Mission Objective
To empower the modern guitarist in their quest for musical transformation.
Jonny Mac: My Story Through Metal and Music
Ever since I was 13, the guitar has been more than just an instrument to me—it’s been my compass, my obsession, and my guide through the wild world of heavy metal. My first steps into playing guitar were filled with enthusiasm but lacked direction. My early teachers were friends who, while talented, had no roadmap for teaching. They handed me random pieces of knowledge without connecting them to the big picture of music on the guitar. Back then, I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
I progressed quickly enough to join a covers band within six months (though we probably weren’t as great as we thought). Still, I loved every minute of playing. However, as I got deeper into music, I began to hit walls. I could play chords, read tablature, and solo a little, but when it came to improvising or creating my own music, I was stuck. I didn’t understand technique, timing, or how the fretboard worked. That lack of understanding held me back from expressing myself as a guitarist.
Over time, through countless hours of trial and error, books, and sheer determination, I pieced the missing parts together. Growing up in a small town in New Zealand with no access to great teachers or online resources (this was pre-broadband!), I had to forge my own path. That experience taught me resilience and deepened my connection to the guitar.
From Frustration to Revelation
In my early 20s, I was still grappling with the creative side of music. I knew the sound I wanted but didn’t know how to bring it to life. Everything changed when I began sequencing drum beats alongside my riffs. The grooves added depth to my ideas, transforming rough sketches into real music. This sparked a revelation—every riff starts with a groove.
Around this time, I started teaching a friend the basics of rhythm. To help him (and myself), I analyzed drum patterns and began noticing recurring structures, which I now call Groove Schemas™. These patterns are everywhere in music, and once you understand them, they become a powerful tool for creating grooves effortlessly. Groove Schemas™ form the foundation of my Riff Craft Alchemy™ method, and they’ve completely transformed how I write music.
The Darker Side of Music
Even before I considered myself a metalhead, the darker forces of music drew me in. Nirvana was my first love and gave me the push to start learning guitar. From there, I dove into Alice in Chains, Tool, Korn, Rage Against the Machine, and eventually the iconic Master of Puppets by Metallica, which sealed my fate as a metalhead. Since 1998, metal has been my world.
My influences are vast, but some of the most significant include Dimebag Darrell, Steve Harris, Adrian Smith, Marty Friedman, Dave Mustaine, and James Hetfield. These legends shaped my playing, and their impact is clear in my music. These days, I’m inspired by bands like Jinjer, A7X, 12 Foot Ninja, Lamb of God, Soilwork, and Gojira. The integrity and power of their music keep my passion burning.
Why Fretfury?
I created Fretfury to help aspiring metal guitarists avoid the frustration I faced. My goal is to provide a structured path that takes you from basics to creating your own riffs with confidence. The Riff Craft Alchemy™ method is built on the idea of transformation, just like alchemy—turning fundamental elements into musical gold. By focusing on Groove Schemas™ and the core principles of timing, technique, and creativity, this approach makes heavy metal guitar accessible and exciting.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your playing to the next level—together, we’ll turn frustration into fret-fury.