Metal in A — syncopated rhythm
This grid's degree pattern isn't a simple repeat: i-i-III-iv then i-i-iv-III, with the last two chords swapped between halves. It's a common compositional device in rock and metal (a phrase that closes in a mirror rather than an identical loop), which makes the syncopation harder to memorise: the ear has to spot exactly where the path reverses.
Tips
Break the grid into two halves of four chords and compare them: only the last two chords swap places.
Memorise the reversal point (after the fourth chord) as a landmark, rather than mechanically counting eight chords.
Once the structure is understood, the syncopation itself is worked the same way as on any power-chord grid: isolated slides first, then add the rhythm.
Chord progression — A
Bar 1
A5
i
Bar 2
A5
i
Bar 3
C5
III
Bar 4
D5
iv
Bar 5
A5
i
Bar 6
A5
i
Bar 7
D5
iv
Bar 8
C5
III
Chords
Related sheets
- Drop D strumming — syncopation in B (Level 4)
- Wide exploration riff — G# minor (Level 4)
- Metal in D — alternating bass fingerstyle (Level 4)