Slow Thunderhead (hard) · level 3 · goal 140 bpm

Slow Thunderhead is an eight-bar classic rock riff in standard tuning: Classic hard rock, B minor, half-time, low strings. This is level 3 of 3, played at 140 bpm; the three levels of the riff run from 100 to 140 bpm. It works on palm muting, power chords, hammer-ons and pull-offs, slides, vibrato. The player loops the riff with drums and bass, starts at 70% speed and steps up 5% after every clean pass until you play it at full tempo.

Reverse gallops are down-up on the sixteenths, then a down on the eighth. Keep the three-note chords tight with your index barre. Save your heaviest pick attack for bar 8; the riff should feel like it's swelling.

The three levels

1. Level 1 · 100 bpm · Classic hard rock, B minor, half-time, low strings. Let bars 1-4 ring their full length and count out loud.
2. Level 2 · 120 bpm · Classic hard rock, B minor, half-time, low strings. Feel the snare on beat three and keep the long chords steady against it.
3. Level 3 · 140 bpm · Classic hard rock, B minor, half-time, low strings. Reverse gallops are down-up on the sixteenths, then a down on the eighth.