Fans can learn Metallica songs from the band members themselves through a new set of courses offered in partnership with Yousician. The guided lessons let fans play along with guitarists James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett.
The first of three lessons, “Riff Life,” is available now and focuses on guitar-driven songs “Enter Sandman” and “Nothing Else Matters”. Additional courses will follow this summer and cover subjects “Rock In Rhythm” and “Take The Lead.” Along the way, fans will learn other chart-toppers like “One”, “Fade To Black”, “The Unforgiven”, “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)”, and as Hetfield says, “the real way to play ‘Master of Puppets’,” among others.
These courses will provide first-person insight into Metallica’s unique stylistic elements, including James’ downpicking technique, double-bending strings, and more. While students will not receive personalized instruction from James and Kirk, Yousician’s AI technology provides real-time feedback to keep guitarists on track.
“I’ve always been infatuated with rhythm, syncopation. I basically play drums on a guitar,” Hatfield says in a teaser for the program. “Probably the most important thing is the downpicking,” he says before giving a demonstration of his style.
Related: Metallica Dusts Off Rarities At 40th-Anniversary Closer In San Francisco [Videos]
Beyond the technical components, the Yousician/Metallica partnership features interviews with the band members including drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo. In these videos, the band breaks down its creative process, practicing techniques, pre-show rituals, and life in Metallica.
“The Metallica x Yousician courses get guitar players up close and personal with the master musicians they idolize,” Hadley Spanier, head of artist partnerships at Yousician, said. “Players will have the opportunity to learn how to play like Metallica straight from Metallica!”
Check out a video teaser for Metallica’s new partnership with Yousician and click here to learn more. The band is currently on tour in Europe and will return to the U.S. on July 28th for a headlining set at Lollapalooza in Chicago, IL.
Metallica x Yousician | Learn guitar with James Hetfield & Kirk Hammett