Originally Posted by: gmixstudios... however when it comes to doing some of the stuff by Don Madison it is very much what I want to learn but I cant quite grasp it, can you give me a hint on how to get to grips with metal playing say sweeps and other tricks

Getting from pentatonic, boxey, blues licks to full shred requires a couple of things:

1. Getting used to the idea of diatonic instead of pentatonic.

This involves visualizing, playing and being able to hear and use 3-note-per-string groupings. Look at these:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=419
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=370
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=770

2. Being able to play these scales quickly, efficiently, and confidently.

This involves using a variety of sequencing patterns using alternate picking and legato (hammer ons and pull offs). Also important here is the ability to quickly shift between patterns of 3-note-per-strings. Especially because often in bluesy playing you stay in one position to get many things done. Shredding requires the ability to shift positions. Try these:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=287
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=213
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=661

3. Being able to visualize and play chord tones as triads & arpeggios quickly, efficiently, and confidently.

I would suggest my series of triad inversion tutorials if you are not familiar with being able to quickly visualize these patterns. But assuming you can, try these:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=389
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=286
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=408
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=211

After this list you should be ready to tackle Don's stuff! Hope this help. Best of success & have fun!