“Through the Fire and Flames” by DragonForce is notorious for being one of the most challenging songs in the Guitar Hero series. Many players aspire to conquer this epic track, and with the right techniques and practice, you can too. This guide breaks down key sections of the song, offering tips to help you finally shred through “Through the Fire and Flames” on Guitar Hero.
Intro Technique: Tapping into Speed
The intro of “Through the Fire and Flames” demands speed and precision. Tapping is your best friend here. Start by strumming while holding down the red and green frets. Crucially, release the red fret but never let go of the green fret. This forms the anchor for your tapping hand.
Next, introduce your left hand to the fretboard. You’ll be hitting Yellow, Blue, Red, and Yellow notes entirely with your left hand while maintaining that green fret hold with your strumming hand. While your left hand is busy, bring your strumming hand up to the fretboard. Position your index finger on the blue fret and your middle finger on the orange fret. Execute the rapid Blue, Orange, Blue, Orange sequence with your strumming hand. The remaining part of the intro is about rhythm and muscle memory – memorize the pattern and practice it repeatedly to build speed and accuracy.
Solo Strategies: Practice and Star Power
The solos in “Through the Fire and Flames” are legendary for their blistering speed and complexity. There’s no magic shortcut here; consistent practice is paramount. The first solo involves ascending scales, peppered with a reversed intro pattern (orange fret after each note), followed by more scale runs. An easier Star Power (SP) section provides a brief respite before descending scales come at you. Be prepared for a section reminiscent of “Blackest Waves,” then more ascending scales to challenge your fingers. Finally, navigate the YO trills that descend to GY.
Following this solo madness, you’ll encounter an intro-like section. This part should be manageable with one-handed play if you’ve mastered the tapping intro. Another Star Power section appears – don’t choke on the last notes! Then comes the infamous “What The?…” section. Let’s be honest, this section is controlled chaos, bordering on flailing! Afterward, prepare for a fast strumming section. Strategic Star Power usage can make this section far more manageable. Conquer this, and you’re greeted by quick ascending scales, then descending scales, culminating in the glorious GYO chord!
For Star Power management in the solos, consider activating SP at the beginning of the Twin Solo (immediately after the fast strumming section), unless you are supremely confident in your soloing prowess. A safer strategy is to save Star Power for the “What the?…” section, which is often a major fail point for players.
The Home Stretch: GYO Chord and Victory
If you successfully hit the GYO chord, victory is within sight. As long as your Rock Meter is in the mid-yellow zone or higher at this point, you’re in a strong position to finish the song. However, stay focused! Watch out for the “You rock!” section near the end. This section requires you to hold the red fret and alternate rapidly between blue and orange. If you stumble on the rhythm, don’t panic. Briefly pause to regain your timing – the last thing you want is to fail at 98%! Any Star Power you’ve accumulated after the GYO chord can be invaluable here as a safety net.
With dedicated practice and these targeted tips, mastering “Through the Fire and Flames” on Guitar Hero is an achievable goal. Keep practicing, stay persistent, and soon you’ll be shredding this iconic track like a true guitar hero.
