Mastering "Teardrinker" by Mastodon: Complete Harmonic and Technical Analysis from Boston's Ivan Cardozo

The Impediment to Action Advances Action. What Stands in the Way Becomes the Way."

This Stoic principle from Marcus Aurelius perfectly captures the essence of Mastodon's "Teardrinker"—a song about confronting pain, regret, and the difficult choices that shape us. The title itself evokes the Stoic practice of acknowledging suffering whilst finding strength through adversity. Just as the Stoics taught that obstacles reveal our character and provide opportunities for growth, "Teardrinker" transforms emotional devastation into profound artistic expression.

Learn Progressive Metal Guitar with Ivan Cardozo – Expert Guitar Teacher in Boston & Online Worldwide

Looking for guitar teachers in Boston who can break down both the harmonic complexity and deeper meaning of songs like "Teardrinker"? I'm Ivan Cardozo, and at ivancardozo.com, I teach you the exact modal structures, chord progressions, and techniques behind this masterpiece—whilst helping you understand what makes it emotionally powerful. Study with me in my Boston studio or through my live online lessons anywhere in the world.

"Teardrinker" Complete Analysis: How I Teach This Song

"Teardrinker" from Mastodon's Hushed and Grim is one of my most requested songs. I've developed a systematic approach to teaching this track that focuses on understanding the harmonic structure first, then building the technical skills to execute it. Here's my complete breakdown of what I teach my students.

Key and Modal Structure: The Foundation of My Teaching

Primary Key: G MinorIn my lessons, I start by establishing that "Teardrinker" centres around G minor at 125 BPM. This is crucial—understanding the tonal centre makes everything else fall into place. I play the root position for my students first, then guide you through each chord change whilst explaining why Mastodon chose each voicing.

Modal ApproachI teach you how Mastodon employs G natural minor (Aeolian mode) as the foundation, but I also show you where Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher incorporate Phrygian colours through the use of flattened scale degrees. In my studio, I demonstrate these modes on my guitar, then have you play them back whilst I correct your fingering and positioning.

Intro: How I Teach the Opening Progression

Intro Chords: Gm – Eb – Gm – Eb

In my Boston guitar lessons, I begin with the intro because it establishes the song's emotional landscape. I teach you:

• Gm (i chord) – I show you multiple voicings and explain why the open position works for this section

• Eb (bVI chord) – I demonstrate how this borrowed chord from G Phrygian creates the dark, contemplative atmosphere

• The alternating pattern – I play along with the original track whilst you learn the rhythm, helping you internalise the groove without relying on a metronome

I use the original recording as our guide. My method involves playing sections of the track, pausing, demonstrating the technique, then playing along with you until you've locked into the feel.

Verse Section: Modal Movement and Voice Leading

Verse Progression: Gm – Gm/F# – F – GmPre-Chorus: Eb – Bb/D – Cm – Bb – F/A – Bb

This is where I teach you Mastodon's sophisticated approach to bass movement and modal harmony:

• Gm to Gm/F# – I demonstrate the chromatic bass descent that creates tension. In my lessons, I emphasise proper finger placement to make this transition smooth

• F major chord – I explain how this bVII chord functions and why it creates such a powerful resolution back to Gm

• The pre-chorus descending bass line – I break down the Eb – Bb/D – Cm progression, showing you how each slash chord creates melodic movement in the bass

I use backing tracks I've created specifically for this section, allowing you to practise one guitar part whilst I play the other, or whilst the backing track provides the foundation.

Chorus: The Emotional Core

Chorus Progression: Gm – Eb – Gm – Eb – Cm – Gm

In my teaching approach, the chorus is where I focus on dynamics and emotional delivery:

• The Gm – Eb alternation – I teach you how to voice these chords for maximum impact

• Adding Cm – I show you how this iv chord (minor subdominant) deepens the melancholic character

• Dynamic control – Using the original track, I demonstrate how Mastodon builds intensity through the chorus, then I guide you in replicating that dynamic range

My students practise this section with me playing rhythm whilst they play lead lines, then we switch. This interplay is crucial for understanding how the dual guitars work in Mastodon's arrangements.

Bridge: Harmonic Expansion and Tension

Bridge Progression: Eb – F – GmExtended Bridge: Eb – F – D

This is one of my favourite sections to teach because of its harmonic sophistication:

• The Eb – F – Gm progression – I explain how this IV – V – i movement creates a perfect authentic resolution in G minor

• The D major chord twist – I demonstrate how this V of V (secondary dominant) creates unexpected tension. In my lessons, I break down why this D major chord sounds so powerful after dwelling in minor territory

• Building tension – I teach you to recognise how this progression prepares for the solo section

I play the bridge progression slowly, explaining each chord's function, then gradually increase tempo using the original track as our reference.

Solo Section: Modal Interchange and Technical Execution

Solo Progression: Gm – F (repeating)Second Half: Gm – Db (repeating)

The solo section is where I teach you advanced modal concepts:

• Gm to F movement – I show you how this i to bVII progression creates a Mixolydian flavour over the minor tonality

• The Db chord – This is a critical teaching moment in my lessons. I explain how this bV chord (tritone substitution from G) creates the most dissonant, tense moment in the song

• Soloing over modal changes – I teach you which scales work over each chord change, demonstrating on my guitar then guiding your practice

For my online students, I've created detailed video materials showing finger positions for the solo section. For my in-person Boston students, I physically guide your hands to the correct positions and watch your technique in real-time.

Outro: Resolution and Closure

Outro: Gm – Eb – Gm – Eb – Cm – Gm

I teach the outro as a return to the chorus harmonic structure, but with different emotional weight:

• Emotional interpretation – Using the original track, I demonstrate how to play the same chords with a sense of closure rather than questioning

• Final resolution – I show you how Mastodon ends on Gm, bringing complete resolution after the harmonic journey

  
  

Technical Skills I Develop Through This Song

When you learn "Teardrinker" with me at ivancardozo.com, I personally teach you:

Rhythm Guitar Technique:

• Chord voicing mastery – I show you multiple positions for each chord and explain when to use each voicing

• Smooth transitions – I drill the Gm/F# and slash chord movements until they're effortless

• Right-hand dynamics – I demonstrate pick attack variations that create the song's dynamic range

Lead Guitar Technique:

• Modal improvisation – I teach you to navigate between natural minor, Phrygian, and Mixolydian sounds

• Phrasing within odd harmonic contexts – I show you how to create melodic lines over the Db chord change

• Bending and vibrato – I demonstrate Mastodon's approach to expressive techniques

Harmonic Understanding:

• Modal interchange – I explain and demonstrate borrowing chords from parallel modes

• Secondary dominants – I break down the D major chord function

• Tritone substitution – I teach you the theory behind the Db chord and how to use this concept in your own playing

  
  

My Teaching Method: Original Tracks and Backing Tracks

I never use a metronome for teaching songs like "Teardrinker". Instead:

• I play the original Mastodon recording and have you play along, helping you lock into their groove and feel

• I've created custom backing tracks for each section so you can practise rhythm guitar whilst hearing the lead, or vice versa

• I play along with you in real-time, either in my Boston studio or through high-quality video for my online students

• I demonstrate each section on my guitar before you attempt it, showing you exactly what it should sound and look like

This approach develops your musicality and timing in a way that's musical rather than mechanical.

Why Study Complex Music with Me

As one of Boston's most dedicated guitar teachers, I've spent years developing my analytical approach to progressive metal. I don't just teach you where to put your fingers—I teach you why Mastodon made each harmonic choice, what makes their composition sophisticated, and how you can apply these concepts to your own playing.

What My Students Say: My students consistently tell me that my harmonic analysis transforms how they understand music. They stop seeing songs as random chord changes and start recognising patterns, modal applications, and compositional techniques they can use in their own work.

For Boston Students and Online Students Worldwide

In My Boston Studio:

• I demonstrate techniques on my professional equipment so you hear exactly what these tones should be

• I physically guide your hand positions, correcting technique in real-time

• I've built connections throughout Boston's music community that I share with advancing students

• Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends

  
  

For My Online Students:

• High-quality video where I see every detail of your playing

• I send you my custom backing tracks and detailed analysis materials

• I review recordings you send between lessons with comprehensive feedback

• The same Ivan Cardozo instruction from anywhere in the world

  
  

Start Learning with Me Today

Whether you're drawn to Mastodon's progressive complexity or other advanced styles, my instruction will transform your playing. I've taught students to master complete Mastodon albums, Tool's catalogue, and countless other progressive metal pieces.

Stop wishing you could play "Teardrinker". Book a lesson with me now and I'll personally guide you through every chord, every progression, and every technique in this masterpiece.

🎸 Ready to Master "Teardrinker" with Ivan Cardozo?

Visit ivancardozo.com right now to:

• Schedule your first FREE lesson with me in my Boston studio or live online

• Read testimonials from my students who've mastered complex progressive metal

• Review my teaching philosophy and systematic approach

• Message me directly—I personally respond to every enquiry

Contact me today and let's start your journey through "Teardrinker" and beyond. I limit my student roster to ensure personalised attention, so spaces fill quickly.

Ivan Cardozo Guitar Lessons: Boston & Worldwide

📍 My Boston Studio: Serving Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, and all Massachusetts areas🌍 My Online Lessons: I teach students worldwide through professional video platforms🎵 My Specialities: Progressive Metal, Rock, Blues, Classical, Contemporary Styles🎼

My Approach: Harmonic analysis, modal theory, and technical mastery through original recordings

Book Your FIRST FREE Lesson with Me NOW

Transform your understanding of progressive metal guitar. Whether you're local to Boston or anywhere in the world, I personally guide every aspect of your musical development.

Start learning "Teardrinker" today at ivancardozo.com!

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