Best known in the United States for its connection in the Rock and Metal scene, it can be called by a variety of terms: devil sign, devil horns, goat horns, metal horns, metal sign, throwing the goat, evil fingers, Pommesgabel (Pommes = fries, Gabel = fork), mano cornuto, peka evil, the horns, also "Rock Fist" or more simply the "Rock On" sign. This guide is to teach you the right way to "Rock On" without looking like a

Step 1: Not to Be Confused With...

This is a gesture with a vulgar meaning in Mediterranean countries and a variety of meanings and uses in other cultures. Noteworthy for those traveling outside of the Americas.

The "Rock On"sign is not to be confused with the sign for "I love you" in American Sign Language, which is made by also extending the thumb, or the shaka sign used in Hawaii, which is made by extending just the thumb and little finger.

Note the picture of the female who is attempting to show how much she "loves something" with not one, but two hands. Obviously all of her love could not contain her tongue. I suppose that heart on her chest is most appropriate.

Step 2: Learn It

Simply put the "Rock On" is realized by extending the index and little finger (pinky) while holding the middle and ring fingers down with the thumb. Please note the examples by President Bush and his daughter. Both properly rock the sign. (please attempt to contain your banter)

If you are one who believes Bush isn't rocking like a rocker please compare his flawless technique to that of its alleged creator Ronnie James Dio, who is also pictured below.

Step 3: If You Dare to GO BIG

The double fisted method is not one for the weak. Often at a show you are elbows to ankles with people pushing, shoving, straight up feeling hardcore. This is why I don't recommend the two hander but if you must, then you must. It is realized by making two fists and lining up your digits 10 in a row. Index fingers should be touching. No point your two little fingers (pinkies) up to the rock gods. Done!

Recently Ronnie James Dio (singer for Black Sabath renowned for his voice and popularizing the "devil's horns" hand gesture in heavy metal culture) spoke out in regards to the frequent over use of the "devils horns" sign that he claims to have invented. While I wish not to get into a debate on whether or not he did in fact invent the sign I think, Ronnie has bought up a very important point. With the younger generation flashing it around every chance they get, its seems to be diminishing the impact of the metal hand gesture. "It was a symbol of darknessâ¦ not something to be passed on to BRITNEY SPEARS!" stated Ronnie.

Dio also expressed concern that incorrect technique also appears to be propagating. Back in the old days the metal sign was a very sacred symbol which was used only for special occasion but with the vagrant overuse Ronnie feels it is losing it's impact.

If you have been to see a Dio gig you will have noticed that he will wait until 2-3 songs before he breaks out the symbol, waiting for the most opportune moment where it would get maximum effect "There has to be some emotion behind itâ¦ It might sound stupid but I never once did that on stage unless it was to punctuate something that was a little more dark." Ronnie is obviously a master of the technique and I feel the younger generation should take heed of his message and consider the usage of the devils horns a bit more seriously.

Simply put: Don't try to "Rock" if you in fact don't rock. I think a good example of this is the critical nature of some instructables posters who might assume they rock, but in reality are stretching reality.

~~Please Rock Responsibly~~