Revisiting Damage inc Metallica riffs...help

[cindarkness]

Well, If you can't downpick like Hetfield in his prime then you aren't on his level - simple as that..
Whether you want to work on your downpicking (to get at least close to his level) or not is completely down to you.

Adjust your grip and attack angle, try different picks, swap out the low E string, take your family to a vacation to give your wrist a good rest - whatever. Just freaking start downpicking, there is no trick, it's all about enough practice, good and comfortable form and stamina.

I love answering to Veji threads on a boring office day

 

[vejichan]

Just pick the appropriate strings using a downward motion at the correct tempo.

Thats what i am doing

 

[PuckishGuitar]

I feel like the "all downpicking" myth came from MoP with the pedal riffs at the beginning and the verse. I've seen so many people alternate pick it since they hadn't built up the endurance or absorbed thrash playing style. Then they get told that James downpicks those riffs and just take it for gospel that he does it on everything, even if it doesn't make sense. You're not going to downpick a fast galloping chug, it won't be snappy and have that slight swing and accent to it, like playing a flam on drums. And I really hate alternate picking any kind of pedal riff because it won't have that even attack and drive.

Anyway this is a shit thread and we should all feel bad for replying to it.

 

[nickgray]

Anyway this is a shit thread and we should all feel bad for replying to it.

Amen, brother

 

[TedEH]

like playing a flam on drums

I still find it kinda shocking how many musicians have no idea what a flam is, drummers included.

 

[gabito]

Given that we're dealing with what I suspect is some kind of trolling bot or very early AI in training, I think the most appropriate way of dealing with these topics is to use ChatGPT or something like that to answer them:

Ah, it seems you are struggling with the downpicked riff in Metallica's "Damage Inc." Perhaps you're not familiar with the intricacies of downpicking, or maybe you simply lack the skill and discipline required to play this riff properly.

Firstly, it is important to understand that downpicking is a foundational technique for any serious guitar player. It is an essential element of playing metal and other high-energy genres, and mastering this technique is critical to achieving the speed, precision, and tone necessary to perform at the highest levels.

Regarding the riff in "Damage Inc.", it requires a combination of proper hand positioning, wrist motion, and picking technique. Hetfield and Hammett are known for their ability to downpick with incredible speed and accuracy, and it is this skill that allows them to execute this riff flawlessly.

To master this technique, you must be willing to put in the time and effort required to develop your picking hand. Start slow and gradually build up speed, focusing on maintaining a consistent downpicking motion throughout the riff. Practice with a metronome to ensure that your timing is precise and steady.

Remember, mastery of the guitar is not achieved overnight. It takes patience, discipline, and a willingness to push through the frustration and challenges that inevitably arise. With dedication and hard work, however, you can achieve the level of skill required to play the "Damage Inc." riff all downpicked with confidence and precision.

 

[gnoll]

I still find it kinda shocking how many musicians have no idea what a flam is, drummers included.

I think they're used less and less, probably because there's so much programmed drums and focus on the grid and transients.

 

[RevDrucifer]

I think they're used less and less, probably because there's so much programmed drums and focus on the grid and transients.

I’m chuckling because I sat there last night sliding two MIDI notes back and forth trying to get the perfect timing of the flams on the toms and kick. While I don’t disagree, I think it’s more of an issue of guitarists not knowing how drummers actually play things when they program drums.

 

[Fenriswolf]

I’m chuckling because I sat there last night sliding two MIDI notes back and forth trying to get the perfect timing of the flams on the toms and kick. While I don’t disagree, I think it’s more of an issue of guitarists not knowing how drummers actually play things when they program drums.

I mean, I googled what one was, and then I had to google what a grace note was, and then watch a youtube tutorial because I don't speak musician, I speak ADHD guitar player.

 

[PuckishGuitar]

I still find it kinda shocking how many musicians have no idea what a flam is, drummers included.

To be fair I only learned about the term three years ago when learning more about Dirk Verbeuren's drumming. My wife on the other hand was in the drum corps back in high school, and when she looked over my shoulder at the videos said "oh he's doing some cool flam beats".

 

[gnoll]

I’m chuckling because I sat there last night sliding two MIDI notes back and forth trying to get the perfect timing of the flams on the toms and kick. While I don’t disagree, I think it’s more of an issue of guitarists not knowing how drummers actually play things when they program drums.

Yeah probably true. Some rudimentary drum knowledge wouldn't be a bad thing for a lot of guitar players. I mean drums are fun too so if people/guitarists have the opportunity to play and learn them I think they should take it.

 

[Mboogie7]

I feel like the "all downpicking" myth came from MoP with the pedal riffs at the beginning and the verse. I've seen so many people alternate pick it since they hadn't built up the endurance or absorbed thrash playing style. Then they get told that James downpicks those riffs and just take it for gospel that he does it on everything, even if it doesn't make sense. You're not going to downpick a fast galloping chug, it won't be snappy and have that slight swing and accent to it, like playing a flam on drums. And I really hate alternate picking any kind of pedal riff because it won't have that even attack and drive.

Anyway this is a shit thread and we should all feel bad for replying to it.

Agreed on this thread being shit.

Question for you though - what are you referring to when you say “pedal riff”? I’ve jammed on MoP for most of my life and have never heard this term before.

 

[PuckishGuitar]

Agreed on this thread being shit.

Question for you though - what are you referring to when you say “pedal riff”? I’ve jammed on MoP for most of my life and have never heard this term before.

Pedal point - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

It may not be the technically correct term for guitar but it’s how I refer to it. Basically your typical thrash riff, skipping from open E to notes on A or D usually. Can do it all over the board really.

Woot found a video from Alex Skolnick explaining it better than I ever could.

 

[BenEllerGuitars]

Hey man, couple suggestions for you.
If you wanna get up to snuff on the downstroke stuff, watch this:



That being said, this is absolutely NOT a downstroke song (like Master of Puppets). James does downs for 8's, alternate for 16's. That goes for basically everything.

Watch the 2nd segment of this one:


Lastly, basically every tab for Damage Inc is wrong. Use mine.

 

[gnoll]

1) Damn I was cranky in this thread.

2) Ben, your Metallica videos are great, especially the ones getting to the bottom of confusing riffs. Good work!!