German Schauss's Serious Shred: Advanced Techniques: Guitar Book & DVD

Schauss teaches advanced techniques in a structured, purposeful way rather than as isolated tricks. The DVD demonstrations paired with notation and TAB make abstract concepts like modal interchange and exotic scales concrete and immediately applicable, while the focus on translating musical ideas into physical execution addresses a real gap in advanced guitar instruction.

Relentless and refined. These techniques demand precision and stamina, but Schauss frames them within musical contexts rather than as pure showmanship. The material balances the raw energy of speed picking and sweeping with the thoughtfulness of modal interchange and phrasing, creating an experience that feels both exhilarating and intellectually engaging.

Guitarists with solid intermediate technique who are ready to tackle advanced right and left-hand mechanics, sophisticated harmonic concepts, and the mindset required to master demanding techniques. Players pursuing metal, rock, and progressive styles will find the most direct application, though the pedagogical approach benefits any guitarist aiming for technical and musical depth.

• Study the whammy bar techniques on the DVD first, then slow the videos down to isolate hand position and sustain control before attempting full speed
• Work through the right-hand speed exercises sequentially rather than jumping ahead; each drill builds the muscle memory required for the picking patterns in later licks
• Record yourself performing the tapping and sweeping exercises with a metronome and listen back to identify timing inconsistencies that your ear might miss in real time
• Apply the modal interchange concepts by improvising over backing tracks in a single key, using the provided scales as your palette before incorporating them into composed passages

Assign this as supplementary material for advanced students pursuing a rock or metal focus, or use it in a directed study context where a guitarist is preparing for a performance or competition. The DVD component makes it valuable for studio instruction or peer learning groups where students can work through sections together and discuss Schauss's approach.

• Whammy bar control and articulation
• Speed picking with clean execution and minimal string noise
• Sweep picking across multiple strings
• Two-handed tapping technique and phrasing
• Modal interchange and application within single-key contexts
• Exotic scale fingerings and practical improvisation with non-diatonic materials
• Rhythmic precision and internal time development
• Left-hand independence and finger strength