How to Become an Advanced Guitar Player

Tight picking and clean technique are the foundation of killer metal rhythm playing. If your riffs sound sloppy, it's not your guitar—it's your right hand. Here's how to clean up your picking and get that crushing precision.

Building a Solid Foundation: Mastering the Basics

Let's start with a truth that might sting a bit: if your basics aren't solid, your advanced playing won't be either. Every advanced guitarist has spent a significant amount of time mastering the fundamentals. This includes understanding proper hand positioning, mastering alternate picking, and developing a strong sense of timing.

For starters, alternate picking is crucial for speed and precision. It's about moving the pick efficiently across the strings using both upstrokes and downstrokes. Practice with a metronome to ensure your timing is spot on. Start slow, and gradually increase the speed as accuracy becomes second nature.

Similarly, focus on hand positioning. Keep your fretting hand relaxed but precise. A tense hand can lead to sloppiness and fatigue. As for your picking hand, make sure it's steady and controlled. Too often, guitarists overlook the importance of the right hand, thinking all the magic happens in the fretting hand. Big mistake!

If you're serious about honing these fundamentals, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists in the world, focusing on these crucial techniques. Our instructors can guide you through the building blocks of metal guitar, ensuring your foundation is rock solid.

Developing Speed and Precision: The Path to Shredding

Once your basics are in place, it's time to crank up the speed. It's not just about playing fast but doing so with precision. Speed without clarity is like a Ferrari stuck in first gear—wasted potential.

The secret to speed is muscle memory. Repetition is your best friend. Take a riff you love and play it slowly, ensuring every note is clear. Gradually increase the tempo. You'll notice that as your fingers get used to the patterns, speed will come naturally.

Another tip is to break down complicated riffs into smaller sections. This makes it easier to focus on the tricky parts without feeling overwhelmed. It's like tackling a big pizza—slice by slice.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of exercises like string skipping, hammer-ons, and pull-offs. These techniques can drastically improve your dexterity and speed across the fretboard.

For those looking to accelerate their progress, Riffhard provides a custom metronome perfect for practicing and increasing tempo gradually. It's specifically designed for guitar practice, helping you build speed without sacrificing precision.

The Art of Phrasing: Making Solos Stand Out

So, your speed and precision are on point, but your solos still sound robotic? Enter phrasing—the magic sauce that can transform a technically perfect solo into an emotionally stirring masterpiece.

Phrasing is about playing with dynamics, rhythm, and expression. It's the difference between just hitting the notes and telling a story through your solos. Think of your favorite guitarists—whether it's the soulful bends of David Gilmour or the furious flurries of Yngwie Malmsteen, their phrasing sets them apart.

To improve your phrasing, start by listening closely to solos you admire. Notice how the guitarist uses bends, slides, and vibrato to convey emotion. Try to mimic these techniques in your own playing. Experiment with different rhythms and note durations, even within the same scale or lick.

Another effective method is to sing your solos before playing them. This helps internalize the melody, making it easier to express on the guitar. Remember, your voice is your first instrument, even if you don’t consider yourself a singer.

Rhythm Guitar: The Backbone of Metal

Lead guitar often steals the spotlight, but in metal, rhythm guitar is the real hero. A tight, powerful rhythm section can make or break a song. So, how do you become a rhythm guitar powerhouse?

Start with downpicking. A staple in genres like thrash and heavy metal, it gives riffs a heavy, aggressive sound. The key is endurance—practice downpicking for extended periods, gradually increasing speed while maintaining accuracy.

Next, work on your palm muting. This technique adds punch and clarity, particularly useful in fast, chugging riffs. Ensure your palm lightly rests on the strings near the bridge, allowing for a muted yet resonant sound.

Also, pay attention to timing. Use a metronome to practice playing precisely on the beat. This will enhance your tightness and sync with the band.

At Riffhard, we focus extensively on rhythm guitar techniques. With lessons from renowned artists like Mike Stringer of Spiritbox, you'll learn the nuances of rhythm guitar from the best in the business.

Advanced Techniques: Sweep Picking and Tapping

Now, let's talk about some flashy techniques that can add flair to your playing—sweep picking and tapping. These are often seen as advanced techniques, but with practice, they can become integral parts of your playing style.

Sweep picking involves a fluid, sweeping motion of the pick across multiple strings. It's like a controlled strum. The key is to keep your picking hand relaxed and your fretting hand synchronized. Start with simple arpeggios and gradually move to more complex shapes.

Tapping, on the other hand, involves using a finger on your picking hand to tap notes on the fretboard. This technique allows for fast, intricate patterns that are difficult to achieve with just the fretting hand. Practice basic tapping exercises to develop speed and accuracy.

Both techniques require patience and persistence. Don't rush; take the time to practice slowly and build up speed gradually. Remember, it's better to play slow and clean than fast and sloppy.

Improvisation: Finding Your Unique Voice

Improvisation is where you truly express yourself as a guitarist. It's about stepping beyond the written notes and creating music in the moment. But how do you get started?

Begin by jamming over backing tracks. Choose a scale or mode and experiment with different note patterns. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; they're often the stepping stones to discovery.

Another tip is to mimic your favorite solos. Break them down, understand the phrasing and note choices, and then try to incorporate similar ideas into your improvisation. This will expand your vocabulary and help you find your unique voice.

Improvisation is also about listening. Pay attention to what other musicians are doing and respond to it. Music is a conversation, and improvisation is your chance to join in.

Songwriting: Crafting Memorable Riffs and Solos

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an advanced guitarist is songwriting. Crafting memorable riffs and solos is an art form that requires creativity and technical skill.

Start by experimenting with different chord progressions and rhythms. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places.

When writing solos, focus on melody and emotion. Think about the story you want to tell and how you can convey it through your playing. Use techniques like bends, slides, and vibrato to add expression and depth.

Finally, don't forget the importance of structure. A well-structured song keeps the listener engaged and creates a lasting impact. Pay attention to how your favorite bands build their songs and use similar techniques in your own writing.

Recording and Production: Bringing Your Music to Life

Recording and production are essential skills for any advanced guitarist. They allow you to capture your ideas and share them with the world. But where do you start?

Begin by learning the basics of recording software. There are many options available, so choose one that suits your needs and budget. Familiarize yourself with the interface and experiment with different recording techniques.

When recording, pay attention to tone and clarity. Use quality equipment and take the time to get the best possible sound. Remember, the better your recording, the more professional it will sound.

Production is about more than just recording. It's about creating a cohesive sound and enhancing your music. Experiment with effects like reverb, delay, and compression to add depth and dimension to your recordings.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an advanced guitar player takes time, patience, and dedication. But with the right mindset and tools, it's an achievable goal. Whether you're focusing on technique, improvisation, or songwriting, remember that practice and persistence are key. And if you're looking for guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists in the world, helping you reach your full potential.