This week we’re looking at a riff that caused me all kinds of problems when I learned it way back in the early 90s. The opening riff to the song Holy Wars The Punishment Due by Megadeth.
This riff is played by the great David Ellefson. Dave uses a pick and this song is pretty much a masterclass in tight, metal bass playing.
Enjoy!
Speed Metal Masterclass!
This riff is played by the brilliant bass player Dave Ellefson and if you want to hear an awesome example of metal bass playing just listen to the complete isolated bass track of this tune on Youtube.
It’s a tricky part to play and Dave plays it so well with such tight articulation and sound. Dave Ellefson is one of the most underrated bass players out there and this song in particular is a masterclass in metal pick playing.
Start Slowly!
You should start out slowly with this riff and be sure to get the notes under your fingers long before playing to a click or backing track. Once you feel confident, I’ve provided five backing tracks at progressively increasing tempi:
Hello,
Would be nice a bass cover for Incubus – Are You In?
Thanks.
TALKING HEADS – Psycho Killer (Live)
Thanks for your effort on this one. Its a very cool riff and a bit of a challenge to play at 166bpm. Luckily it sounds great at slower tempos as well !
Great Lesson Mark, David Ellefson is one Bassist who inspired me to play bass …
Great demo thanks! I just started learning this track in the last week and it’s a monster. As a finger player the opening riff you’ve demoed is the hardest part. I can play the track right through with at 50% and a little shaky at 75% but to get to 100% will be some time away :)
Thanks again!