How to Get Better at the Guitar

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: The Importance of Consistent Practice

Consistency is key when it comes to improving your guitar skills. Practicing regularly, even if it's just for 15 to 30 minutes a day, can make a huge difference over time. It's like going to the gym—missing one day might not show, but skip a month and you'll notice. Practicing daily helps reinforce muscle memory and builds finger strength and dexterity.

Start with a structured routine that covers a range of skills. Divide your practice session into sections focusing on different elements like scales, chord changes, and technique exercises. Maybe you start with five minutes of warm-ups, followed by 10 minutes of scale work, and finish with 10 minutes of learning a new riff. This approach keeps things fresh and ensures you're covering all bases.

Remember, it's not just about the time you put in, but how you use that time. Focused, intentional practice will yield much better results than mindlessly noodling around. Try setting specific goals for each session, like mastering a tricky lick or increasing your speed on a certain scale. Tracking your progress can also be a great motivator, showing you just how far you've come.

Understanding the Role of Technique in Metal Guitar

Let's talk technique. In metal guitar, a rock-solid technique is non-negotiable. Whether you're playing intricate leads or chugging heavy riffs, the way you play matters immensely. For instance, alternate picking is a cornerstone of metal guitar playing. It's the secret sauce behind those blistering fast runs you hear in songs by bands like Slayer or Metallica.

Start slow and focus on your accuracy and tone. Use a metronome and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. This not only helps with speed but also ensures you're playing cleanly. Don't be afraid to experiment with different pick angles and grip pressures to find what feels comfortable. Everyone's hands are different, and what works for one guitarist might not work for another.

Another technique central to metal is palm muting. It gives those chunky riffs their percussive, tight sound. Place the fleshy part of your hand lightly on the strings near the bridge to get that characteristic 'chug' sound. Practice alternating between muted and open notes to create dynamic and interesting rhythms.

Embracing the Metronome: Your Best Practice Buddy

Let's face it, the metronome can feel like the musical equivalent of eating your vegetables. It's not the most exciting part of practice, but it's crucial for developing timing and precision. In metal, where speed and tightness are everything, a metronome is your best friend.

Start by setting the metronome to a slower tempo than you're comfortable with. This might seem counterintuitive, but it allows you to focus on each note and ensure you're playing cleanly. As you get comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. You'll not only improve your speed but also your ability to stay locked in with a drummer or backing track.

Try incorporating rhythmic exercises into your practice. For instance, practice playing scales or riffs using different note values—start with quarter notes, then move to eighths, triplets, and sixteenths. This will help you develop a strong sense of rhythm and make your playing more versatile.

Training Your Ear: Learn by Listening

Developing a good ear is just as important as honing your technical skills. Being able to recognize and replicate what you hear is invaluable, especially if you're learning songs by ear or improvising solos. Start by actively listening to your favorite metal tracks. Pay attention to the nuances in the guitar parts—how they play with dynamics, the phrasing, and the tone.

Try to transcribe riffs or solos from songs you love. Begin with something simple and gradually tackle more complex pieces as your skills improve. This process forces you to engage deeply with the music and trains your ear to recognize intervals, rhythms, and techniques.

Don't hesitate to use technology to aid your ear training. Apps and tools that slow down music without altering pitch can be incredibly helpful. Additionally, learning the basic theory behind what you're playing can provide context and deepen your understanding.

Improvisation: Finding Your Unique Voice on the Guitar

Improvisation is where you let your creativity shine and find your unique voice on the guitar. It's your chance to express yourself and break free from the confines of written music. If the thought of improvising feels daunting, start small. Choose a simple chord progression and play around with different scales, like the pentatonic or minor scale.

Experiment with different phrasing techniques such as bends, slides, and vibrato. Even a single note can sound expressive with the right phrasing. Remember, there's no right or wrong here—it's all about exploring and seeing what sounds good to you.

Improvisation also ties back to having a good ear. If you can hear a melody or phrase in your head, practice translating that to your guitar. This connection between mind and instrument is what makes truly great improvisers stand out.

Recording Yourself: Self-Assessment for Growth

Recording your practice sessions is like having a mirror for your playing. It allows you to objectively assess your skills and identify areas for improvement. You might not notice small details while you're playing, but they'll become glaringly obvious when you listen back.

Start by recording short segments of your practice. It could be a riff you're working on or a solo you're trying to nail. Listen back and take notes on what you did well and what needs work. Are your bends in tune? Is your timing off? Are your notes clean?

Don't be too hard on yourself. Use these recordings as a tool for growth rather than a reason to criticize your playing. Celebrate your improvements over time and use them as motivation to keep pushing forward.

Finding Inspiration: Learn from the Greats

Inspiration can come from many places, but learning from the greats is always a good start. Study the techniques and styles of guitarists you admire. What makes their playing stand out? Is it their speed, their phrasing, or perhaps their tone?

Try to learn some of their songs or solos. This not only teaches you new techniques but also broadens your musical vocabulary. Don't just learn the notes—analyze their playing. How do they structure their solos? What scales do they favor? What makes their phrasing unique?

At Riffhard, we have lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists. Our instructors, like Dean Lamb from Archspire and Aaron Marshall from Intervals, share their insights and techniques, providing a wealth of knowledge to inspire and challenge you.

Staying Motivated: Overcoming Plateaus

Every guitarist hits a plateau at some point. Progress seems to stall, and it feels like you're stuck in a rut. First, know that this is entirely normal and happens to everyone. The key is to stay motivated and push through.

Sometimes, taking a short break can help. Stepping away for a day or two can give you a fresh perspective and renewed energy. Alternatively, try mixing up your practice routine. If you've been focusing a lot on technique, spend some time writing or learning new songs.

Setting new goals can also reignite your passion. Perhaps there's a song you've always wanted to play or a technique you've been meaning to learn. Make it your mission to tackle those challenges.

Lastly, remember why you picked up the guitar in the first place. Revisit the music that inspired you, and let that love for the instrument fuel your practice sessions.

Final Thoughts

Improving your guitar skills takes time, dedication, and patience. By focusing on technique, consistency, and creativity, you'll see real progress. Plus, at Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the most respected metal guitarists, providing you with all the tools you need to take your playing to the next level. Keep practicing, stay inspired, and enjoy the journey of becoming a better guitarist.