How to Get Good at Math Rock

Math rock is that quirky cousin in the rock family, known for its irregular time signatures and complex rhythms. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who dig it, it’s a rewarding genre to explore. So, how do you get good at it? Let’s unpack the essentials and get you on the path to becoming a math rock maestro.

Embrace Odd Time Signatures

If you’re venturing into math rock, you’ll quickly learn that 4/4 time is a rare guest at the party. Instead, you’ll encounter time signatures like 7/8, 5/4, or even 13/8. These aren’t just musical whims—they’re the cornerstone of math rock’s unique sound.

Start by getting comfortable with counting these signatures. A time signature like 7/8 might seem daunting, but break it down into manageable chunks. For instance, think of 7/8 as a bar of 4 followed by a bar of 3. Tap it out on your knee, count it out loud, and play simple rhythms over it.

Once you’re comfortable counting, try applying these signatures to your playing. Begin with simple riffs in 5/4 or 7/8. As you gain confidence, challenge yourself with more complex patterns. Remember, the goal isn’t to play as fast as possible but to play accurately and consistently.

Interestingly enough, odd time signatures can open up new creative avenues. They force you to think outside the box and can lead to unexpected musical discoveries. So, embrace the weirdness, and let it fuel your creativity.

Focus on Technical Precision

Math rock demands precision. Its intricate riffs and rhythms leave little room for sloppy playing. If you want to excel, spending time on technique is non-negotiable.

Start with your picking hand. Alternate picking is a must, and your goal is to make every note as clear and even as possible. Practice with a metronome, starting slow and gradually increasing your speed. Pay attention to your timing, making sure each note falls exactly where it should.

Your fretting hand also needs attention. Math rock often involves complex chord shapes and fingerings. Work on exercises that improve finger independence and strength. Stretch your fingers with challenging chord shapes and scale exercises.

Don’t forget about dynamics. Math rock isn’t all about speed and complexity. A well-placed accent or a slight change in volume can transform a riff. Practice playing passages with varying dynamics, and listen to how it changes the feel of the music.

For those looking to really hone their skills, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists. Their focus on precision and technical mastery can be incredibly beneficial for any aspiring math rock guitarist.

Understand Polyrhythms

Polyrhythms are another staple of math rock. They occur when two or more contrasting rhythms are played simultaneously. This technique can add depth and complexity to your music, and it’s a great way to stand out as a guitarist.

Start with simple polyrhythms, such as playing a 3/4 rhythm against a 4/4 rhythm. Tap out the rhythms on your lap or play them on your guitar. The key is to maintain both rhythms independently without them blending into one. It’s a mental workout, but the payoff is worth it.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, experiment with more complex polyrhythms. Try playing a 5/4 rhythm against a 3/4 rhythm. It might sound chaotic at first, but with practice, you’ll start to hear the unique groove they create.

Polyrhythms can be a challenging concept to grasp, but they’re a powerful tool in creating interesting and engaging music. They’re also a great way to keep your audience on their toes, as the unexpected rhythms can be both surprising and satisfying.

Experiment with Tapping Techniques

Tapping isn’t exclusive to shredders and metalheads—it’s a fantastic tool for math rock guitarists, too. It allows you to play complex patterns and wide intervals that might be difficult with traditional picking techniques.

Begin with basic tapping exercises. Use your picking hand to tap notes on the fretboard while your fretting hand plays other notes. Practice simple patterns first, and gradually increase the complexity as you become more comfortable.

Next, incorporate tapping into your riffs. Try playing a riff and adding taps to bring out certain notes or add rhythmic interest. Tapping can also be used to play arpeggios and create shimmering harmonic textures.

For a deeper dive into tapping techniques, check out Riffhard. Their lessons cover a range of tapping styles and techniques that can add a new dimension to your math rock playing.

Utilize Unconventional Chords

Math rock loves unconventional chords. These chords can create unique textures and sounds that are perfect for this genre. Don’t be afraid to experiment with chords that might seem strange or unfamiliar.

Begin by exploring extended chords like seventh, ninth, and eleventh chords. These can add a rich harmonic depth to your music. Try incorporating them into your progressions and see how they change the vibe.

Next, experiment with chord voicings. Move beyond standard barre chords and explore different fingerings and positions on the neck. This can lead to new sounds and inspire fresh ideas.

Finally, mix in some dissonance. Math rock isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about pushing boundaries. Dissonant chords can create tension and intrigue, making your music more compelling.

If chord theory feels overwhelming, Riffhard offers lessons on chord construction and usage to help you expand your harmonic vocabulary.

Incorporate Dynamic Changes

Dynamics play a crucial role in math rock. The genre thrives on contrasts, and dynamic changes can bring your music to life. From soft, delicate passages to loud, explosive sections, dynamics can tell a story and evoke emotion.

Start by practicing dynamic control. Play a simple riff and gradually increase and decrease the volume. Experiment with sudden changes versus gradual ones, and listen to how it affects the mood of the piece.

Next, apply dynamics to entire sections of a song. Use quieter sections to build tension and louder sections to release it. Dynamics can guide the listener through your music and keep them engaged throughout.

Remember, dynamics aren’t just about volume. They can also include changes in tempo, articulation, and even tone. Explore all these aspects to create a rich and varied sonic landscape.

Develop a Unique Guitar Tone

Your tone is your fingerprint as a guitarist, and in math rock, a unique tone can make you stand out. Experimentation is key here, and don’t be afraid to try different gear and settings.

Start with your amp settings. Math rock often favors clean or slightly overdriven tones, but there are no hard and fast rules. Play with EQ settings to find a sound that complements your playing style.

Next, explore effects pedals. Reverb, delay, and modulation effects can add depth and texture to your playing. Try stacking different effects to create unique soundscapes.

Your guitar choice matters too. Different pickups, wood types, and string gauges can all affect your tone. Experiment with different setups to find what works best for you.

Don’t forget about your picking technique. The way you attack the strings can have a significant impact on your tone. Experiment with different pick thicknesses and materials to see how they change your sound.

Learn from the Masters

One of the best ways to improve is to study the greats. Listen to established math rock bands and analyze their playing styles. Bands like Don Caballero, Battles, and Hella have pushed the boundaries of the genre and can provide valuable insights.

As you listen, pay attention to their use of odd time signatures, polyrhythms, and dynamics. Try to emulate their techniques in your playing, and then put your own spin on it.

Don’t just listen—watch them play. Live performances and video lessons can give you a better understanding of their techniques and how they apply them in real-time.

If you’re looking for structured guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from world-class guitarists who can provide further insights and tips to elevate your playing.

Keep Experimenting and Innovating

Math rock thrives on experimentation. It’s a genre that rewards creativity and innovation, so don’t be afraid to push boundaries and try new things.

Write your own music. Use the techniques you’ve learned to create original compositions. Don’t worry about following trends—focus on what sounds good to you and let your personality shine through.

Collaborate with other musicians. Playing with others can introduce you to new ideas and approaches that you might not have considered on your own.

Finally, stay curious and keep learning. The world of music is vast, and there’s always something new to discover. Whether it’s a new technique, a different genre, or a piece of gear, let your curiosity guide you.

Final Thoughts

Getting good at math rock takes time and dedication, but the journey is incredibly rewarding. Embrace the challenges and enjoy the process of learning and growing as a musician. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the best guitarists in the world, helping you develop the skills needed to excel in this unique genre. So, grab your guitar, dive into those odd time signatures, and start creating some mind-bending music!