Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal

Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal

Presents

Alexi Laiho
Master Modern Metal
Method by John McCarthy
Adapted By: Jim Rutkowski
Supervising Editor: Joe Palombo
Music Transcribing & Engraving: Jim Rutkowski
Production Manager: Anna-Lisa Tedeschi
Layout, Graphics & Design: Jim Rutkowski
Music Transcribing & Engraving: Jim Rutkowski
Photography: Rodney Dabney
Copy Editors:
Cathy McCarthy, Alex Palombo

Cover Art Direction & Design:

Paul Enea, Tovero & Marks

Produced by The Rock House Method

2010 Fred Russell Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved
 Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal

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 Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal

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 Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal

Table of Contents
About the Instructor ...................................................................................................................... 5

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 6

Icon Key ........................................................................................................................................7

Tablature Explanation ................................................................................................................... 8

Reading a Scale Diagram .............................................................................................................9

Tuning ........................................................................................................................................... 10

Lesson 1: E Minor Scale Pattern #1 ............................................................................................. 11

Lesson 2: E Minor Scale Pattern #2 ............................................................................................. 11

Lesson 3: 5 Sting Arpeggio Progression .......................................................................................12

Lesson 4: D Minor Full Scale Run ................................................................................................ 13

Lesson 5: Tapping Sequence ....................................................................................................... 14

Lesson 6: String Skipping Arpeggio Progresion ........................................................................... 14

Lesson 7: Sweep Tap Arpeggio Progression ................................................................................ 15

Lesson 8: Full Song - Blood Drunk .............................................................................................16

Lesson 9: Writing a Lead - Blood Drunk Solo ............................................................................ 19

Rock House Catalog .....................................................................................................................20

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 Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal

About the Instructor

Alexi Laiho

Alexi is the founding member and lead guitarist of the Metal band Children of Bodom, He has
his own Signature Model ESP guitar, made Guitar Worlds list of the top 100 metal guitarist of all
time in 2004 and appeared on the cover of Guitar World in 2005 with Steve Vai and Zakk Wylde.

Originating from the town of Espoo, Finland, Alexi began his musical training at an early age by
learning the violin. However, influenced by the music his sister listened to (heavy metal music)
such as W.A.S.P., Poison and Stone, he ended up dropping the classical instrument at the age
of 11, in favor of guitars. A taped live performance of Steve Vais song For the Love of God
(from the Passion and Warfare album) was especially influential in Alexis decision to become a
guitarist. He took lessons at the Finnish Pop & Jazz Conservatory in order to study guitar and
piano. The development of his playing style was heavily influenced by Stones Roope Latvala
(who many years later became his band mate in Sinergy and then in Children of Bodom). His
vocal influences came mostly from Phil Anselmo of Pantera and Mille Petrozza of Kreator.

He has dedicated his life to creating music and developing his technique. Alexi is known for his
incredible six string momentum and melodic speed along with stern vocal strength.

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 Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal

Introduction
Welcome to The Rock House Method system of learning. You are joining millions of aspir-
ing musicians around the world who use our easy-to-understand methods for learning to play
music. Unlike conventional learning programs, The Rock House Method is a teaching system
that employs DVD and 24/7 online lesson support along with this booklet to give you a variety
of sources to ensure a complete learning experience. The products can be used individually or
together. The DVD that comes with this booklet matches the curriculum exactly, providing you
with a live instructor for visual reference. In addition, the DVD contains some valuable extras like
sections on changing your strings, guitar care and an interactive chord library.

How to Use the Lesson Support Site

Every Rock House product offers FREE membership to our interactive Lesson Support site.
Use the member number included with your book to register at RockHouseMethod.com. You will
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expand your knowledge, link with instructors, and connect with a community of people around
the world who are learning to play music using The Rock House Method. There are sections
that directly correspond to this product within the Additional Information as well as Backing Track
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zes, Reference Material, Definitions, Forums, Live Chats, Guitar Professor and much more.

Register Now
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Click take you to the Lesson Support Site.
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 Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal

Icon Key
Throughout this book, youll periodically notice the icons listed below. They indicate when there
are additional learning tools available on our support web site for the section youre working on.
When you see an icon in the book, visit the member section of RockHouseMethod.com for musi-
cal Backing Tracks, Additional Information and learning utilities.

Backing Tracks
Many of the exercises in this book are intended to be played along with bass and
drum rhythm tracks. This icon indicates that there is a backing track available for
download on the Lesson Support site or click here.

Additional Information
The question mark icon indicates there is more information for that section avail-
able, it can be theory, more playing examples or tips on the Lesson Support Site
or click here.

Metronome
Metronome icons are placed next to the examples that we recommend you prac-
tice using a metronome. You can download a free, adjustable metronome on the
Lesson Support Site or click here.

Tuner
Also found on the web site is a free online tuner that you can use to help tune
your instrument. You can download the free online tuner on the Lesson Support
Site or click here.

7
 Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal

Tablature Explanation
Tablature (or tab) is a number system for reading notes on the neck of a guitar. It does not re-
quire you to have knowledge of standard music notation. This system was designed specifically
for the guitar. Most music for guitar is available in tab. Tablature is a crucial and essential part of
your guitar playing career.

The six lines of the tablature staff represent each of the six strings. The top line is the thinnest
(highest pitched) string. The bottom line is the thickest (lowest pitched) string. The lines in be-
tween are the 2nd through 5th strings. The numbers placed directly on these lines show you the
fret number to play the note. At the bottom, underneath the staff, is a series of numbers. These
numbers show you which left hand fingers you should use to fret the notes.

first string fret number

(thinnest)

sixth string
(thickest)

left hand
fingering

Chords can also be written in tab. If there are several numbers stacked together in a column,
those notes should be played or strummed at the same time. Here are the Am and Em chords
with the tablature written out underneath each diagram. Since the fingerings are shown on the
chord diagrams, we wont bother to repeat them underneath the tab.

8
 Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal

Reading A Scale Diagram

Scale diagrams are used to visually show you a scale pattern on the neck of a guitar. The six
lines that go from left to right represent each of the six strings. Like you just learned with the
tablature, the top line is the thinnest (highest pitched) string. The bottom line is the thickest (low-
est pitched) string. The lines in between are the 2nd through 5th strings. The lines running from
top to bottom are the frets. The numbered dots placed directly on these lines show you which
finger to play at a specific fret. Each of these dots will have a number inside of it. These numbers
indicate which left hand finger to fret the note with (1 = index, 2 = middle, 3 = ring, 4 = pinky).
The numbers underneath the diagram show you where on the neck the scale is located, in this
diagram the scale begins at the 12th fret.

first string left hand

(thinnest) fingering

frets fretboard position

markers

sixth string
(thickest)

neck location

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 Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal

Tuning

Alexi Laiho uses D tuning and Drop C tuning in his music. Below are the tuning notes for
each, notice that the only difference between the two is the note on the 6th string. On each page
you will see an icon for the tuning used in the example. The icons for each are shown below. If
you do not have a tuner, go to the lesson support site at RockHouseMethod.com to download
one for free.

D Tuning
=D =C
=A =G
=F =D

Dropped C Tuning
(thinnest string) =D =C
=A =G
=F = C (thickest string)

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 Alexi Laiho Lesson 1
- Master Modern Metal

E Minor Scale Pattern #1

D Tuning
=D =C
=A =G
=F =D

12 14 15 14 12
15 13 12 10 12 13 12 10
12 11 9 7 9 11 9 7
10 9 7 5 7 9 7 5
9 7 5 7

Lesson 2

E Minor Scale Pattern #2

D Tuning
=D =C
=A =G
=F =D

1412151412
151312 1312151312

141211 1211141211
141210 10 91210 9
1210 9 1210141210
141210 12

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 Alexi Laiho Lesson 3
- Master Modern Metal

5 Sting Arpeggio Progression

D Tuning
=D =C
=A =G
=F =D

Em Bb
P P P H P

19 15 15 19 15 18 15 18 15
17 17 17 17 17 17

16 16 16 18 15 15 18 18
17 17 17 17
19 14 19 19

Em C G E
P P P sl. sl. P

19 15 15 19 15 15 12 7 10 17 14
17 17 17 13 8 15

16 16 16 12 7 14
17 17 14 9
19 14 19 15 10

12
 Alexi Laiho Lesson 4
- Master Modern Metal

D Minor Full Scale Run

D Tuning
=D =C
=A =G
=F =D

13 10 12 13 12 10 10
13 11 13 11 10 11 8 10 11 10 8 8

10 9 10 9 7

10 7 9 10 9 7 7
10 8 10 8 7 8 5 7 8 7 5 5
8 7 8 7 5

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 Alexi Laiho Lesson 5
- Master Modern Metal

Tapping Sequence
D Tuning
=D =C
=A =G
=F =D

H H H H T P T P P P T P T P P P T P T P P P
15 17 19 20 19 20 19 17 15
15 17 19 20 19 20 19 17 15

21 19 21 19 17 16

Lesson 6

String Skipping Arpeggio Progresion

D Tuning
=D =C
=A =G
=F =D

Em Amaj
P P H P P H
15 12 12
14 10 10

16 12 12 16
14 14 11 11 14
12

Dmaj F#dim
P P H P P H
14 10 10 14 11 11

14 11 11 14 14 11 11 14
12 13

14
 Alexi Laiho Lesson 7
- Master Modern Metal

Sweep Tap Arpeggio Progression

D Tuning
=D =C
=A =G
=F =D

Em C
P P T P P P P T P P

15 19 24 19 15 12 15 20 15 12
17 17 13 13

16 16 12 12
17 14
19 15
15 19 12 15

D F#
P P T P P P P T P P

14 17 22 17 14 14 17 23 17 14
15 15 16 16

14 14 14 17 17
16 16
17 15 18
14 17

T To develop good musicianship, a trained ear and a strond mu-

sical awareness, go to the Lesson Support Site and check out
Click T the Ear Trainer!
Here!

15
 Lesson
Alexi Laiho - Master8Modern Metal

Full Song
Blood Drunk
Dropped C Tuning
=D =C
=A =G
=F =C

Intro
P.M. P.M. rake P.M.
X
X
X
5 5 5 7 7 7 X 3 3 3 3 3 5
5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 X 3 3 3 3 3 3
5 5 5 0 0 0 0 X 3 3 3 3 3

Main Melody

13 10 12 15 13 12 13 12
10 13 15 13 13 10 13 15 13
14 12 14 15
12 12 15

sl.
13 10 12 15 13 12 10 12 13 10 8 10 12 8
10 13 15 13 13 13 8 8
14
12

Verse Rhythm
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

7 10 7
0 0 0 0 3 0 4 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 7 6
0 0 0 0 3 0 4 0 0 8 5 6 0 0 0 0 2 0 3
0 0 0 0 3 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3

P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

0 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 2 3 6 8 8 8
0 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 8 5 6 0 0 0 0 2 3 6 6 6 6
0 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 6

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 Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal

Harmony
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

10 9
7 10 9 8
0 0 0 0 3 0 4 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 0 2 0 3
0 0 0 0 3 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 2 0 3
0 0 0 0 3 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3

P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

7
0 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 0 2 3 6 8 8 8
0 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 2 3 6 6 6 6
0 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 6

Bridge
1. 2. 3. 4.
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P

2 2 2 2 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 5 4 2 2 2 2 3 5 2 2 0 2 4 5
2 2 2 2 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 5 2
2 2 2 2 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 5 2

5. 6. 7. 8.

P.M. P.M. P w/ bar

5


2 2 2 2 2 5 4 2 2 2 2 3 5 2 2 0 2 4 5
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 5 2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 5 2

Chorus
P.M. P.M.

11 11 9 9 9 9 11 11 9 9 9 9
2 4 4 2 5 2 4 4 0 5 11 11 9 9 9 9 11 11 9 9 9 9
2 4 4 2 5 2 4 4 0 5 9 9 7 7 7 7 9 9 7 7 7 7
4 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 2 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 0 5

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 Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal
1. 2.

11 11 11 6 6 6 7 7 7 5 5 5 11 11 11 6 6 6 7 7 7 0 2 2 4 6 2 0 0 0
9 9 9 4 4 4 7 7 7 5 5 5 9 9 9 4 4 4 7 7 7 0 2 2 4 4 0 0 0 0
7 7 7 5 5 5 7 7 7 0 2 2 4 0 0 0

Breakdown
1. 2.
P.M.

6 67
7 79 57 9 79
4 4444 444 4 4444 4 44 44 4444 444 4 7 911 911 4

Keyboard Solo Rhythm

P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.
P.M. P.M. 1.

P.M. P.M. P.M. 2.

6 9 9 6 9 7 9 2
6 6 9 9 9 6 6 9 9 7 7 9 2
666 68666666 9 9 9 911 9 9 9 9 9 9 666 68666666 9 9 9 911 7 7 7 7 9 9 2

Guitar Lead

full
P.S.
full 1/2
w/bar
full
w/bar
full
1 1/2
H P P

14 17 17 16 14 21 19 21 19 17 19 17 19
2 10 14 14 17
4 4 X 5 12 16
7

* P.S. = Pick Slide

H P P

full

1/2

17 19 17 15 17 15 14 14 1416 14 16 17 21 17 19 21 22 19 21 22 24 21 22 24
15 17 17 14 15 141617 1617 17

full full
sl. P.M. P.M.

24 24 24 21 21 22 2421 19 21 2219 17 17 211919 14 16 1715

22 24 22 22 21 21 19 19 15 15
21
2 2 0 2
2 2 0 2
2 2 2 2 0 2

18
 Lesson
Alexi Laiho - Master9Modern Metal

Writing a Lead
Blood Drunk Solo
Dropped C Tuning
=D =C
=A =G
=F =C

2 2 2
4 2 0 4 2 5 4 2 5 4 0 2 2 2
4 0 0 4 0 5 4 0 5 4 0 2 2 2
4 0 4 5 4 5 4 0 2 2 2

E F# G F# G A A B C
B C D D E E F# G
G A A B C B C D
D E F# E F# G F# G A
A B C B C D D E
E F# G F# G A A B C
12 15 15 17 17 19
First Position
12 14 15
12 13 15

12 14
12 14 16
12 14 15
12 14 15

Second Position
14 15 17
15 17

14 16 17
14 16 17
14 15 17
14 15 17

Third Position
17 19 20
17 19 20

16 17 19
16 17 19
17 19
17 19 20

For a deeper understanding of scales and modes, click here to check out
-RKQ0F&DUWK\V0RGHV'HP\VWLHG5RFN+RXVHSURJUDP

19
 Alexi Laiho - Master Modern Metal

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