Glenn Riley's Serious Shred: Essential Techniques: Guitar Book & DVD

Riley's instruction cuts through the mystique of shred guitar by breaking down eight essential techniques into learnable, repeatable components. The combination of notation, TAB, and live DVD demonstrations means students can see exactly how the technique should sound and feel, not just read about it on a page.

Focused and technical, with an emphasis on building muscle memory and precision rather than flashiness for its own sake. The dual format of notation and TAB combined with video instruction creates a learning experience that rewards careful, deliberate practice.

Intermediate to advanced rock guitarists who have solid foundational technique and are ready to add virtuosic tools to their arsenal. Players serious about developing speed, precision, and the signature techniques of shred guitar will find Riley's systematic approach directly applicable to their own playing.

• Study the DVD demonstrations before tackling each technique in the book; watching Riley's hand position and approach will accelerate your understanding of the mechanics.
• Practice bending and vibrato exercises slowly at first, using the notation as your reference for exact pitch targets and vibrato width.
• Work through sweep picking patterns at half speed, focusing on the pick trajectory and string muting before increasing tempo.
• Apply the tapping and legato techniques to simple scalar passages you already know, then gradually integrate them into licks from the book.

Recommend this as a private study resource for guitarists preparing for performance auditions or competitions, or as guided self-study material for ensemble members who want to develop solo capabilities. The eight-technique scope works well as a semester-long focus, with students returning regularly to the DVD for reference as they progress.

• String bending with intonation control
• Vibrato technique and width control
• Tremolo picking for sustained speed
• Tapping and hybrid picking techniques
• Pinch harmonics production and placement
• Sweep picking across multiple strings
• Legato playing with hammer-ons and pull-offs
• Fingerstyle coordination and dexterity