How to Play Guitar Quickly

Think playing guitar fast is just about shredding solos? Think again. Speed is a multi-faceted aspect of guitar playing that extends to rhythm, technique, and even mental agility. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player looking to tighten up your skills, there’s always room to play faster and more efficiently. This guide breaks down methods and tips to help you accelerate your guitar journey without losing quality or precision.

Focusing on Fundamentals: The Foundation of Speed

Before you can play fast, you need to play well. This might sound like a cliché, but it holds true in music. Speed without accuracy is just noise. So, let’s start with the essentials.

First up, posture and hand positioning. It might not sound exciting, but how you hold your guitar affects everything. Sit or stand in a way that feels natural and doesn’t strain your body. Your fretting hand should have a relaxed grip, and your thumb should rest behind the neck for better reach.

Then there’s picking. Whether you’re using alternate picking or economy picking, consistency is key. Practice slow, deliberate strokes to build muscle memory. Even seasoned guitarists revisit these basics, and for good reason. Consider using a metronome to keep your timing on point. It’s like having a personal timekeeper that never gets tired.

And let’s not forget scales. They’re not just for warm-ups; they’re a guitarist’s toolkit. Practice scales in different keys and positions to familiarize yourself with the fretboard. This is where a platform like Riffhard comes in handy, offering lessons from top guitarists that can guide you through these foundational exercises.

Developing Picking Speed: Beyond the Basics

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about picking speed. This is where many players hit a wall. The trick is to develop both speed and accuracy simultaneously. So how do you do that?

The answer lies in exercises. Start with simple alternate picking patterns on open strings. Gradually increase the speed with a metronome, but never sacrifice clarity for speed. You should hear each note distinctly. Feel like you’re making progress? Try more complex exercises like string skipping or incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Another effective way to improve picking speed is to focus on your pick itself. A sharper, more pointed pick can offer more precision, allowing you to glide over strings smoothly. Experiment with different gauges and shapes to find what feels best for you.

And if you’re wondering how the pros do it, guitarists like Dean Lamb of Archspire break down their techniques on Riffhard, offering invaluable insights into the mechanics of fast playing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: Adding Fluidity to Your Playing

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are not just flashy techniques; they’re practical tools for adding fluidity and speed to your playing. These techniques allow you to play more notes with fewer pick strokes, making your playing sound seamless.

Start by practicing simple exercises on one string. Hammer down on the fretboard hard enough to make the note ring out without needing to pick. For pull-offs, reverse the motion by flicking the string as you lift your finger.

Once you’re comfortable, incorporate these into scale runs and licks. This not only adds speed but also a dynamic texture to your playing. It’s like adding spices to a dish—it’s what makes it flavorful.

Want to see these techniques in action? Check out lessons from players like Aaron Marshall of Intervals on Riffhard, where these techniques are broken down step-by-step.

Metronome Magic: The Secret Ingredient to Speed

Ah, the metronome. It’s the unsung hero of speed practice. Many guitarists underestimate its power, but it’s crucial for developing timing and precision.

Start by setting your metronome to a comfortable speed. Play your chosen exercise or riff in time with the clicks. Once you’re nailing it consistently, notch up the speed a little. This gradual increase helps your muscle memory adapt without overwhelming your brain.

It’s important to stay patient here. Rushing this process can lead to sloppy playing and bad habits. The goal is to play cleanly at each speed before moving up a notch.

The interactive player on Riffhard allows you to adjust tempo for video lessons, making it easier to practice along with your favorite instructors at a speed that suits you.

Riff Like a Pro: Building Speed in Rhythm Playing

Speed isn’t just for solos. In metal, rhythm guitar is just as important, if not more so. Tight, fast riffs are the backbone of many genres like thrash metal and metalcore.

To start, work on your down-picking technique. It’s all about maintaining a consistent, powerful stroke. Practice with a metronome to ensure even timing. Once you’re comfortable, try incorporating palm muting to add texture and dynamics.

Next, experiment with different rhythms and time signatures. This keeps your playing fresh and challenges your timing. Play along with your favorite tracks or backing tracks, focusing on staying tight with the beat.

If you want to learn from the best, instructors like Zakk Wylde and Mike Stringer of Spiritbox offer lessons on Riffhard that focus on these aspects of rhythm playing.

Mindset Matters: Mental Techniques for Faster Playing

Speed isn’t just physical; it’s mental too. Your mindset can greatly affect how quickly you pick up new techniques and improve your speed.

First, practice mindfulness. Stay present during your practice sessions. This helps you catch mistakes early and correct them before they become habits.

Visualize your playing. Before you pick up your guitar, imagine playing your exercises or pieces perfectly. This mental practice can actually improve your physical playing.

Finally, set realistic goals. Break down your practice into manageable chunks, focusing on one thing at a time. This not only makes practice less daunting but also more productive.

The Shredule on Riffhard offers a bi-weekly lesson plan that can help structure your practice and keep you motivated.

Keeping It Fun: Jamming and Improvisation

Learning to play faster doesn’t have to be all drills and exercises. Jamming with friends or playing along with backing tracks can be a fun way to apply what you’ve learned.

Improvisation is a great way to test your skills in a real-world context. It forces you to think on your feet and make quick decisions—an excellent way to build speed and creativity simultaneously.

Don’t have anyone to jam with? Platforms like YouTube and Spotify offer countless backing tracks in various genres and keys. Or, if you prefer a more structured approach, Riffhard offers live streams and community features where you can share your progress and jam with other guitarists.

Relaxation and Recovery: The Importance of Rest

Speed isn’t just about how fast you can play, but also about maintaining that speed over time. That’s where relaxation and recovery come in.

Remember to take breaks during practice sessions. Overworking your muscles can lead to fatigue and even injury, which will only slow down your progress.

Incorporate stretching exercises for your hands and fingers, both before and after playing. This keeps them flexible and less prone to strain.

And finally, don’t underestimate the power of sleep. A good night’s rest can improve your focus and memory, making your practice sessions more effective.

Final Thoughts

Playing guitar quickly isn’t just about speed; it’s about control, precision, and expression. By focusing on the fundamentals, developing your technique, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can enhance your playing significantly. And if you’re looking for structured guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists, helping you reach your goals faster and more efficiently.