Metal in E — strumming pattern
A strumming pattern applied to the E5-G5-A5 sequence, with one key difference from the pop or blues rhythm exercises already covered: the goal here isn't a fully ringing sound but tight pick strokes, slightly muted by the heel of the palm, for the dry, percussive attack characteristic of rock/metal. Another technical difference: E5 is played on the open low E string (root) followed by two fretted notes at fret 2, while G5 and A5 require repositioning the whole hand further up the neck, with no open string to rely on.
Tips
Keep the heel of the palm resting lightly on the bass strings at all times, to get that dry attack — a sound that rings too clearly signals a palm lifting off between strokes.
Drill the E5→G5 shift on its own first, slowly on a loop: it's the only move that leaves the open string, so the one that needs the most feel-based positioning.
Keep the wrist loose on the tight eighth notes: a stiff wrist tires quickly and throws off timing long before the fingers do.
Chord progression — E
Chords
Related sheets
- Call and response riff — G minor (Level 2)
- Metal in F — arpeggios (Level 2)
- Drop D chord changes — sliding barre in F (Level 2)