Electric Eye by Judas Priest, from Screaming for Vengeance (1982), features a guitar solo by K.K. Downing that is fast, aggressive, and full of classic British heavy metal energy. Judas Priest defined the sound of metal guitar in the early 80s and this solo is a prime example of their style.
About This Lesson
K.K. Downing plays with power and precision on this solo — fast pentatonic runs, aggressive bends, and the kind of metal attitude that made Judas Priest one of the most influential bands in heavy metal history. The solo is demanding but perfectly constructed.
What You Will Work On
- British heavy metal phrasing — Judas Priest’s aggressive, driving style
- Fast pentatonic runs — speed with direction and attitude
- Metal string bends — aggressive, wide, and in tune
- High-gain tone control — keeping articulation clear with heavy distortion
- Metal solo construction — building intensity from start to finish
Tips for Learning
- Use a high-gain tone with good mid-range to match the Judas Priest sound.
- Work on alternate picking in pentatonic patterns before tackling the fast runs.
- Match the aggression — this solo demands full commitment and intensity.
- Listen to Screaming for Vengeance to understand the context and style.
WANT TO MASTER THIS SOLO PROPERLY?
Private Rock Guitar Lessons via Zoom — Diego Fonseca
Rock & metal specialist with 20+ years of teaching. Students across the US and Canada. I will build a lesson plan around the music you actually want to play — solos, technique, theory.
✔ Free 30-min trial lesson ✔ US & Canada timezones ✔ $240/month · 4 lessons
Fill out the form and Diego will reply within 12 hours.