For guitarists chasing razor-tight rhythm chops and blistering modern metal precision, few players are as compelling as Matt Heafy. In a new instructional clip from the Riff Lords program, the Trivium frontman takes viewers deep inside the mechanics of one of the band’s live favorites, the song Suffocating Sight.
One of the more surprising revelations comes when Heafy discusses his creative influences. While Trivium’s music is firmly rooted in metal, he explains that orchestral composition – particularly the work of legendary film composer John Williams for the Star Wars series – has played a role in shaping his melodic thinking and riff construction.
“The next song I want to take a look at is a song called ‘Suffocating Sight’ off our second record, Ascendency,” said Heafy. “On this record, we decided to go fully into Drop D. This is one where I’ve always prided myself in being a great rhythm guitar player. I’d say that the shreddiest guy of this band is absolutely Cory.
“I’m a decent lead guitar player. My solos are more like dad solos, sticking in pentatonic boxes and blues, things like that. But this song is one that even to the best lea guitar players of other bands, their arms have fallen. So, this is a good song for you to learn. If you can learn this one, you can play anything.”
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