Metal Riffs and Licks
Chapter 4: Metalhed's Guide to Guitar Theory
This video pairs with the The Metalhead's Guide to Guitar Theory chapter in your Metal Riffs and Licks book.
What's included:
- Tabs for the Scales and Power Chord Progressions covered (PDF)
- Circle of Fifths image (PDF)
- Guitar Pro file – this is the software I use to write tabs
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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Guitar Theory for Metal: Make It Make Sense
Music theory doesn’t have to be boring or complicated—and it definitely shouldn’t kill your creativity.
In this chapter of Metal Riffs and Licks, you’ll learn a simple, practical approach to theory that actually helps you:
- Write better riffs and solos
- Know which chords and notes naturally go together
- Improvise with more confidence
- Break the “rules” when it sounds right
Let me be straight with you…
I don’t think about theory when I’m writing or playing. Most of the time, I go by feel and trust my ears.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn the basics.
Theory is just a tool—not something to force your playing into.
Instead, let it serve you. Use it when you're stuck, or when you want to understand why a riff or progression sounds so good.
Whether theory has always confused you—or you just want a clearer way to apply it to metal—this is where it finally clicks.
Learn the basics. Understand the patterns. Then let go and play.
When you're ready, continue to the final chapter in your Metal Riffs and Licks book:
Writing Riffs and Developing Your Style – where it’s all about finding your voice as a guitarist and creating something only you can play.
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.