Metal Riffs and Licks
Chapter 3: Metal Licks
This video pairs with the Metal Licks chapter in your Metal Riffs and Licks book.
What's included:
- Tabs for all 7 licks (PDF)
- Backing tracks with full mix + leads (MP3)
- Guitar Pro file – this is the software I use to write tabs
Reminder: The rhythms you’ll be soloing over are the same ones from Chapter 2: Metal Riffs—so you can reuse those backing tracks to practice your leads as well.
Want to check out Guitar Pro? Learn more here
Be sure to save everything to a folder called Metal Riffs and Licks on your computer or cloud drive.
Don’t have the book yet? Download your free copy here
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Lead Guitar for Metal: How to Play Solos That Actually Sound Good
Let’s be real—playing fast is cool, but if your solos don’t sound good, none of that speed matters.
In this chapter of Metal Riffs and Licks, we’re shifting the focus to lead guitar. You’ll learn 7 metal licks designed to help you develop phrasing, feel, and control—not just speed for the sake of speed.
These licks blend technique with melody and help you start thinking of your solos as musical ideas, not just runs.
Here's what you’ll be working on:
- Vibrato that gives your notes life
- Bends that actually land in tune
- Slides that connect your phrases smoothly
- Hammer-ons and pull-offs for fluidity
- Tapping and speed picking for flair
- Sweep picking to add edge and drama
This chapter isn't just about learning a bunch of licks—it's about learning how to use them in a way that actually sounds like you.
Once you’ve got them under your fingers:
- Combine licks together to build mini solos
- Change the rhythm or note order
- Use different scales or try them in new keys
This is where your lead playing starts to take shape—and where you move from memorizing notes to actually expressing yourself through the guitar.
The best solos aren’t just fast—they tell a story. They make people feel something.
When you're ready, continue to the final chapter in your Metal Riffs and Licks book:
Theory Made Simple – where I’ll show you how to use basic theory to write better riffs and solos without getting overwhelmed or stuck in your head.
Real Feedback from the Academy
-Dustan Kaup
Dustan Kaup
I tried getting into a different course a few months ago, and it ended up being a less than satisfying experience.
It was way too focused on stuff I have zero interest in.
Playing the same few chords and strumming patterns. Mostly for country and campfire crap.
Nowhere near the stuff that I'm interested in, or the direction I want to go as a guitar player.
Then I stumbled across some Jason Stallworth videos on YouTube, and I was hooked.
As soon as I could I bought in to the guitar academy.
Started out in the metal guitar apprentice course, to start building that foundation as the kind of player I want to be.
Within just a couple of weeks I'm already working on module 3.
Jason's teaching style is awesome, and I'm making noticeable progress.
100% the best decision I've made in a long time !!
Ready to Go Even Further with Your Metal Guitar Playing?
You’ve seen what’s possible—now imagine having full access to all my riffs, solos, tabs, backing tracks, and structured courses to keep your momentum going. Join below and let’s take your playing to the next level together.
Join Monthly - $19/month
Cancel Anytime
Join Yearly - $99/year
Save 57% vs monthly!
- 14-Day Risk-Free Guarantee- try it and if it's not for you, just reach out for a refund
You’ll get instant access after checkout—no fluff, just real metal guitar lessons, riffs, and techniques you can actually use.
And you won’t have to keep figuring it all out on your own—everything’s structured so you can make real progress.