How to Get Past Intermediate Guitar

Stepping up from an intermediate guitar player to an advanced one can feel like a steep climb. But don't worry. There's a path forward, filled with new techniques, fresh musical insights, and a chance to refine your sound. Let's break down some of the key areas you can focus on to elevate your playing and dig deeper into the intricate world of guitar mastery.

Finding Your Personal Style

As an intermediate guitarist, you've likely spent a lot of time learning songs and techniques from various artists. Now, it's time to start blending those influences into your own unique style. Think about the genres you enjoy the most—metal, rock, blues, or maybe a fusion of several. Once you've pinpointed what excites you, dive deeper into those styles.

Consider what makes your favorite guitarists stand out. Is it their tone, phrasing, or perhaps their rhythmic precision? Try to emulate these aspects in your practice sessions. Remember, no one became a legend overnight. Your personal style will evolve as you continue to play and experiment.

Here are a few exercises to help you find your voice:

• Improvise Regularly: Set aside time each practice session to just play. Use backing tracks or jam along with your favorite songs.
• Record Yourself: Listening back to your playing can provide insights into what sounds great and what could use some work.
• Mix and Match: Combine techniques from different genres to see what unique sounds you can create.

Developing Advanced Technique

Now that you have a solid foundation, it's time to push your technical boundaries. This means honing in on specific skills that will set your playing apart. Consider focusing on techniques like sweep picking, legato, and hybrid picking. Each of these requires dedication but can lead to significant improvements in your overall skill set.

Here's a breakdown of how you can approach these techniques:

Sweep Picking Without the Slop

Sweep picking can add a fluid, almost cascading sound to your solos. Start slow, focusing on clean transitions between strings. Use a metronome to gradually increase your speed while maintaining clarity.

Legato for Fluidity

Legato playing involves hammer-ons and pull-offs to create smooth, flowing lines. Practice scales and chromatic exercises to strengthen your fingers and improve your legato technique.

Hybrid Picking for Versatility

This technique combines pick and fingerstyle playing, allowing for more complex and dynamic lines. Begin with simple patterns, gradually incorporating them into more challenging pieces.

For a deep dive into these techniques, consider checking out Riffhard. Our lessons, taught by top metal guitarists, cover these methods in detail, ensuring you get the most out of your practice.

Rhythm Guitar: The Unsung Hero

Many guitarists focus heavily on lead playing, but rhythm guitar is just as crucial. In fact, solid rhythm playing can often distinguish a good guitarist from a great one. Explore different strumming patterns, learn intricate riffs, and pay attention to timing and precision.

To enhance your rhythm skills, consider the following strategies:

• Metronome Practice: Always practice with a metronome. This improves your sense of timing and ensures your playing is tight.
• Explore Different Time Signatures: Don't just stick to 4/4. Play around with 3/4, 6/8, or even more complex signatures like 7/8.
• Study Great Rhythm Guitarists: Listen to players known for their rhythm work, like James Hetfield or Malcolm Young, and analyze their techniques.

At Riffhard, we have lessons specifically focusing on rhythm guitar, led by instructors who excel in this vital area.

Music Theory: The Language of Music

Understanding music theory can be a game-changer for any guitarist. It provides the tools needed to create, analyze, and understand music on a deeper level. While the idea of learning theory might sound daunting, it can greatly enhance your playing and songwriting abilities.

Here are a few areas of theory to dive into:

Scales and Modes

Familiarize yourself with major, minor, and pentatonic scales. Then, explore modes like Dorian, Phrygian, and Mixolydian to add color to your solos.

Chord Progressions

Learn how chords are constructed and how to build progressions. This understanding will help you write more compelling and structured songs.

Understanding Harmony

Explore how different chords and scales interact. This knowledge can lead to more sophisticated and nuanced compositions.

For structured lessons on music theory tailored to metal guitarists, Riffhard offers resources that demystify these concepts, making them accessible and practical.

Ear Training: Sharpening Your Listening Skills

Ear training is an often overlooked aspect of musicianship, but it's vital for any serious guitarist. It involves learning to identify pitches, intervals, and chords by ear, enhancing your ability to play by ear and improvise.

Here’s how you can improve your ear training:

• Interval Training: Practice recognizing intervals by playing two notes and identifying the distance between them.
• Transcribe Songs: Try to figure out songs by ear rather than relying on tabs. This will improve your listening skills and understanding of music structure.
• Sing What You Play: Singing along with your guitar lines can help internalize melodies and improve pitch recognition.

Integrating ear training exercises into your daily practice can dramatically improve your musicianship over time.

Recording Yourself: The Objective Listener

Recording your playing is one of the best ways to objectively assess your progress. It allows you to hear the nuances of your playing that you might miss in the moment. Plus, it provides a record of your growth over time.

To get started with recording:

• Use Simple Gear: You don't need high-end equipment to start. A basic recording setup with a computer and an audio interface will suffice.
• Focus on Clarity: Pay attention to the clarity and precision of your playing. Recording can highlight areas that need improvement.
• Review Regularly: Listen back to your recordings frequently to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Consider investing in some basic recording equipment if you haven't already. This small step can lead to huge leaps in your playing.

Setting Goals: The Roadmap to Progress

Without clear goals, it's easy to drift and lose focus. Setting specific, achievable goals can provide motivation and direction. Whether it's learning a new technique, writing a song, or performing live, having targets keeps your practice sessions purposeful.

Here’s how to set effective goals:

• Be Specific: Instead of vague goals like "play better," set specific targets like "improve sweep picking speed by 20 BPM."
• Set Deadlines: Give yourself a timeline to achieve each goal. This adds urgency and helps you stay on track.
• Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate when you reach a goal. This positive reinforcement can boost your motivation.

Remember, the journey to becoming a better guitarist is ongoing. Regularly revisiting and adjusting your goals will keep your practice sessions fresh and challenging.

Finding a Mentor or Community

Learning in isolation can be limiting. Engaging with a community or finding a mentor can offer new perspectives, feedback, and encouragement. Whether it’s through local jam sessions, online forums, or guitar lessons, connecting with others can enhance your learning experience.

Consider these options:

• Join a Band: Playing with others is one of the fastest ways to improve. It challenges you to adapt and communicate musically.
• Attend Guitar Workshops: These events can provide intensive learning opportunities and connect you with other guitar enthusiasts.
• Online Communities: Platforms like Riffhard offer access to a community of like-minded guitarists and experienced instructors ready to help you grow.

Engaging with a community can be incredibly rewarding. It provides support, inspiration, and a wealth of knowledge to tap into.

Final Thoughts

Moving beyond the intermediate level requires dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge yourself. Each step—from developing your style to setting goals and engaging with a community—contributes to your growth as a guitarist. At Riffhard, we're here to support you with lessons from top metal guitarists, helping you refine your skills and reach new heights in your playing. Embrace the journey and enjoy every moment of your musical evolution.