Tornado Solo Breakdown

Introduction

• Instructor: Carl Brown
• Focus: Solo for "Tornado" by Marty Friedman
• Description: A complex and difficult guitar solo with many notes.

Overview of the Solo

• The solo features numerous intricate phrases, many of which are played note-for-note.
• Some parts are improvised live and differ each time.
• Key elements include bends, slides, and various picking techniques.

Key Phrases

Phrase 1

• Starts with a big bend at the 3rd fret on the G string.
• Quick bend and release followed by a slow half-step bend.
• Ascending melody begins on the G string at 4th fret, muting the 7th fret on the D string.
• Sequence includes:
  • 4th fret G string, 7th fret D string, 9th fret G string, slide to 11th fret, pull-off to 9th fret, slide down to 7th fret, quick bend and release.

Phrase 2

• Sequence: 7th fret G, 9th fret D, 10th fret B, back down to 9th fret G, 6th fret G with hammer from 6th to 7th.
• Wide vibrato on sustained notes.
• Ends with a repetitive lick, transitioning between 9th fret A string and D string.

Phrase 3

• Cross-string action: Start on 9th fret A, 10th fret A, 9th to 12th D, 11th fret G, 12th fret B.
• Shift to 14th fret B, descending back to 12th fret.
• Includes half-step bends at 14th fret and 13th fret.

Arpeggio Sections

• First arpeggio starts at 19th fret on the high E string, descending to 15th fret B string.
• Includes trills and slides from 15 to 19 and back.
• Second arpeggio mirrors the first but starts at different notes.
• Third arpeggio includes major arpeggio sweeping patterns.

Picking Techniques

• Tremolo picking and alternate picking discussed.
• Unique picking style: mini sweeps and fast repeated patterns.
• Patterns involve pull-offs and rapid transitions across strings.

Advanced Techniques

• Rapid picking segments demonstrated, focusing on timing and accuracy.
• Transitioning between different fret positions while maintaining the same patterns.

Ending the Solo

• Concludes with a blend of previously learned licks and new variations.
• Key aspects involve combining hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to craft an intricate finish.
• Emphasizes connecting phrases smoothly to flow into the next.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to practice the various licks and techniques.
• Reminder that Marty Friedman's style is unique and difficult, but rewarding to learn.