How to Develop Speed on the Guitar

Building speed on the guitar is not just about impressing your friends with blistering solos—it's about precision, control, and expression. Whether you're shredding in a metal band or just want to elevate your playing, speed is a crucial aspect of technique. Let's break down the essentials and get you shredding with the best of them.

Unlocking the Secrets of Finger Independence

First things first: finger independence is key. Imagine each finger as a band member—they all need to pull their weight. If one slacks, the whole performance suffers. To develop this, start with exercises that isolate different finger combinations.

• Four-Finger Exercise: Place your fingers on four consecutive frets, one per finger, and practice moving them in sequence. Start slow and ensure each note rings clear.
• Spider Exercise: This involves moving fingers in non-linear patterns, like 1-3-2-4, across strings to develop dexterity.

Not only does this build independence, but it also strengthens your muscles, making it easier to play at higher speeds. Consistency is key—practice regularly, and your fingers will start to move effortlessly.

Metronome: Your Best Friend

It's easy to underestimate the power of a metronome. This little device is a game-changer, especially when speed is your goal. Start by setting a comfortable tempo where you can play flawlessly. Once you nail it, increase the tempo slightly.

Here's a step-by-step approach:

• Choose a lick or riff you want to speed up.
• Set the metronome at a tempo where you can play the piece perfectly.
• Play the piece in time with the metronome, focusing on accuracy.
• Increase the tempo by 5-10 BPM once you're comfortable.

Repeat the process. Patience is crucial, and remember, speed should never compromise clarity. For tailored rhythm exercises, check out Riffhard's custom metronome designed specifically for metal guitarists. It’s a fantastic tool for keeping your practice sessions focused and productive.

Economy of Motion: Less is More

One of the most common mistakes guitarists make is using too much movement. It's not about how far your fingers travel but how efficiently they move. Economy of motion means minimizing excess movement to play faster with less effort.

Here's how you can practice this:

• Focus on Your Picking Hand: Observe your picking motion. Are you moving your wrist excessively? Try to limit motion to what's necessary for hitting the strings.
• Fret Hand Efficiency: When fretting notes, keep your fingers close to the strings. It reduces the distance they need to move, leading to faster transitions.

These adjustments may feel awkward initially, but over time, they'll become second nature. Remember, small changes lead to big improvements.

Alternate Picking: The Backbone of Speed

Alternate picking is essential for playing fast and fluid passages. It involves using both downstrokes and upstrokes in succession. This technique is vital for achieving speed because it maximizes efficiency.

Here's a simple exercise to get started:

• Choose a scale or a simple riff.
• Start with a downstroke, followed by an upstroke on the next note.
• Continue this pattern, ensuring each note is clear and even.

Practice with a metronome to build consistency. Start slow, and once you’re comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. You'll notice that as alternate picking becomes second nature, your speed will naturally increase. For more in-depth lessons, Riffhard provides video tutorials from top metal guitarists that break down alternate picking with precision.

Building Stamina: Go the Distance

Speed is not just about moving your fingers quickly; it's also about maintaining that speed over time. Building stamina is crucial for executing lengthy solos or rapid-fire riffs without tiring out.

Here's how you can work on it:

• Repetition and Endurance: Choose a challenging riff and play it repeatedly. Focus on maintaining speed and accuracy for extended periods.
• Incorporate Breaks: Take short breaks during practice to prevent fatigue and ensure you’re playing with proper technique.

Stamina comes with time, so don’t rush it. Consistent practice will gradually increase your endurance, allowing you to play longer and faster with ease.

String Skipping: Leap Across Strings

String skipping is a technique that adds flair to your playing and challenges your speed and accuracy. Instead of moving to the adjacent string, you skip one or more strings, creating a more dynamic sound.

Try this exercise:

• Choose a simple scale or pattern.
• Instead of playing notes on consecutive strings, skip a string and return.
• Practice slowly, ensuring each note is clean.

String skipping can be tricky, but it’s a great way to add variety to your playing. It forces you to think differently and enhances your finger dexterity. Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists who specialize in advanced techniques like string skipping, helping you refine your skills.

Legato Playing: Smooth and Seamless

Legato, which means "tied together," is all about creating smooth, flowing passages. It involves hammer-ons and pull-offs, allowing you to play fast runs without picking every note.

Here’s a simple legato exercise:

• Choose a simple scale or pattern.
• Play the first note with a pick, then use hammer-ons and pull-offs for subsequent notes.
• Focus on even, consistent volume across all notes.

Legato playing can add a fluid, lyrical quality to your solos. It’s particularly useful in metal when you want to create fast, seamless runs. Riffhard’s lessons cover legato techniques in depth, providing exercises and tips from world-class guitarists.

Practice Routines: Consistency is King

To truly develop speed, you need a structured practice routine. Consistency is more important than the duration of practice sessions. Aim for daily practice, even if it’s just 15-20 minutes.

Here’s a sample routine:

• Warm-Up: Spend 5 minutes on finger exercises to get your hands moving.
• Speed Exercises: Dedicate 10 minutes to exercises focusing on speed, like alternate picking or string skipping.
• Song Practice: Spend time working on songs that incorporate the techniques you're learning.

Adjust the routine based on your goals and available time. The key is to be consistent and patient. Over time, you’ll see significant improvements in your speed and overall playing ability.

Final Thoughts

Developing speed on the guitar is a journey that combines technique, discipline, and creativity. With consistent practice and the right guidance, you can achieve the speed and precision that define great metal guitar playing. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from world-renowned guitarists to help you reach your goals faster. Dive into our library and start shredding like a pro.