How to Improve Guitar Technique

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 Strong Foundation: Posture and Hand Position

Let's kick things off by addressing one of the most overlooked aspects of playing guitar: posture and hand position. If you’ve ever wondered why your fingers don’t seem to stretch as far as they should or why your picking feels awkward, posture might be the culprit. Proper posture not only prevents strain but also ensures you have the freedom and flexibility to nail those complex riffs.

When it comes to sitting or standing with your guitar, keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed. This might sound like something your mom would say, but trust me, it makes all the difference. You want to hold your guitar in a way that your wrist isn’t bent at an extreme angle. This is crucial for maintaining comfort and avoiding injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Seated Position: Rest the guitar on your right leg (if you’re right-handed). Use a footstool if needed to elevate your leg slightly.
• Standing Position: Adjust your guitar strap so the instrument sits at a comfortable height, usually around your midsection.

As for hand position, your fretting hand should be relaxed, with your thumb resting on the back of the neck, not peeking over the top. Your picking hand should float just above the strings, with a slight bend in the wrist for fluid movement. This setup gives you maximum control and precision.

Developing Picking Precision: Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is often the bread and butter of metal guitarists. It’s the go-to technique for fast, articulate playing, allowing you to attack each string with precision. But how do you get that machine-gun-like consistency?

Start slow. It might sound counterintuitive, but playing slowly with a metronome helps you build muscle memory. Focus on your downstrokes and upstrokes, ensuring each note rings out clearly. Gradually increase the speed as you feel comfortable.

To practice alternate picking, try this simple exercise:

e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|------------------------|
D|------------------------|
A|--------5-7-5-----------|
E|--0-5-7-------7-5-7-0---|

Repeat the pattern, starting at a slow tempo, and gradually increase the speed. The goal is to maintain clarity and precision regardless of the tempo. If you're looking for more structured exercises, Riffhard offers lessons that break down alternate picking techniques shared by some of the world's top metal guitarists.

Mastering Downpicking: The Power of Consistency

Downpicking is a staple in metal genres, known for its aggressive sound and consistency. Think Metallica’s "Master of Puppets"—pure downpicking madness. But to achieve that level of precision, you need endurance and control.

Begin by practicing simple power chord progressions, focusing on using only downstrokes. This might seem easy at first, but as you increase speed, maintaining tightness becomes challenging. Keep your wrist loose and use your elbow for power, not your wrist.

Here’s a basic downpicking exercise to get started:

e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|------------------------|
D|--2-2-2-2-3-3-3-3-------|
A|--2-2-2-2-3-3-3-3-------|
E|--0-0-0-0-1-1-1-1-------|

Repeat this pattern, increasing your speed gradually. It’s all about maintaining a steady rhythm and not letting your hand tense up. For more tips, Riffhard has excellent resources focusing on downpicking techniques used by some of the best in the industry.

String Skipping: Adding Dynamics to Your Playing

String skipping can add an exciting dynamic to your playing, making your solos and riffs sound more complex and engaging. This technique involves skipping over one or more strings rather than playing them sequentially. It’s a fantastic way to break up the monotony of linear playing.

To start practicing string skipping, try the following exercise:

e|------------------------------------------------|
B|------------------------------------------------|
G|--------------------7---------------------------|
D|--------7-----------------------7---------------|
A|--9------------------------9--------------------|
E|------------------------------------------------|

Focus on clean transitions between the strings and keep your picking hand steady. This technique requires precision, so don't rush. Once you get the hang of it, you can incorporate it into your solos to add flair.

Interestingly, many metal guitarists use string skipping to create intricate tapping patterns. At Riffhard, we cover lessons that dive into string skipping techniques, taught by legends who have mastered the art.

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

Sweep picking can be a game-changer when it comes to shredding. The technique allows you to glide through arpeggios with speed and fluidity. However, it’s easy to sound sloppy if not executed properly.

Here’s a step-by-step approach to get you started:

• Start Slow: Like with alternate picking, start at a slow pace to ensure each note is clean. Use a metronome to keep time.
• Use Economy of Motion: Minimize movement in your picking hand. The pick should glide smoothly across the strings.
• Focus on Timing: Each note should be evenly spaced. Avoid rushing through the sweep.

Here’s a basic sweep picking exercise:

e|--------12-15-12--------|
B|-----13----------13-----|
G|--12-----------------12-|
D|------------------------|
A|------------------------|
E|------------------------|

Practice this arpeggio slowly, ensuring each note rings out clearly. Remember, sweep picking is about precision, not just speed. If you're struggling, check out Riffhard for lessons specifically designed to improve your sweep picking technique.

Legato Lines: Smooth and Seamless

Legato playing is about creating smooth, flowing lines by minimizing picking and maximizing hammer-ons and pull-offs. This technique can add a lyrical quality to your solos, making them sound more expressive.

To practice legato, focus on finger strength and dexterity. Here’s a simple legato exercise:

e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|------------------------|
D|--------7h9p7-----------|
A|--7h9p7-------9p7-------|
E|------------------------|

Repeat this pattern, ensuring each note sounds clear and even. As you build speed, focus on maintaining a consistent volume between picked and legato notes. Legato can be challenging, but with practice, you'll find it adds a beautiful fluidity to your playing.

Rhythm Guitar: Locking in with the Drummer

Rhythm guitar is the backbone of metal music. It’s not just about playing the right chords; it’s about locking in with the drummer to create a tight, cohesive sound. The secret lies in timing and dynamics.

When practicing rhythm guitar, pay close attention to the drummer’s kick and snare patterns. Try to match your strumming or picking to these rhythms. It’s like being in a band with your metronome—just more exciting!

Here's a simple exercise to help you lock in with a drum pattern:

e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|------------------------|
D|--2--2-2--4--4-4--5--5-5|
A|--2--2-2--4--4-4--5--5-5|
E|--0--0-0--2--2-2--3--3-3|

Practice playing along with a drum track, focusing on precision and timing. Rhythm guitar might not be as flashy as lead, but it’s just as important. Remember, a tight rhythm section is what makes a band sound powerful.

Improvisation: Expressing Yourself on the Fly

Improvisation can be daunting, but it’s a fantastic way to express yourself and develop your unique style. By experimenting with scales, modes, and phrasing, you can create solos that are not only technically impressive but also emotionally resonant.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the pentatonic scale and its positions on the fretboard. Once you’re comfortable, try improvising over a backing track, using different rhythms and dynamics to add variety to your playing.

Remember, improvisation is not just about playing fast; it’s about telling a story with your music. Focus on creating memorable melodies and using dynamics to convey emotion.

Integrating Techniques into Your Playing

Now that you’ve got an arsenal of techniques, it’s time to integrate them into your playing. This means experimenting with different combinations and finding what works best for your style.

Consider writing a riff or solo that incorporates multiple techniques. For example, try combining alternate picking with legato lines or using string skipping to create dynamic solos. The possibilities are endless, and the more you experiment, the more you’ll discover your unique voice as a guitarist.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons that help you integrate these techniques into your playing, taught by some of the best modern metal guitarists. With their guidance, you'll learn to blend techniques seamlessly and create music that's both technically impressive and emotionally engaging.

Final Thoughts

Improving your guitar technique is all about practice and patience. Whether you're working on alternate picking, sweep picking, or integrating various techniques into your playing, consistency is key. And remember, at Riffhard, we offer lessons and tips from top metal guitarists to help you refine your skills and find your unique voice. Keep playing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!