How to Increase Left-Hand Speed on the Guitar

When it comes to playing guitar, especially in the metal genres, speed is often the name of the game. Whether you're shredding a blistering solo or laying down a rapid-fire riff, increasing your left-hand speed can make a world of difference. So, how do you go from sluggish to swift without losing precision? Let's break down some practical ways to ramp up your left-hand velocity while keeping your sound clean and articulate.

Building Finger Strength and Dexterity

First things first, your fingers need to be up to the task. Think of finger strength as the foundation for all those speedy licks. It's like asking a sprinter to run faster without building leg muscles—it just won't work. Here are some exercises to help:

• Spider Exercise: This classic exercise involves moving each finger independently across the strings and frets. It's not just about speed but also about control. Start slowly and focus on accuracy, then gradually increase your speed.
• Chromatic Runs: Play a chromatic scale up and down the neck. This not only builds strength but also enhances your finger independence.
• Fingertip Push-Ups: Place your fingertips on a flat surface and push down as if doing a mini push-up. This can help improve the strength of your finger muscles over time.

Interestingly enough, incorporating these exercises into your routine will create a noticeable difference. Remember, consistency is key. Even just 10 minutes a day can lead to significant improvements.

Perfecting Your Technique

Technique plays a huge role in speed. If your foundation is shaky, adding speed will only amplify any mistakes. Let's look at some areas to focus on:

• Finger Placement: Ensure your fingers are as close to the frets as possible. This reduces the distance they need to travel and helps you play faster.
• Economy of Motion: Keep your movements small and efficient. The less your fingers move, the faster they can get to the next note.
• Relaxation: Tension slows you down. Make sure your hand and fingers are relaxed. If you notice tension, shake it out and start again.

While it's hard to say for sure what will work best for everyone, these tips are a great starting point. The goal is to make your playing look and feel effortless.

Consistent Practice with a Metronome

A metronome is your best friend when it comes to building speed. It helps you track your progress and maintain consistency. Here's how you can use it effectively:

• Start Slow: Begin at a tempo where you can play cleanly without mistakes. This might feel painfully slow, but it's essential for building a solid foundation.
• Gradually Increase Speed: Once you're comfortable, increase the tempo by small increments. The key is to push yourself without sacrificing accuracy.
• Challenge Yourself: Occasionally, set the metronome to a tempo slightly faster than you're comfortable with. This can push your limits and improve your speed over time.

For those who are more rhythmically challenged, a custom metronome can be a game-changer. At Riffhard, we offer a metronome specifically designed for guitarists, helping you stay on beat while you build your speed.

Incorporating Legato Techniques

Legato playing can significantly impact your overall speed. This technique involves playing notes smoothly without picking each one, which can make fast passages easier to handle. Here's how to get started with legato:

• Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: These are the bread and butter of legato playing. Practice these techniques slowly, focusing on clarity and volume.
• Combine with Picking: Mix legato phrases with picked notes to add variety and keep your playing dynamic.
• Focus on Smooth Transitions: The goal is to make the transition between picked notes and legato techniques seamless.

Legato can take some time to master, but once you do, it opens up a whole new world of speed possibilities.

Alternative Picking Techniques

While alternate picking isn't directly related to the left hand, it plays a crucial role in overall speed. Let's dive into some alternate picking tips:

• Consistent Up and Down Strokes: Maintain a steady rhythm with your picking hand. This consistency translates to your left hand, helping you play faster and more accurately.
• Synchronization: Ensure your left and right hands are in sync. This coordination is vital for clean, fast playing.
• Experiment with Angles: Adjust the angle of your pick to see what feels most comfortable. A slight angle can reduce resistance and increase speed.

Alternate picking can be challenging, but with practice, it becomes second nature. At Riffhard, we have lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists to help you nail this technique.

Developing Muscle Memory

Muscle memory is what allows you to play without thinking. It's the secret weapon of every fast player out there. Here's how to build it:

• Repetition is Key: The more you repeat a passage, the more ingrained it becomes. This repetition builds muscle memory, allowing you to play faster over time.
• Focus on Short Phrases: Break down longer pieces into smaller phrases. Focus on mastering each one before moving on.
• Consistency Over Intensity: It's better to practice a bit every day rather than cramming in a long session once a week. Consistency helps build muscle memory more effectively.

Muscle memory is like having a built-in autopilot for your fingers. Once it's there, you're free to focus on other aspects of your playing, like expression and dynamics.

Analyzing Your Playing

Self-analysis can be incredibly beneficial. Recording yourself and listening back can reveal areas where you need to improve. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Record Regularly: Use your phone or any recording device to capture your practice sessions.
• Listen Critically: Pay attention to any inconsistencies or mistakes. This will highlight areas that need work.
• Set Goals: Use your analysis to set specific goals for improvement. This will make your practice sessions more focused and productive.

Interestingly enough, hearing yourself play can be a real eye-opener. It allows you to step back and view your playing objectively.

Experimenting with Different Styles

While speed is often associated with metal, experimenting with different styles can improve your overall technique and speed. Here are some styles to explore:

• Jazz: The complex chord changes and intricate solos can challenge your fingers in new ways.
• Classical: Fingerstyle techniques can improve your dexterity and finger independence.
• Blues: While not typically fast-paced, the emphasis on feel and phrasing can enhance your overall playing.

Branching out into different genres not only makes you a more versatile player but also strengthens your foundational skills, which can improve your speed.

Staying Motivated and Setting Goals

Finally, staying motivated is crucial for long-term improvement. Here are some tips to keep you on track:

• Set Achievable Goals: Break your big goals into smaller, manageable ones. This makes progress feel more attainable.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. This keeps you motivated and encourages further improvement.
• Join a Community: Being part of a guitar community can provide support and motivation. Share your goals and progress with others to stay accountable.

At Riffhard, we offer a supportive community of metal guitarists, along with lessons from top musicians, to help you stay motivated on your journey to faster playing.

Final Thoughts

Speed isn't everything, but it sure is fun. By building strength, perfecting technique, and staying consistent, you can increase your left-hand speed significantly. Remember, it's all about progress, not perfection. At Riffhard, we're here to help with lessons from some of the best metal guitarists around, so you can achieve your guitar-playing goals. Keep practicing and enjoy the journey!