Doug Marks over at Metal Method has posted a great video, shown above, of Metal Method instructor Dan Mumm playing an impressive version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.  It starts out pretty straightforward, but once he gets into the eight finger tapping, look out!  Doug has also made available the backing track and tabs to current students who want to try this out.

If you haven't tried Metal Method, it's a great course for classic rock, blues and heavy metal.  Doug Marks is not only an exceptional rock guitar player, he's one of the best instructors out there.  The Metal Method Course has six DVDs and is a tremendous value for $85, or you can get just two DVDs for $25 plus shipping. 

There are also newer courses on Lead Guitar DNA, Sweep Pick Mechanics, Melodic Principles of Rock and Speed Kills 2010.  There are also many sample videos on YouTube.

• Metal Method: Main site, Basic Course, Speed Kills, Forum, YouTube 

As we approach the Christmas gift-giving season, here's an excellent choice for the drummer or rock fan in your life.  David Phillips has created a unique coffee-table book called "A Drummer's Perspective" with 200 exclusive shots of some of the most famous drummers in the business including Ginger Baker, Neil Peart, Mitch Mitchell, Roger Taylor, Zak Starkey, Dave Grohl and more.  

Each photo includes notes on where the photo was taken, anecdotes from the author and assorted backstage memorabilia. These are incredible in-concert photos from stadiums, clubs and festivals around the world over a five year period.  Author David Phillips was head of European Artist Relations for Pearl Drums and has also handled Artist Relations for Drum Workshop.   As a result, Phillips had a ringside seat at some of the best venues imaginable, resulting in the kind of close-up photos that you just can't get anywhere else.

So if you're looking for a unique book, check this out.  It's available exclusively by ordering from music-images in the UK for  £29.99 plus shipping.  

• Music Images: A Drummer's Perspective, David Phillips