Rafael Trujillo

Harmonic Rhythm - how to get into jazz

For me it is essential to understand the connections between the chords and in my opinion jazz is probably the best way to learn that vocabulary because it contains everything from very simple and repetitive motives to very complex structures including polyrhythms and odd meters.

The so-called harmonic rhythm essentiall...

HOW to get into Jazz - Repertoire

Hey guys,

I'd like to share my approach to playing jazz music, regardless of your current skill level or previous musical background, but especially for people like me, playing metal too.

First of all, I want to share my repertoire, a list of jazz standards I've used for learning and consistent practice. Whether y...

Tempo Changes in Songs - My Formula

Whenever there is a tempo change in one of my songs, it always maintains a relational aspect through metric modulation. For instance, the most straightforward metric modulation is the transition from half time to double tempo, or vice versa. However, looking into that topic a little more there are a lot of things to discover ...

My first guitar

I want to tell you something I never shared before publicly. Most of the instruments I own or owned were purchased using money I received for birthdays, Christmas, and other occasions. I invested all my pocket money into building my collection of instruments, including buying a Drum Set at the age of 11 (I even took drum less...

My Top (Lead) Guitarists

I get so many questions about what inspires me and who influences my music. So I want to share that with you. Honestly, my inspiration comes from a blend of players, bands, composers, and producers who amaze me and create a particular feeling when I listen to their work. I might create different posts to share my favorite mus...

Guitar Strings

I want to give you an overview about the strings I’m playing. At the moment I’m using DR strings exclusively.

They feel great to me and have a really nice warm tone, which I love to have, especially for soloing.

(E-)Standard Tuning: Veritas Medium; 10, 13, 17, 26, 36, 46

7-String (D-)Standard Tuning: DDT...

How I warm up before playing my songs live

Hey guys, I want to share something about my warm up. This clip was recorded during a workshop I gave in Salzburg.

Playing at a workshop is totally different than performing a whole set on stage, because it’s just one or two songs out of nowhere. On a full live set, I usually start with 2-3 easier songs before playin...

My "Archetype: Petrucci" Presets (Neural DSP)

Hey guys,

Last week I shared my presets for the Archetype: Plini plugin. This week I'm sharing the ones for "Archetype: Petrucci". You can hear them on the playthrough video I did.

Check them out!

I'm posting them because I was asked for them specifically. Please let me know in the comments if you would like...

My "Archetype: Plini" Presets (Neural DSP)

Hey guys,

a lot of people are asking me about the presets and tones I'm using. So I want to share some tones I use from the Archetype: Plan plugin. In this video you can hear an example of my lead tone.

In the attachment you'll find a Rhythm, Crunch, Solo, Clean and a Clean Solo preset I made.

• Rhythm: ...
  2023-10-18 14:53:48 +0000 UTC View Post

Video recording gear

I want to give you some insight into how I record myself on video. Trust me, I used to struggle with this a lot in the past, but I learned by simply doing it repeatedly. The most important thing is lighting; I use two softboxes placed in front of me on both the right and left sides. I've experimented with various cameras, suc...

Practicing Jazz Standards

I practiced a lot of Jazz Improvisation concepts and jazz standards (tunes) over the years. And I still do. That’s also what influences me in my metal solo playing a lot.

I think most of you play metal so I’m curious if you ever got in touch with Jazz Standards or jam sessions around your living area.

Kiesel Zeus Acoustic

This is my Kiesel Zeus Acoustic. It is one of the greatest instruments I've ever played on. I already started recording a new song with it. Hopefully I'm able to show it to go guys very soon!

Here are the Specs:

25.5'' Scale Length

Red Cedar Top Acoustic

Mahagony Body

Trans...

Practice livestream

Today I'm playing at the local theater so we'll have to move our livestream to Sunday once again. Same time as always (7pm CET).

Platin and premium members will be able to see it through a link I post here.

Let me know, if you have any questions.

Looking forward to it!

Tabs - Guitar Pro

As you've probably already heard, I'm now officially the Lead Guitarist of the band Daath!

Krimh introduced me to them back in 2022. Over the past couple of months, we have been writing and recording new songs for the upcoming album.

Just like in Obsidious, we use Guitar Pro to communicate musically. If we want t...

Practice livestream

This Saturday I'm playing at the local theater so we'll have to move our livestream to Sunday. Same time as always (7pm CET).
Platin and premium members will be able to see it through a link I post here.
Let me know, if you have any questions.
Looking forward to it!

NEW SINGLE - Across the Lines

My new single 'Across the Lines' is out on the 8th of September.

This is the early access link!

Gear - App

This is the app called forScore. I use this app on a regular basis, especially for rehearsals and practice sessions.

By the way: You’ll have access to my new single by 4pm (CET) today.🎉🙌 Tabs and backing tracks are available tomorrow and will be posted in an extra post. I hope you‘ll e...