How to Get into Guitar

Picking up a guitar for the first time can feel like opening the door to a new universe. From shredding solos to heavy riffs, the guitar offers a versatile way to express yourself. But where do you start, especially if you're drawn to the intense world of metal and its subgenres? Let's break it down step by step, making your journey into guitar playing as smooth as a killer riff.

Choosing Your First Guitar

So, you've decided to become a guitarist. The first big step? Picking the right guitar. It’s like choosing a partner for your musical adventures. Do you go electric or acoustic? For those inclined towards metal, an electric guitar is usually the way to go. Here’s why:

• Amplified Sound: Electric guitars are louder and more versatile when paired with an amp, which is crucial for getting the right metal tone.
• Playability: They generally have thinner necks and lighter strings, which make them easier to play, especially for beginners.
• Diverse Tones: With effects and amp settings, you can experiment with a wide range of sounds.

Look for beginner-friendly models from brands like Squier, Epiphone, or Jackson. They offer quality instruments without breaking the bank. Once you get the hang of it, you can upgrade to something more aligned with your style.

Getting the Right Equipment

Besides the guitar, you’ll need some basic gear to start your journey. Here’s a quick list of essentials:

• Amplifier: A small practice amp will do the trick. Look for ones with headphone jacks for silent practice and built-in effects like distortion.
• Guitar Picks: These come in various thicknesses. Thicker picks are typically better for heavy riffs.
• Strap: A comfortable guitar strap is essential, especially if you plan to stand while playing.
• Tuner: Keeping your guitar in tune is crucial. Snark makes reliable clip-on tuners that are easy to use.
• Metronome: This helps you keep time, which is vital for developing rhythm skills. You can find apps or use a digital metronome.

Once you’ve got your gear, you’re ready to make some noise (hopefully in a good way).

Setting Up Your Practice Space

A dedicated practice area can make a huge difference in your progress. Aim to create a comfortable and distraction-free environment. Here’s how:

• Location: Choose a quiet spot where you won’t be easily interrupted. If possible, soundproof the area to avoid bothering others.
• Lighting: Good lighting helps reduce eye strain and lets you see your fretboard clearly.
• Seating: Invest in a comfortable chair or stool to maintain good posture while playing.
• Storage: Keep your guitar and accessories within arm’s reach. A stand or wall mount can be helpful.
• Organization: Use a music stand for sheet music or tabs and have a notebook handy for jotting down riffs or ideas.

Being organized and comfortable in your practice space encourages longer and more productive practice sessions.

Learning the Basics

Before you can shred like a pro, you need to understand the basics. This includes learning to read tabs, understanding chord diagrams, and getting a grip on basic music theory. Here's a breakdown:

• Tabs: Guitar tablature is a simplified way of notating music. It shows you where to place your fingers on the fretboard.
• Chords: Start with basic open chords like G, C, D, and E minor. These are the building blocks of many songs.
• Scales: Learn the minor pentatonic scale. It’s the backbone of many solos and helps with finger dexterity.
• Rhythm: Practice strumming patterns and keeping time with a metronome. This is crucial for playing in sync with a band.

Consider online resources or apps that offer beginner lessons. At Riffhard, we provide lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists, which can help you grasp these fundamentals faster and more effectively.

Developing Your Technique

As you get comfortable with the basics, it's time to focus on technique. This is where you start to shape your unique playing style. Some essential techniques include:

• Alternate Picking: This involves alternating up and down strokes with your pick. It’s crucial for playing fast riffs and solos.
• Downpicking: Used extensively in metal, this technique involves using only downstrokes, creating a powerful, aggressive sound.
• Palm Muting: Lightly resting your picking hand on the strings while playing to create a muted, chunky sound.
• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: These add fluidity to your playing and are often used in solos.

Don’t rush. Mastering these techniques takes time and patience. And remember, we at Riffhard have a treasure trove of video lessons that go into detail on these techniques, taught by industry pros.

Building Speed and Accuracy

Speed and accuracy are the hallmarks of a great metal guitarist. Here's how you can work on these aspects:

• Start Slow: Use a metronome to practice scales and riffs slowly and gradually increase the speed.
• Focus on Precision: Accuracy should come before speed. It’s better to play slowly and correctly than fast and sloppy.
• Consistent Practice: Regular, focused practice sessions are more effective than long, sporadic ones.
• Use Exercises: Chromatic exercises and finger drills can significantly improve your dexterity.

Speed is a byproduct of precision and muscle memory, so take your time. If you're looking for structured lessons to improve your speed, check out Riffhard. Our instructors offer targeted exercises and tips to help you play faster and cleaner.

Exploring Different Metal Subgenres

Metal music isn’t a one-size-fits-all genre. From the dark tones of black metal to the complex rhythms of djent, each subgenre brings something unique to the table. Here's a quick overview:

• Heavy Metal: Known for its classic sound, with bands like Iron Maiden setting the standard.
• Thrash Metal: Fast and aggressive, with bands like Metallica and Slayer leading the charge.
• Death Metal: Characterized by its brutal sound and growling vocals. Bands like Cannibal Corpse are iconic here.
• Black Metal: Known for its atmospheric and raw sound, with bands like Mayhem at the forefront.
• Metalcore: A fusion of metal and hardcore punk, with bands like As I Lay Dying.
• Djent: Known for its complex rhythms and down-tuned guitars. Bands like Meshuggah are pioneers of this style.

Each subgenre has its own distinct playing style and techniques. Experiment with different styles to see what resonates with you. Our lessons at Riffhard offer insights into these subgenres, taught by some of the best guitarists in the field.

Jamming with Others

Playing guitar is great, but jamming with others is where the magic happens. It’s a fantastic way to apply what you’ve learned and gain new insights. Here are some tips to get started:

• Find a Jam Group: Look for local musician meetups or online forums to connect with fellow players.
• Start Simple: Begin with easy songs everyone knows. Focus on playing tight and staying in sync.
• Communicate: Discuss the structure and key of the songs before you start. This ensures everyone is on the same page.
• Be Open to Feedback: Constructive criticism can help you grow as a musician.

Jamming is not only fun but also a great learning experience. Embrace the opportunity to play with others, and you'll see your skills improve exponentially.

Keeping Motivated

Staying motivated can be challenging, especially when progress seems slow. Here are some strategies to keep your passion alive:

• Set Goals: Whether it’s learning a new song or mastering a technique, having clear goals gives you something to strive for.
• Record Yourself: Listening back to your playing can highlight areas for improvement and show how far you’ve come.
• Play Songs You Love: Learning songs by your favorite bands keeps practice enjoyable and rewarding.
• Join a Community: Connect with other guitarists, share progress, and get motivated by their journeys.

Motivation ebbs and flows, but remember why you started playing in the first place. Make music that resonates with you, and you’ll find the drive to keep going.

Final Thoughts

Learning guitar is a rewarding journey filled with challenges and triumphs. From choosing your first guitar to exploring complex metal subgenres, each step is part of your growth as a musician. If you're looking for more structured guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from top-tier metal guitarists that can elevate your playing to new heights. Keep practicing, stay inspired, and enjoy the ride!