "Standards" were him explaining things that will set you back and if you properly explore them you'll get better

[@wrstgwssr7947]

This is the first "TOP 10 THINGS YOUR DOING WRONG" ive seen which is actually helpfull.

[@bkellum89]

You're using the wrong your lulz

[@jayheevlogs]

your down picking offends me everytime

[@Cestariarts]

Is it some sort of sickness?

[@RustyShackleford-bc9ce]

when I saw it live it was a literal blur..

[@balduglymonkey6878]

@@RustyShackleford-bc9ce clean your ears

[@9885712635]

JB's down picking is against geneva code , it's nuclear .

[@RudyAyoub]

nice meme

[@brendanmobbs6808]

Loving the consistent uploads man

[@tokemon1994]

Seconded

[@le0_fx]

so focking much truth in a single video, amazing

[@mikedawesofficial]

On the money with the JH appreciation mate

[@JohnBrownemonuments]

Thanks for checking this out guys! I will do more of these style videos in the future.

[@realmovsean6988]

thank you! I live by all of these rules and am glad you said it!!

[@aztmw957]

Brilliant idea 👌 more, more, more

[@The_Kevinist]

Can you make a tutorial on how hungry you gotta be to pull those metal as fuck burps? I have a million dollar idea that’s going to start a wave of new shitty metal bands No just kidding, you’re the shit John!

[@Metalbass10000]

In the late 1980's I had been playing guitar fanatically for just over 2 years, averaging 4 to 8 hours a day. I was already playing the entire Rising Force album beginning to end, as well as tons of Randy Rhoads, Vivian Campbell, Micheal Schenker, Blackmore, Iommi, and was ready to show the world. I was asked to join a local band for an upcoming gig, but they'd just lost their bassist. I knew these guys, and I was ready to be asked to play lead, because I knew, and they knew, I played circles around them at the music stores. I walked in, saw and heard two guys downpicking Master, and about 5 other songs. ALL of the songs were at tempo or way above album tempo. Every song was super tight together, every note was crisp, clean, crushing tone, and had the proper dynamics relative to all the others. THEY were setting tempo for the drummer. Song number seven, an original song, mostly downpicked and FAST, I smiled, thought to myself, "this could be a lot of fun," grabbed the Fender P-bass waiting on the stand, and loved it! To this day I can still play lead guitar, and guitar solos, better than either of those gtwo guys can, and they would be the first to admit it, but I will always be playing bass when the three of us Jam because there's just something about that feel and that tone, really precisely played, with power and yet feel , and when the song calls for it a fast ike a couple jackhammers pounding on your forehead and chest when down picking metal riffs properly. And we get together to play songs, to play music, not to diddle or stroke ego, and the songs were stronger with those two guys playing The rhythms ... and I became a pretty decent bass player in my own right, so they tell me.

[@nyima7tamang]

Thanks I've been trying to down pick master of puppets recently. This video helped me alot

[@marvinrockon]

Man I gotta say anxiety hit me hard first as i was expecting 9/10 of it hits me hard. Some did a bit. But hey, I’m on my way. Guys it’s ok if we suck. It’s just not ok if we don’t really try to change that.

[@aaactive8]

Absolutely love this video. The camera shifts make it look like some super serious program on current affairs and news reports. Like, 60 minutes or something - sorry i'm in Australia, not sure what other countries have haha. I'm actually a bit of a Hetfield, all I did for the first 10 years of playing was down pick like a mad man, got it super tight, fast, great attack, and can play many riffs that people would alternate pick... That also has it's bad side as I had to spend the next 5 years+ alternate picking, in turn my lead work is shithouse in comparison and occasionally come across a riff that doesn't seem that difficult but genuinely can't be down picked, so it's a bit awkward. Learn every aspect peeps, even the ones that make you feel uncomfortable or you struggle with!

[@dave7922]

For real, you always gotta diversify your technique or you’ll confine yourself big time

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Been recording videos and covers for the past two years and have to say my rhythm playing has become a lot tighter because of it. I find it much easier to double track these days. I've also learnt how sloppy my playing was as well. Record yourselves people! You can nail practising your rhythm playing, to a metronome and then critically analyse it all in one go.

[@montsen808]

Number 6 man, thanks for number 6

[@allanqa]

This is soooooo true, I learned downstrokes just playing master of puppets and creeping death, both songs are metal school

[@trialbystone2532]

"Riff Salad" is my new favourite term.

[@bhbuzzco7719]

Extremely informative and straight to the point! Didn’t take a 15 minute video and nailed it in just over 6! Thank u for the sound advice i am down with learning from other people’s mistakes 😉

[@adamkendra7182]

So much raw truth behind everything you said. Loving the more consistent updates on the channel. You've definitely been one of the inspirational guitarists for me since I've discovered Monuments a couple years ago. Keep crushing man!

[@LucasMastropasqua]

Thanks for making this video man! This is actually very motivating to hear and just what I needed to keep pushing me to get better. I am taking it as a top ten list of things to do to improve. Cheers!

[@TheSchane]

Excellent and well thought out. I see a great amount of integrity in this video. First one I've watched, I'll be going through your all your vids now. Thanks!

[@savagesalmon1889]

This was a fantastic video. Straight to the point and inspirational. Thank you for all of these tips!

[@user-bh9rt3st9u]

That video he did with that 6 string with the 7 and 8 in the background was 🔥

[@NipplesMagee]

Love what you’re doing JB! Been following your old channel since the Danza covers. Greeting from Texas

[@the_broly_arms]

This is one of the most nail-on-the-head videos I've seen in a long, long time. Agreed with every single point made! I can't wait for more of these videos.

[@paloozadroid4749]

Metal Post Malone tells you how it is

[@user-bh9rt3st9u]

😂😂😂 for real

[@cesararias4633]

Loved the whole video.... I think that putting these 10 things into practice will definitely make anyone a better guitar player! Thank you so much for the content Browne! Loving the new uploads! Much love from Barcelona!

[@jasoncrump1886]

Appreciate you doing these vids man.

[@adriandalton82]

Mick Thomson is fairly crafty on the downpicking too, Gematria recording video was pretty sick

[@ibuiltthesky]

Hahah I’m deff all about having several noise gates 🙌🏻. Love the vid bro 👊

[@harriswho]

Thanks for putting this out dude that made me feel better as a guitarist as I am not a shredder but I do follow all those points you mentioned, especially the part about writing my own music and trying to do that right, even if its slow, simple, yet on time and accurate.

[@WrestlingWithSpirits]

Awesome tips man! I really appreciate them! I’ve just ick back up the guitar after a few years and I needed to hear this! Much love man! 🤘🏻💚

[@bryanmendez5705]

Dude I love this! And have always loved all your work!!! ❤️ keep the content coming!!! 🤘🤘

[@bkellum89]

Great video. Straight forward and all valid points. I need to play the guitar now. Thanks 👍

[@alxg128]

Please make more videos like this. These tips are very useful.

[@QuatroPadre]

Really nice video john! Speaking the truth, i definitely got inspired to go practice right away now. Thank you!

[@aaronfrye1195]

Great advice, Thank you Mr.Browne.

[@George-xl5jq]

Hi, John! Thanks for the content. I'd love to see a video about your down picking technique. My biggest struggle :)

[@KRayxKodessA]

Quality video. I’ve always said that if you’re not learning/discovering something new on the guitar each and every time you pick it up, you’re not paying attention. Keep up the vids man!

[@robbynaumann439]

Killer video. Love the honesty.

[@SoulSideSeven]

This man is so pure, gonna follow him and his band!!

[@grisok]

Dude, you just delivered a bucket of honesty! Love it

[@JavierGM1000]

Great pieces of advice 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@thedutchdjentleman]

I’ve never been a lead player, and don’t really focus on that. I recognize a lot of these things in me, yet there are some that I’ve progressed at enormously. Love your content as always man!

[@philparnell757]

NAILED IT! love it bro.

[@nickolaynaydenov3292]

Thank you for your honesty. You are right!

[@gilbertostefan]

I've started now admire you much more than usually when listen to your performances on youtube. HEARE those performances are justified: an artistic and technicician view combined behind a rock/metal player. Good to you man, good to everyone! Congratulations!

[@MrTheguitarmachine]

OMG! So , I listened to all that you said, I was very shocked because I was leaning in the direction you said, but many people are influencing it in this respect, so I never get what I really want. Thank you for sharing your advice with us! I accept it all! I like you John! Thank you!

[@rossridesmtb7497]

Awesome advice! More please!

[@aleemabdul2232]

Mate you just appeared in my feed for the first time and just spat truth fire, every single thing you said I agree with.. Subbed

[@JohnBrownemonuments]

Thanks mate!

[@chacepotiwal3972]

Hi , love these Q&A session, are you doing any guitar clinics in the future ? Thanks

[@wheresallthezombies]

this is really great advice for all styles of music.

[@beatboxbill]

Wow. I needed this. Thank you!

[@ryanschindler923]

Glad that only 1 of these kind of applies to me, the only time I use a fret wrap is in the studio recording a super fast/technical part.

THIS. Great video man! I really appreciate what you said, I had similar thoughts about these things.

[@koppersteff1539]

excellent, love the 6 one , this is so true. in my opinion , playing with a dry sound correct your problems and skills is a good way to progress too

[@Jordan-ht6oo]

Thanks man, love that last one

[@davidlawson7786]

Agree, recording yourself is a must. Metronome is key to get your groove. Good video, very good points. John, you’re a nice guy and if you offended anyone out there, they are the ones that need to listen to your message the most. 🤘 thank you so much for your videos!

[@dariolagana4215]

You're a bloody legend mate and a true inspiration! Needed to hear this today, straight up no bullshit truthbombs, Keep it up!

[@DiscoD777]

So on point. I am guilty for at least two of the ten. You have a new subscriber

[@Venomboy666]

This is brilliant. Thanks!

[@FR-ho6pn]

Perfect advice. I play bass and want to play guitar. Songs made me excited!

[@GuitarznGirlz]

#11 phrasing. If you can shred at the speed of light extremely clean I dont care one bit if you cant tie each lick together with coherent phrases that both compliment the rhythm and is complimented by the rhythm.

[@orionbekesi]

These tips are very good, and I 100% agree with them. Except for the first one about the fret wrap. I think fretwraps are good IN THE STUDIO.

[@fearpocalypse8062]

Loved this video

[@bauchbart]

AMEN! I've been using the "less gain - pick harder" since I got my Fireball 60 a few years back. What also helped was recording our album on a profiled JCM800 on a Kemper. The power had to come from clear technique and heavy hitting, since the thing wasn't exactly what I'd call a Hi-Gain-Profile. Nowadays I have the gain at 9:30 at best, anything above that just ends up mudding the sound. Anyways, great video and lots and lots of truth in all of the points! Keep it up!

[@bannedintheuk]

Agree on all counts! We have the same initials and you're probably my favourite rhythm player. I don't have a favourite lead player as I've never been interested in fretsturbation. Been playing 18 years and am nowhere near your level. Kudos on your technique, innovation and success!

[@TylerSocholotuik]

100% agree, especially with the riff salad thing. There are so many great guitar players these days that are writing shit songs because they are afraid of simple song structures.

[@fredericpetitpas]

You know what's never talked... how to empty your head while playing. Come at peace with yourself. This also, takes time. Great video and reminders!

[@DavidJones-wi5sm]

Wise words, and for me personally you made a few points that I need to address so thank you 👍🏻

[@cryomanc3r]

Didn't think I would, but I wholeheartedly agree with all of these - well done.

[@gabrielpettit3989]

Dude thanks! Dope video

[@YotamG1]

Spot on. Many thanks for this one!

[@scottmaillet9775]

Learning "we are creating at this moment, what our tomorrow will be" was the first song i learned that i focused on all aggressive downpicking without alternate picking. What a bear of a song! Forearms on fire! And its ALL rhythm!

[@camelt0ez]

I went 15 years without a fret wrap I can play and not notice a difference between my recordings with or without, but I like the look of them!

[@daniopirrone586]

Well said I am moved and motivated brotha

[@Saba_2222]

Just subscribed this week and the inspirational alone from trying to work all of your excercises up to snuff is worth it alone. If you're ready for the most productive discomfort of your life try some of his exercises at 200bpm

[@JeanPatton]

I could not agree more!!! I think I'm one of the few Brazilian guitarists who really cares about rhythm guitar so that's my subject as well. Watching your videos inspires me to produce such content. I've also really liked Monuments and your downpicking is fuckin brutal! Lots of inspiration. Thanks mate! 👊🇧🇷

[@thelonghaul5214]

i loved this, especially the bit about songwriting over technique. when i was a kid i loved, Vai, and Satriani, and they play great melodies, but they really delve into alot of technique, and i as i got older i started to appreciate players like Slash, who were more Melody-centric as it were.

[@GuitarIv69]

I agree on everything you just said. You rock man.

[@Soloist1983]

Best guitar video online right now

[@man_zo4138]

I was just nodding the whole time lol, I feel called out in a really healthy way, but I'm also very encouraged that I'm following about half of these already :)

[@seanwink2379]

I feel proud to say that a lot that he has said I agree with and I also do what he recommends! BUT, I do not play to a metronome, which I probably should go back to doing so.

[@hibernative]

These are really valuable and honest points.

[@chrisfinster1346]

Real and honest good advice!

[@ChrisRossUK]

0:42 - Using a fret wrap to cover up bad technique 1:01 - You need to focus more on rhythm playing 1:36 - Wowing with technique and not writing songs 2:06 - Too many noise gates hide fundamental problems 2:31 - Your gain is too high, hit harder to get aggression 2:59 - The lack of James Hetfield appreciation 3:27 - You're not playing to a metronome 3:49 - Record yourself t ocritically analyse your playing 4:38 - Riff salads aren't progressive 5:05 - We believe we are better than we actually are Love the video!

[@lastleft5809]

This is awesome xD much love from Canada!!

[@M4Y0_]

Oh yes, the dreaded riff salad. Song writing is hard.

[@tatteredhope911]

When I was a teenager in the early 90s I read an interview with James Hatfield about down picking Master Of Puppets. That’s how I learned the song. I didn’t realize that alternate picking existed till about the 3rd year I was playing guitar. Thank you James Hatfield for making my right wrist and hand a freaking beast! I don’t have a noise gate, just a little Mesa DC-5 and an overdrive. I definitely need to practice more with a metronome and get an interface for my lap top an just record my playing to see where I’m making mistakes! Very awesome video and great points to make! Playing with an amp and an overdrive really makes you conscious about how much gain to use and how to use it! Totally agree! If ya dial the gain back a bit it will allow for the eq to breathe and for ya to find “your” tone in there. Something magical about just you, your guitar, an amp, and an overdrive.

[@FuzzImp]

Guilty of nearly all of these on a regular basis but I work on them daily. Easy traps to fall into. The heavy handed downpick is the focus of good riffing and something I work hard at.

[@leftyguitarfreek]

Words of wisdom. Thank you sir.

[@RedbackRecordz]

Exactly brother! You said it all! 🤘🤘

[@aravvinodh6666]

#7: You're not practicing to a metronome everyday Me: Is this like a personal attack or something

[@marceloribeiro7607]

Browne, amazing video. you said everything we all need to keep in mind. brilhant! big fan here!

[@darkhorseO3]

Agree with all points covered here. My biggest grievance is when people dial in a "bedroom guitar tone" (i.e. Trying to sound like the record) as their live tone and think it sounds huge when really it sounds weak and shit in a live mix

[@msi1985]

All really valuable tips even 3 years later. I'm kind of guilty of overfocusing on rhythm playing... And I will typically only tend to learn more simplistic guitar solos as a lot of the music I play I simply just find it hard to keep up with some of the guitarists. I do wish I can play some of these solos but unfortunately I really feel limited in my capability to get a lot of these solos up to speed, and I know wishing won't help solve that problem.

[@CIRCLEOFTONE]

Great vid.

[@Akherousia502]

I don't know why this showed up in my recommendations, but I subscribed because you pretty much echoed my exact thoughts. I am admittedly guilty of not recording myself and not playing to a metronome, though. I practice techniques to a metronome, but I don't usually play material without something to back it - such as GuitarPro tablature or playing along to actual recordings. I seldom sit down and just play a song through to a metronome, but I probably should. As for recording, it just feels like effort, but I've always seen the benefit to it. Still, I'm pretty hyper-critical of myself as is, so it's not like I go on thinking I'm already at the top of my game - but I imagine I would pick up more if I were to actually listen back to recordings. The rest, I am thankful to admit I am not guilty of, and absolutely back you on their importance.

[@gabrielcarbajal6486]

He needs to do more of these

[@sanyavanya]

I was pleased to realize that I'm already working on straightening all of the above (although i never really thought about Hetfield and riff salads). Nice way to articulate common guitar struggles tho.

[@barbaravelloso832]

And thats why you are an amazing guitar player. You realize all those things. Thanks for expressing it to the world.

[@whatsinyourglass646]

How dear you!!!! Just because I alternate pick it a .05 gage pick out of time aka (Progressive time) with 19 noise gates in front of 4 boss metal zones and 2 death metal DOD into my line 6 spider 3 on the insane Channel. Recording in to my Mac mini garage band through the macs internal microphone does it make you better than me bro. Lol

[@michaelmclaughlin7992]

AWESOME VIDEO! You and I share quite a lot of the same philosophy. I am 96% focused on rhythm playing in my day-to-day playing (writing/practicing/recording) and I tend to find the melodies are already there in my head once I write a killer rhythm riff, and a lot of the time, I can execute them simultaneously with hammer-ons and pull-offs. Additionally, the part about guitarists who basically play for "WOW factor" - they rarely impress me anymore and I find it EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to play/jam/record with players like that!!! IT IS SO ANNOYING!!! Thanks again for the great video!

[@KeenenBlockson]

The tea in this video is SO hot. I'm glad you're telling people this truthful information