How to Do Guitar Covers

Creating guitar covers can be an incredibly rewarding experience, whether you're looking to showcase your skills, pay tribute to your favorite bands, or simply have fun jamming along to songs you love. But how do you get started, and what should you focus on to make a cover that stands out? Let's break it down step-by-step and see how you can turn your passion into a cover that rocks.

Choosing the Right Song

Picking the right song is the first step to a successful guitar cover. It's crucial to choose a track that resonates with you, both emotionally and technically. Think about songs that get you pumped up or tunes that have taught you something new. Your enthusiasm will come through in your playing, and that's something audiences can feel.

Consider these points when selecting a song:

• Personal Connection: Do you feel a strong connection to the song? If yes, your cover will reflect that passion.
• Skill Level: Be realistic about your abilities. Choose a song that matches your skill level or slightly challenges it. It's no fun getting stuck on a riff that's too hard.
• Audience Appeal: Think about what your audience might enjoy. Classic tracks often draw more attention, but don't shy away from lesser-known gems if you can deliver them with flair.

Interestingly enough, selecting a song that aligns with your skill level can also be a great opportunity to stretch your capabilities. If you find a track that introduces a new technique, take it as a learning experience. Remember, Riffhard offers lessons from the world's best metal guitarists, which can be a great resource when tackling challenging pieces.

Nailing the Tone

Once you've chosen your song, the next step is dialing in the perfect tone. Achieving the right sound can make or break your cover, especially in metal subgenres where tone is king. Whether you're aiming for the gritty aggression of thrash or the atmospheric depth of black metal, getting your gear setup right is essential.

Here's what to consider:

• Amp Settings: Play around with the settings on your amp to match the original track. Adjust the gain, EQ, and presence to get as close as possible.
• Pedals: Use pedals to shape your sound. Distortion, overdrive, and reverb can all add layers to your tone.
• Guitar Setup: Make sure your guitar is properly set up for the style you're playing. The right pickups and strings can make a huge difference.

It's also worth noting that sometimes less is more. Overloading on effects can muddy your sound, so focus on clarity and precision. If you're unsure about your setup, Riffhard's library includes gear guides and advice from top metal guitarists to help you fine-tune your equipment for any style.

Learning the Song

Now that you're set with your song choice and tone, it's time to learn the song inside and out. This phase requires patience and dedication, but it's also where you'll see the most growth as a player.

Break the song down into manageable sections:

• Intro and Verse: Start with the song's opening. Often, this is a repeatable riff or chord progression that sets the stage for what's to come.
• Chorus: The chorus is usually the centerpiece of the song. Focus on getting the timing and dynamics just right.
• Bridge and Solo: These parts can be more complex and may require extra time to master. Take it slow, and don't rush the learning process.

Utilize tools like tablature and slow down software to help you learn tricky parts at your own pace. With Riffhard, you can access downloadable tabs and an interactive player that allows you to adjust the tempo of lessons, making practice more personalized and effective.

Practicing with Precision

Practice is where the magic happens, and consistency is key. It's not about how long you practice, but how effectively you use that time. Focus on precision and accuracy, rather than speed. Speed will naturally develop as you become more comfortable with the material.

Here are some practice tips:

• Use a Metronome: A metronome keeps your timing tight. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you become more confident.
• Isolate Difficult Sections: Spend extra time on parts you find challenging. Repeat them until they become second nature.
• Record Yourself: Recording your practice sessions can help you identify areas that need improvement and track your progress over time.

Remember, it's not just about learning the notes, but also about understanding the feel and groove of the song. Riffhard's custom metronome is tailored for guitar practice, helping you build solid timing and rhythm.

Adding Your Personal Touch

Once you've mastered the song, it's time to make it your own. Adding personal flair to your cover can set it apart from countless others. Think about what makes your playing unique and bring that to the forefront.

Consider these elements:

• Vibrato and Bends: Use these techniques to add expressiveness to your playing. They're great for injecting emotion into solos and lead lines.
• Alternate Arrangements: Don't be afraid to rearrange parts of the song. Maybe switch up the intro or add an extended solo.
• Dynamics: Play with volume and intensity to create contrast and keep the listener engaged.

While it's hard to say for sure what will resonate best with your audience, experimenting with different approaches can help you find your voice. Riffhard has lessons focused on phrasing and dynamics, offering insights from top guitarists on developing a distinctive style.

Recording Your Cover

With your song learned and personalized, it's time to hit record. Even if you're just using a smartphone, capturing your performance is crucial for sharing it with others and getting feedback.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Set the Scene: Use good lighting and find a setting that complements your music.
• Audio Quality: Use the best microphone you can access. Position it to capture both the amp and any ambient room sound you might want.
• Multiple Takes: Don’t settle for your first take. Record several versions and choose the best one.

Recording can be its own art form. Experiment with different camera angles, and consider adding visual effects or transitions to make your video more engaging. At Riffhard, we often emphasize the importance of presentation as much as performance, as both play a role in how your cover is received.

Editing and Mixing

Once you've recorded your cover, the next step is editing and mixing. This is where you can enhance the audio quality and ensure your cover sounds polished and professional.

Here's what to focus on:

• Audio Sync: Ensure the audio is perfectly synced with the video. Misaligned tracks can distract from your performance.
• EQ and Compression: Use EQ to balance frequencies and compression to even out dynamics. This helps your guitar sit well in the mix.
• Effects: Add reverb or delay to create a sense of space. Just be cautious not to overdo it—clarity is key.

Many free or affordable software options are available for editing and mixing. If you're new to this, online tutorials can be a great help. Additionally, our lessons at Riffhard often touch on aspects of tone and sound shaping, which can be beneficial when working in a digital audio workstation (DAW).

Sharing Your Cover

With your cover polished and ready, it's time to share it with the world. This step is exciting, but it can also feel a bit daunting. Remember, every musician starts somewhere, and sharing your work is a great way to connect with others and receive valuable feedback.

Consider these platforms:

• YouTube: A popular choice for guitar covers. Optimize your video title and description with relevant keywords to reach a wider audience.
• Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer quick, engaging ways to share snippets of your cover.
• Music Forums: Joining online communities can help you connect with fellow musicians and receive constructive criticism.

Engage with your audience by responding to comments and joining discussions. This interaction can provide insights into what people appreciate about your playing and what you can improve. As part of the Riffhard community, we encourage students to share their progress and learn from each other.

Learning from Feedback

Feedback is a powerful tool for growth. While it may be tempting to focus solely on positive comments, constructive criticism can be invaluable for improving your skills.

Here are some tips for handling feedback:

• Stay Open-Minded: Approach feedback with a willingness to learn. Even experienced musicians can benefit from new perspectives.
• Differentiate Criticism: Learn to distinguish between helpful advice and unconstructive negativity.
• Apply Suggestions: Use actionable feedback to refine your technique and approach.

Embrace the learning process, and remember that each cover is an opportunity to grow. At Riffhard, we often see how feedback transforms students' playing, encouraging them to push boundaries and explore new styles.

Final Thoughts

Creating a guitar cover is a fantastic way to express yourself and refine your playing skills. From choosing the right song to sharing your finished work, each step offers a unique opportunity to learn and grow. With resources like Riffhard, you can access lessons from top metal guitarists and take your covers to the next level. So pick up your guitar, dive into your favorite tunes, and let your creativity shine.