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Fish Rock (Thaikkudam Bridge) (Malayalam) Guitar Lessson - Introduction
Fish Rock â Introduction
Fish Rock is a standout track by the Indian band Thaikkudam Bridge, known for blending intense death metal with local Kerala culture. Released in 2014 during a live session on Kappa TVâs Music Mojo, the song quickly caught fire online, gaining millions of views and establishing the band as a powerful force in the Indian indie rock scene. What makes Fish Rock so unique is its playful inspirationâa love for fish fry, a popular dish in coastal Keralaâwhich the band turns into an energetic metal anthem full of fast riffs and powerful vocals.
The song features lyrics in Malayalam, peppered with local slang and phrases that add authenticity and regional flavor, making it feel both raw and personal. Led by Govind Menonâs songwriting and Anish Krishnanâs fierce vocals, Fish Rock combines aggressive metal instrumentation with catchy melodies and rhythms. The track became a key highlight of Thaikkudam Bridgeâs debut album Navarasam in 2015, showcasing their ability to mix heavy music with cultural storytelling, which helped redefine Indian rock in a fresh and exciting way.
Fish Rock â Guitar Lesson
Mike Walkerâs lesson on Fish Rock dives into how to nail the songâs heavy, gritty sound using drop D tuning, where the lowest string is tuned down a whole step from E to D. This tuning gives the guitar a deeper, punchier tone thatâs perfect for the chunky riffs and aggressive rhythm playing the song demands. Mike takes you through the main riff, focusing on the powerful use of open strings and palm muting to create that tight, percussive feel common in metal.
The soloing section in Fish Rock is built around the minor pentatonic scale, which is a go-to scale for rock and metal soloing. Mike breaks down the solo ideas simply by showing how the minor pentatonic scale worksâbasically a five-note scale that sounds dark and bluesy. He explains how to use bends, slides, and hammer-ons to add expression without overcomplicating the solo, making it approachable for players looking to get into metal lead playing.
Throughout the lesson, Mike emphasizes keeping the rhythm tight and clean, which is key in heavy music to avoid a muddy sound. He also talks about dynamicsâhow to build tension by mixing softer muted riffs with bursts of aggressive picking. For players wanting to get the full feel of Fish Rock, Mikeâs guidance on using the drop D tuning effectively, combined with minor pentatonic lead ideas, helps capture the songâs raw energy while making it accessible for learners.
FAQs
Q. What tuning is used in Fish Rock?
The song uses drop D tuning, which means the low E string is tuned down one whole step to D.
Q. What scale is used for the solo in Fish Rock?
The solo is based mainly on the minor pentatonic scale, which is a simple and common scale for rock and metal solos.
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