Kris Norris demonstrates how to install new strings on a guitar equipped with a Floyd Rose tremolo system.
Taught by Kris Norris in Kris Norris Artist Series seriesLength: 13:43Difficulty: 1.5 of 5
Kris Norris kicks off the JamPlay.com Artist Series with a wide array of ideas and lessons; from changing strings on a floyd rose, to advanced sweeping / legato techniques and soloing applications.
Lesson 1
Kris Norris demonstrates how to install new strings on a guitar equipped with a Floyd Rose tremolo system.
Length: 13:43 Difficulty: 1.5 Members OnlyLesson 2
Kris Norris shows you his favorite warm-up exercises. These exercises will prepare you to play the guitar from a physical and mental standpoint.
Length: 12:16 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 3
Kris covers chromatic and scale pattern exercises. Also, he explains some variations on these exercise and provides you with the knowledge to create your own variations. Now you don't have any excuse...
Length: 20:23 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 4
Kris shows you the in's and out's of legato playing. These examples will benefit beginners and and advanced players alike. The patterns Kris uses in this lesson are based on the examples shown in "Scalar...
Length: 11:01 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 5
Kris covers right hand techniques such as palm muting, tremolo, palm muted string skipping, and upstroke accents.
Length: 13:26 Difficulty: 3.5 Members OnlyLesson 6
Kris covers the right and left hand components of sweep picking separately. Then, he shows you how to synchronize the two. Three string arpeggios and five string arpeggios with hammer-ons are both included...
Length: 35:40 Difficulty: 4.5 Members OnlyLesson 7
Kris presents excerpts from his song "Remaining Foolish" from Icons of the Illogical. He explains the arpeggio patterns used in various parts of the song and also talks about alternate picked arpeggios....
Length: 17:40 Difficulty: 4.0 Members OnlyLesson 8
Kris uses Pachelbel's "Canon In D" as a way to practice arpeggio sweeps. He shows how to sweep and alternate pick arpeggios.
Length: 10:08 Difficulty: 4.5 Members OnlyLesson 9
This lesson is about the concept of counterpoint and harmony. Kris explores contrapuntal examples from his song "A Shift In Normalcy" off of his solo record Icons of the Illogical.
Length: 8:52 Difficulty: 4.5 Members OnlyLesson 10
Kris analyzes different pick sizes and their effect on his playing. Using a slow motion camera, he is able to point out the differences in pick thickness.
Length: 32:24 Difficulty: 0.5 FREELesson 11
Kris Norris explains how to play a Joe Satriani inspired tapping etude.
Length: 11:13 Difficulty: 3.5 Members OnlyLesson 12
Kris Norris takes a look at 8 string guitars and their possibilities. He demonstrates the versatility of an 8 string with jazz and metal applications. Kris also performs a short improv jam at the end.
Length: 10:34 Difficulty: 1.5 Members OnlyLesson 13
Kris teaches neoclassical examples from three of his favorite guitar players.
Length: 29:17 Difficulty: 5.0 Members OnlyLesson 14
Kris displays some adventurous ways to use chicken pickin' in a rock and metal environment.
Length: 15:25 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 15
Kris teaches arpeggio examples that use notes outside of a scale. He also demonstrates an example using the Chinese scale.
Length: 12:19 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 16
Kris shows you how to connect the patterns of a G major scale together.
Length: 15:28 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 17
This is the first lesson in the "Mastering Modes" mini series. Here Kris explains the fundamentals of scale basics.
Length: 19:08 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 18
In this lesson, Kris explains the history behind the modes and then explains the Ionian mode.
Length: 9:59 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 19
In this lesson, Kris covers the Dorian mode, which is the second mode of the major scale.
Length: 13:39 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 20
Kris explains the basics of the Phrygian mode, which is a minor sounding mode of the major scale.
Length: 7:43 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 21
In this installment of the "Mastering Modes" mini-series, Kris covers the Lydian mode. This is the fourth mode of the major scale.
Length: 9:47 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 22
Kris explains the basics of the Mixolydian mode, which is a major sounding mode of the major scale.
Length: 10:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 23
Kris explains Aeolian, which is the 6th mode of the major scale. This is also known as the natural minor scale.
Length: 7:32 Difficulty: 3.5 Members OnlyLesson 24
Kris covers the Locrian mode, which is the 7th mode of the major scale.
Length: 5:48 Difficulty: 3.5 Members OnlyLesson 25
Aaron Miller sits down with Kris in the JamPlay studio to discuss songwriting techniques.
Length: 78:38 Difficulty: 0.5 Members OnlyLesson 26
Kris Norris and Aaron Miller are back to finish up what they started. Get ready for more songwriting, playing tips, and inside information. Enjoy
Length: 32:00 Difficulty: 0.5 Members OnlyLesson 27
Kris shows how some drum rudiments can be used to make exercises for your right hand.
Length: 18:33 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 28
Kris teaches how to use sliding techniques with arpeggios. He uses an example in the Lydian mode and also plays over a backing.
Length: 15:11 Difficulty: 4.0 Members OnlyLesson 29
Kris teaches exercises focused on getting the left hand fingers to be more independent.
Length: 26:19 Difficulty: 3.5 Members OnlyLesson 30
Kris explains root triad arpeggios and their first and second inversions.
Length: 25:12 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 31
This lesson focuses on sweep picking major, minor, and diminished triad arpeggios chromatically.
Length: 16:33 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 32
Kris shows you how inversions can be used to create smooth voice leading within a progression.
Length: 14:34 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 33
Kris shows how to combine pentatonic scales from different keys to form new and interesting sounds.
Length: 24:06 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 34
Kris shows you how to learn scales vertically and horizontally on the fretboard.
Length: 16:11 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 35
Named after the "Neapolitan School" from the 18th century and not ice cream, this chord is a major chord built on the lowered 2nd scale degree.
Length: 7:13 Difficulty: 1.0 Members OnlyLesson 36
Kris shows the diatonic chords of G Major.
Length: 19:42 Difficulty: 1.0 Members OnlyLesson 37
Kris teaches you how to play diatonic 7th arpeggios and their inversions in the key of G major.
Length: 15:47 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 38
Kris shows you how to play seventh arpeggios with tapping, legato, and string skipping.
Length: 7:45 Difficulty: 3.5 Members OnlyLesson 39
Kris shows some common major and minor chord progressions.
Length: 27:24 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 40
Kris installs these new EMG pickups into his guitar.
Length: 26:15 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 41
Kris Norris sat down with Chodypth, aka Cody, and this video is the result of a day of jamming and practicing.
Length: 77:35 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
About Kris Norris
View Full Biography
Mr. Kris Norris was born August, 31 1978 in Canton, Ohio. He began playing around the age of 14. Early on the self-taught guitarist took an interest in metal and began playing in a local Virginia metal band. Kris' early influences were rooted in Swedish metal, bands include In Flames, Dark Tranquility, and Edge of Sanity. Norwegian Black metal also played a part in Kris' interest including early Mayhem, Emperor, and Ulver. Kris started Disinterment with future Darkest Hour bandmate Ryan Parrish. Disinterment lasted over 6 years and developed a local following in the Virginia metal by being some of the first players to incorporate Swedish metal and 3 guitar players.
College Days
When Kris was 17 he attended Virgina Commonwealth University School of Music (VCU). He studied Music composition and focused on film with world renowned composer Dika Newlin. Kris also studied classical guitar with John Patykula, prize student of Jesus Silva who was the prize student of Andre Segovia. Kris left the University after 6 years of studies. After college, he began his teaching career instructing private students and giving lessons at Mars Music. Kris' teaching career would eventually be put on hold to join Darkest Hour.
Darkest Hour Days
Kris' first album with Darkest Hour ,Hidden Hands Of A Sadist Nation, the 2005 release was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with producer Fredrik Nordstrom. Ironically, the same studio facilitated many of Kris' influences 10 years prior.
Darkest Hour's next release, Undoing Ruin allowed Kris to stretch his wings and show what he could truly do on the instrument with the addition of several solos. The record was produced by Canadian metal mastermind Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad, Steve Vai). Townsend was a big part of pushing Kris to his own musical potential on Undoing Ruin and even more so on the follow up record, Deliver Us.
Deliver Us was released in 2007 and debuted at 110 on the Billboard Chart. This would be the last Darkest Hour record with Kris as a member. The album like its predecessor was also produced by Devin Townsend, who was able to take a bigger hand in its production. Devin pushed Kris to experiment with his own playing and to hone in on his strongest abilities.
Kris' career with Darkest Hour spanned 6 years, 23 countries, 4 continents, countless tours, 3 albums, near 200,000 album sales, and many lifelong friendships made along the way. With the birth of his son in 2008, Kris felt he needed to take his career closer to home while still focusing on music and guitar. In order for Darkest Hour to devote 100% to their music and touring, Kris came to the decision to amicably part ways with the band.
His Future:
As of early 2009, Kris has full sponsorships from ESP, EMG, Peavey, DigiTech, InTune, and Morley. Currently, Kris is producing and mixing aspiring metal acts while also working for Final Symphony Studios out of Charlottesville, Virgina. Kris also edits records for James Murphy (Testament, Obituary, Death) at Safehouse Productions. Kris has released his first solo record through Magna Carta Records, entitled Icons Of The Illogical. His solo effort was recorded at Karma Productions with Cory Smoot (GWAR) and features vocals from Lamb Of God frontman Randy Blythe.
Kris is excited to be an addition to the JamPlay Instructor Roster. Lending his metal chops and thorough education to his lessons make him a valuable teacher. Kris is excited to be making lessons for JamPlay and just as stoked to learn new things from our other instructors. Check it out and stay Metal.
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.I've adjusted a new guitar I got with floyd rose as per the pictures below. http://postimg.org/gallery/1ykk7rzks/ It seems alright and in tune, but I have some questions: 1-Is it normal that the base of the floyd rose is above the guitar's body? 2-Is it ok to have the floyd rose a little bit higher at the EAD strings than at the GBE strings? That way the action seems lower.. 3-If the low E buzzes a bit unplugged (plugged in I can't notice) should I rise even higher the tremolo? Thanks! very useful videos
I have succesfully restrung my Ibanez with rdgr pro tremolo twice, the second time was a diferent tunning, awesome
Hey Kris, Thanks for the great lesson. It really Helped me out. I have had this Floyd Rose for about two years and, hated even tuning it because, I myself am used to the normal kind of guitar. Never cleaned it or even thought about a string change on my own but now, I can do it with less stress. Learned a lot here so thank you. Stay Metal.
I use a method called "Cross Tuning" that works really well for tuning up a Floyd Rose - it keeps the tension balanced during the tuning process. I learned from this page: http://www.rocknrollweekend.com/care.html. Here's the relevant section: This is from Gene Imbody: A Floyd Rose or similar bridge can be tricky to deal with. It is very important to tune with equal tension on those bridges, or you can run into problems. Many players change only one string at a time with bridges like these. "The proper way to tune any guitar with a tremelo is with what I call "Cross Tuning." This is a method of tuning back and forth across the strings. If you start at the bass E string and tune in succession to the treble E string you'll find that the bridge will tilt toward the peghead and all of the strings will be flat. Here's what you do (it is best to use a good electronic tuner for this): Your strings are numbered 1 to 6 (#1 being treble E, #6 being bass E.) Start with some tension on all strings, but make sure none are above pitch (all strings should be flat.) Tune #6 up to pitch. Tune #1 to pitch Tune #2 to pitch Tune #5 to pitch Now repeat this from the beginning(6, 1, 2, 5.) After you have re-tuned 5, tune #3. Now tune #4. Repeat from the beginning until you are in tune. Remember to ALWAYS tune up to pitch and never down. If you are sharp, tune below the desired note, then tune back up. It may seem confusing at first, but you will get used to it. I've gotten so used to it that I tune fixed bridges this way too. What this method does is apply even tension to the strings from side to side so that the tremelo rises level. If you go from one end to the other, the trem continues to raise and as it does all of the strings you've tuned become flat. This is more controllable with cross tuning. If you get to the end and are in tune, but the bridge does not sit parallel to the body, then you need a set-up and you should probably visit a good repairman." Good Luck! Gene Imbody
Good lesson to get exposed to changing strings on a floyd. One thing I found, when turning the string after the rough in tune. Tune inside out. G then D Then B Then A then High E then low E. Seems to help keep the bridge balanced while getting them close enough for the fine tuners.
Thanks Kris, that was actually hugely beneficial to me since I just bought an Ibanez S last week, and it's my first floating tremolo guitar. What I found works really good to hold the bridge in place when taking the strings off (I do two at a time as per the nut blocks EA-DG-BE) is a AAA battery. It just fits in there, and holds the bridge perfectly flush. My guitar doesn't have screws to alter the springs, it has a dial in the back (thankfully) making tension adjustments a lot easier for me. By the way, I accidentally stabbed myself with left overs of a high E string today and drew blood so you're not alone.
What do we learn from that lesson actually?!
Oh by the way, they are wrong or quite unpractical. I would recommend all off you to watch how to change strings on d'dario's website; or read Guitar Player Repair Guide by Dan Erlewine - the best of this area of study- for further information about general care for stringed electric instruments, mainly guitars. And yes, that includes you Kris.
hey kris how about a floyd rose intonation video?
Thanks for this great lesson Kris !
strings out of tune and bridge wont stay level what do i do!
I'd recommend doing it one string at the time (start from high E, and retune after each string change), rather than removing them all, unless you want to give the fretboard a total clean up. Normal clean up you can do with old strings on.
thats is normally how I do it at home as well because I don't care about the cleanliness of my guitars and its easier to keep the tension, just ask old dawson here about that one
Great lesson. I wanted to add that I have learned adjusting the spring tension by eye might not be enough for tremolo-bar needs of metal players. you can push the tremolo bar all the way down, let it release, maybe wobble it back and forth a little, and check the tuning. Then, tighten, or loosen springs accordingly with minute adjustments. Repeat a few times until the spring tension is completely balanced with string tension. Now you can wammy-bar violate and bounce instantly back into perfect tuning every time.
can i use guitar polish to clean my fingerboard?
kris i bought scheter hellraiser with a floyd rose used for great price.not much experence here. less then a year. i wanted this guitar for standard tuning. have other guitars that are easer to change the tuning.anyway it was tuned in a way i hade never seen. so i tunedit eadgbe and did nothing eles. sometime the whole guitar will go flat or sharp all the same i can see it on my chromatic tuner. is this why i got a great deal or can i fix this. frank
i cant get my guitar to stay in tune. i changed the strings but the tremelo bridge keeps on getting pulled up farther then it should be when i try to tune it. any advice?
tight the screws under the body so that the tremolo pulls against the body. If the screws are completely in and your tremolo still is pulled up try adding one more spring or try with less flexible springs. I had to remove one spring from mine because I had the opposite problem, my tremolo was falling further below
tight the screws under the body so that the tremolo pulls against the body. If the screws are completely in and your tremolo still is pulled up try adding one more spring or try with less flexible springs. I had to remove one spring from mine because I had the opposite problem, my tremolo was falling further below
any advice on intonation? Looks a little painful on a FR
Thanks for this lesson.. :) helped a lot. rock on
there is a tuning software for iPhone??
if youre good enough with a coputer, you can find an online tuner, download it, and woirk it out so it worsk on anything.. as long as the mics on the thing youve got is good enough.. thats basicly how they make tuners
I've read other places that instead of cutting off the ball-end of the string, to use this it at the tuning peg. Would placing the string on this way effect the tone? Could it hard the tuning peg or guitar? Thanks Kris...rock-on!
Much needed lesson...thanks Kris and JamPlay. I recently bought a guitar with the FR system and was wondering how to change the strings. Problem solved!
Thank you very mich Kris! Welcome to Jamplay!
Awesome ... many people have troubles with Floyd Rose setups - I do mine on the ESP at least once per month. I'm a tweaker ... thanks for the video Kris! Nice to see ya -
I just did mine last night before I knew there was a video on here. I changed out one string at a time so the bridge wouldn't drop down all the way, but I still had to adjust the two adjustment screws in the back of the guitar to loosen the tension on the bridge because it was pretty low with the new strings on once I started tuning the strings. I did get 'bit' by a stray string that fell on the floor that I didn't see :)
Scene 2, 00:56 : awesome sound effect. JamPlay spares no expense!
Thanks Kris! Good explanation.