How to Get Better at Intermediate Guitar

So you've been jamming on your guitar for a while now, and you're feeling pretty good about your skills. But there's always room to grow, right? Whether you're stuck on a plateau or just aiming to level up, let's break down some ways to boost your intermediate guitar playing. We'll cover everything from technique tweaks to practice routines, with a focus on metal and its subgenres. Get ready to shred with more precision and style.

How to Develop Crushing Downpicking Endurance

Downpicking is a staple in the metal guitarist's toolkit. It gives riffs that tight, aggressive sound that's hard to beat. But man, does it require some serious stamina. If you're looking to build up your endurance, start by slowing things down. It's tempting to go full speed, but perfecting your technique at a lower tempo will pay off in the long run.

• Start Slow: Use a metronome and play your riffs at half speed. Focus on clean, consistent strokes. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
• Consistency is Key: Make downpicking a regular part of your practice routine. Even ten minutes a day can make a big difference.
• Relax Your Grip: Tension is your enemy. Keep your grip firm but not tight, and make sure your hand is as relaxed as possible.

Interestingly enough, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best in metal guitar, focusing on rhythm techniques like downpicking. It's a fantastic resource to see how the pros do it and pick up some tips to keep your playing tight.

Sweep Picking Without the Slop: A Step-by-Step Approach

Sweep picking can sound like an impenetrable wall of notes, but when done right, it's pure magic. The key lies in precision and timing. If your sweeps sound messy, you're probably trying to rush through them without enough control. Here's how to clean them up:

• Break Down the Motion: Focus on the picking hand first. Practice the sweeping motion on muted strings until it's smooth and even.
• Isolate Your Hands: Practice the fretting hand separately with hammer-ons and pull-offs. Then, slowly combine both hands.
• Use a Metronome: Keep your timing in check by playing along with a metronome. Start slow and increase the tempo gradually.

At Riffhard, you can find detailed lessons on sweep picking from instructors like Jason Richardson, who break down the technique with clarity and precision. Watching these experts can provide you with the insight you need to refine your sweeps.

Tight Metal Rhythm Playing: What Separates the Pros from the Rest

Metal rhythm guitar is all about precision and aggression. It's the backbone of any great metal track. To improve your rhythm playing, you need to focus on timing, dynamics, and articulation.

• Lock in with the Drummer: Practice with drum tracks or backing tracks to get tight with the rhythm section. Pay attention to the kick drum and try to match your picking in sync.
• Focus on Dynamics: Not all notes need to be played at the same volume. Emphasize certain notes or beats to add interest and groove.
• Experiment with Muting: Use palm muting to add texture and control to your riffs. Play around with different levels of muting to find what works best for each riff.

For a deep dive into rhythm techniques, Riffhard has a wealth of lessons from top-tier metal rhythm guitarists. Their insights can help you understand what makes a rhythm part truly stand out.

Improving Lead Guitar Phrasing for Expressive Solos

If your solos feel like they're lacking emotion or don't quite grab the listener, it might be time to work on your phrasing. Phrasing is all about how you express yourself through your instrument, making each note count.

• Listen and Imitate: Study solos from your favorite guitarists. Pay attention to their phrasing and try to mimic their style.
• Practice with Backing Tracks: Use backing tracks to improvise and experiment with different phrasing techniques like bends, slides, and vibrato.
• Focus on Melody: Instead of just shredding, think about creating memorable melodies that tell a story.

At Riffhard, you can find lessons on lead guitar techniques that delve into the nuances of phrasing. These lessons can guide you in making your solos more engaging and expressive.

Building Speed and Precision: Beyond Just Playing Fast

Speed can be impressive, but without precision, it can turn into a jumble of notes. To truly master fast playing, you need to focus on clarity and accuracy.

• Use a Metronome: Yes, it's repetitive, but a metronome is essential for building speed with precision. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo.
• Break It Down: Break down complex passages into smaller sections. Master each section before putting them together.
• Stay Relaxed: Tension leads to mistakes. Keep your hands and fingers relaxed, even when playing fast.

Our lessons at Riffhard offer exercises designed to improve speed and precision, helping you play faster without sacrificing clarity.

Exploring Alternate Picking for Better Control

Alternate picking is a fundamental technique that can greatly enhance your control and speed. It's all about using a consistent up-and-down motion to play notes.

• Start with Scales: Practice alternate picking with scales to develop evenness and consistency.
• Keep Your Hand Relaxed: Tension can hinder your picking speed. Focus on keeping your hand relaxed and your movements economical.
• Practice with a Metronome: As with most techniques, a metronome is your best friend. Start slow and work your way up.

Integrating Dynamics into Your Playing

Dynamics add depth and emotion to your playing, making it more engaging and expressive. It's not just about volume; it's about how you attack and release each note.

• Experiment with Attack: Vary the intensity of your picking to create contrast. Soft picking can add a sense of intimacy, while hard picking can add aggression.
• Use Volume Pedals: A volume pedal can help you control dynamics smoothly, allowing for swells and fades.
• Focus on Expression: Use techniques like vibrato, slides, and bends to add emotion to your playing.

Incorporating Different Tunings to Expand Your Sound

Exploring different tunings can open up new creative possibilities and give your playing a unique twist. From drop tunings to open tunings, each offers its unique flavor.

• Experiment with Drop Tunings: Drop D, Drop C, and Drop B are popular in metal for their heavy sound. They allow for easy power chords and a darker tone.
• Try Open Tunings: Open tunings can offer a new perspective on chords and melodies, often used for slide guitar or creating lush soundscapes.
• Use Capos: A capo can change the key of your guitar, allowing for new voicings and easier access to certain keys.

Learning to Use Effects Pedals for Creative Expression

Effects pedals can add a whole new dimension to your sound, offering endless possibilities for creativity. Understanding how to use them effectively can enhance your playing and inspire new ideas.

• Start with the Basics: Familiarize yourself with common effects like distortion, delay, and reverb. Understand how they alter your sound and when to use them.
• Experiment with Combinations: Try stacking different effects to create unique sounds. Combining delay with reverb, for example, can create a lush, ambient effect.
• Use Effects Sparingly: While effects can be exciting, it's important not to overdo it. Use them to enhance your playing, not overshadow it.

Final Thoughts

Improving as an intermediate guitarist involves refining your technique, exploring new ideas, and staying open to learning. Whether you're focusing on downpicking, sweep picking, or experimenting with effects, each step forward is progress. For more structured guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from the world's best metal guitarists, designed to help you achieve your guitar goals. Keep shredding, and enjoy the journey!