Jason Becker Style

Hi GMCers!

Welcome to my new lesson in the style of the amazing, legendary Jason Becker. To most of you, I'm sure he needs no introduction. Along with Marty Friedman he stunned the guitar world in the band Cacophony, releasing the albums 'Speed Metal Symphony' in 1987 and 'Go Off' in 1988 and he even managed to fit in recording his debut album 'Perpetual Burn' in between the 2 which was released in 1988 also! Not long after landing the recording and touring gig in David Lee Roth's band, Jason was sadly diagnosed with the motor neurone disease ALS. Although he hasn't been able to play a guitar for many years now, Jason still remains one of the greatest living guitarists that there is. So, even though he hasn't jammed in a while, he's still 'The Daddy'! So let's get together and indulge in some worship of the great Jason Becker!

The first section of this lesson bears similarities to 'Altitudes' from the album 'Perpetual Burn'. We're using clean guitars to set the scene with plenty of whammy scoops to add some authentic Becker ideas.

The second section is more manic, recalling the more intense, shreddy moments from the Cacophony albums and 'Perpetual Burn'. Here you will be tested to the limit on your sweep picking, with lots of sliding arpeggio shapes which is a Becker trademark.

The last section of the track focuses on using the whammy bar to add vibrato and whammy bar scoops, both of which are found throughout Jason's playing.

This lesson will work on:

-Sweep Picking
-Use of the whammy bar
-Alternate picking

Enjoy!

Gear: Marshall JVM 410H. Clean Channel, Orange setting for the clean solo. OD1 Channel, Red setting for the high gain solos.

Tempo: 99bpm.

Key: A minor, modulating to G#.

Scales Used: A minor scale (A Aeolian), G# Major scale (G# Ionian).