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Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon Rock - Guitar Lesson

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon Rock - Guitar Lesson

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon Rock guitar lesson video
Guitar 365
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Classic Rock

Gain6
Bass6
Mid7
Treble6
Presence5
Master7
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra Rock D minor
Capo Advisor 0 D minor · Original key

Christmas Canon Rock

Christmas Canon Rock is a track by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the American neoclassical metal band founded in 1996 by Paul O'Neill. Built on the harmonic structure of Pachelbel's Canon, the song layers heavy electric guitar riffs with orchestral arrangements, making it a compelling study in blending classical progressions with rock technique. For guitarists, it offers a rare mix of melodic lead work, power chord drive, and ensemble interplay that captures TSO's signature arena-rock sound.

  • The song adapts Pachelbel's Canon chord progression, a foundational sequence worth knowing for any rock or lead guitarist.
  • Trans-Siberian Orchestra was described as 'Pink Floyd meets Yes and the Who at Radio City Music Hall,' reflecting their layered guitar style.
  • TSO was founded in 1996 by producer and composer Paul O'Neill, who shaped the band's fusion of neoclassical and hard rock guitar tones.
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

TSO uses Les Paul-style guitars in the studio for thick, warm rhythm tones that cut through the orchestral arrangements without getting lost. The dual-humbucker design delivers the pronounced midrange needed to sit perfectly between strings and keyboards.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

The Custom's refined electronics and construction provide the articulate, saturated lead tones TSO needs for expressive solos against full orchestral walls. Its tight low-end response helps maintain clarity and punch in the heavily layered arrangements.

Marshall JCM800
Amp

Marshall JCM800

Pitrelli and Caffery rely on the JCM800's aggressive, tight high-gain character for rapid palm-muted rhythms that punctuate TSO's symphonic passages. The amp's focused midrange ensures guitar parts stay defined and cut through the dense instrumental tapestry.

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Amp

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

The Dual Rectifier's thick, saturated lead tone and tight low-end response make it ideal for TSO's expressive solo work over orchestral arrangements. Its dynamic range allows lead passages to breathe and sing without losing articulation in the mix.

Peavey 5150
Amp

Peavey 5150

Pitrelli tracked heavy passages with the 5150's raw, compressed attack and intense gain structure, perfect for the aggressive rhythm sections that anchor TSO's symphonic metal arrangements. The amp's tight response handles fast palm-muted chugs against strings and choir without muddiness.

EMG 81
Pickup

EMG 81

The EMG 81 bridge pickup's tight, compressed attack and 13-16k output range delivers the fast, defined tone TSO needs for rapid position shifts and palm-muted rhythms. Its active design cuts through orchestral layers while maintaining clarity in heavily processed arrangements.

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