Whiskey In The Jar by Metallica
A traditional Irish folk song that has traveled through generations, Whiskey In The Jar found a thunderous new life when Metallica tackled it for Garage Inc., released in 1998. Metallica kept the melody intact but reimagined it as a fast, groove-driven metal workout, pairing Kirk Hammett's scything riffs with Lars Ulrich's pounding drums and James Hetfield's gritty vocal attack. The track stands out in Metallica's catalog as one of their most famous cross-genre covers, and it helped introduce the tune to a whole new audience.
Its cultural impact endures: the Garage Inc. version bridged folk material and heavy metal for many fans, became a staple on classic-rock-leaning sets, and remains a go-to example for guitarists learning how a traditional melody can be transformed with palm-muted riffs, tight rhythm, and a memorable gallop feel.
🎸 Want to know the techniques, practice tips, and lesson details? Scroll below the lesson!
What You'll Learn
In this lesson you’ll learn the driving verse and chorus riff built on palm-muted power chords, how to execute the Gallop rhythm that defines the track, and the transitions between sections. We’ll break down the intro/verse figure, the chorus rhythm, and a compact lead lick inspired by the guitar solo to capture the Metallica vibe. You’ll also get tips on rhythm accuracy, clean muting, and staying in lockstep with the groove while maintaining dynamic contrast between sections.
Intermediate; prior skills like palm muting, power chords, and steady alternate picking will help you tackle the riffs and tempo changes.
🎸 Techniques Used
Practice Tips
- 💡Break the riffs into small phrases and practice each at a slow tempo before ramping up to the track speed.
- 💡Use a metronome with subdivisions to nail the gallop rhythm and ensure clean transitions between sections.
- 💡Keep the palm mute tight on the verse riffs; loosen it slightly on the chorus to let the melody breathe and stay in time with the drums.
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