Study the playing style of Arctic Monkeys. We’ll find frequent use of the minor pentatonic and natural minor scale in riffs and solos. Guitar and bass often play in unison and effectively use reverb, stabbing chords and dynamics.
I was lucky enough to get to know Alex Turner and Matt Helders at Barnsley College, where we happened to be in the same Music Technology A-Level class from 2002 to 2004, just before they broke huge.
The main insight I can share from knowing the lads so well just before they broke huge is that superstar musicians can come from anywhere. They really can be the people sat next to you in class at school, on the bus or at work - or they could even be you!
Playing wise, we're again using pentatonics, but with certain other choice notes that all add up to create the signature Arctic monkeys sound.
Key learning points;
Guitar and bass often play the same riff in unison
Frequent use of the minor pentatonic and natural minor scale for riffs and solo
Effective use of reverb, stabbing chords and dynamics
It should also be noted just how much each Arctic Monkeys album often has it's own signature sound.
Arctic Monkeys style rhythm - Interactive TAB
Arctic Monkeys style lead - Interactive TAB
Arctic Monkeys - more about their history and backstory
Here's a couple of great videos about the early days of the Arctic Monkeys, how they formed and the different stages of their professional career.
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Arctic Monkeys - pedals and gear!
Here's a great video showing different Arctic monkeys songs from all eras and how you can achieve their different tones with various guitars and pedals.
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Course Completed!
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