How to Know if You’re an Intermediate Guitar Player

So, you've been playing guitar for a while now, and you're curious if you've hit that sweet spot of being an intermediate player. Maybe you're nailing some solos, but you're not quite sure if you're there yet. Don't worry; you're in the right place. We'll break down what it means to be an intermediate guitarist, especially focusing on those who love the world of metal, from thrash to djent. Let's find out if you can officially call yourself an intermediate guitar player.

Understanding Chord Progressions and Scales

One telltale sign you're stepping into intermediate territory is having a good grasp of chord progressions and scales. At this level, you should be comfortable not just with the basic major and minor chords, but also with power chords, seventh chords, and maybe even some diminished or augmented ones.

Scales are your best friends when it comes to improvisation and soloing. Do you know your pentatonic scales like the back of your hand? How about the major and minor scales? If you're comfortable moving up and down the fretboard with these scales and can incorporate them into your playing, you're on a solid path.

For those diving into metal subgenres, understanding the harmonic minor scale can also be a game-changer. It gives that dark, exotic sound essential in metal solos. Try practicing scale sequences and creating your own licks. You'll find this level of familiarity incredibly useful when you're trying to build tension or resolve in your music.

When I first got into metal, I remember how learning the harmonic minor scale opened up so many possibilities. Suddenly, I was able to create riffs that sounded more "metal" and less like I was just noodling around. If you're not there yet, don't worry. Take it one scale at a time, and you'll see progress.

Rhythm and Timing Mastery

Intermediate guitarists are expected to have a good sense of rhythm and timing. This means you're not just playing to a metronome for the sake of it, but you're actually 'feeling' the beat and syncing your playing to it. You should be comfortable with different time signatures, especially if you're into progressive metal, where odd time signatures are the norm.

Syncopation, or playing off the beat, is another skill often associated with intermediate playing. In metal, mastering this can make your riffs sound more complex and interesting. Try playing with the accents and see how it changes the feel of your riff.

Improving your timing can also mean playing along with drum tracks. They're available all over the internet and can help you lock in that tight, rhythmic sense that metal requires. If you're struggling with this, check out Riffhard, where you can find lessons by some of the best metal guitarists to help you understand and improve your rhythm playing.

Developing Technique: Picking and Strumming

Let's talk technique. Intermediate guitarists often focus on refining their picking and strumming skills. Alternate picking, economy picking, and downpicking are techniques that should be in your toolkit. Alternate picking is crucial for speed, while downpicking provides that driving force in thrash metal.

Strumming techniques are equally important. You should be able to switch between strumming patterns seamlessly and maintain consistency in your sound. Practicing with a metronome or drum track can help hone these skills.

When I was learning, I found that focusing on my picking hand was a game-changer. Once I started working on my alternate picking, everything else began to fall into place. If you're not sure where to start, try some exercises focusing only on your picking hand. You'll notice the difference in no time.

Improvisation and Soloing Skills

Improvisation is where many guitarists find their voice, and as an intermediate player, you should start to feel more comfortable creating solos on the fly. This involves more than just playing up and down scales; it's about expressing emotion through your guitar.

Being able to improvise means you have a strong understanding of scales and how they fit over different chord progressions. It also requires a good ear for melody. Start by listening closely to your favorite guitarists and trying to emulate their phrasing and note choices.

If you're into metal, chances are you've tried to play along to your favorite solos. It helps to break them down into smaller sections and understand why each note works. Practice these sections slowly and gradually increase your speed. You'll soon find yourself crafting your own solos with ease.

Understanding Music Theory

A solid understanding of music theory can elevate your playing from good to great. As an intermediate guitarist, you should have a basic grasp of concepts like intervals, chord construction, and key signatures.

Music theory might seem daunting, but it's incredibly useful. For instance, knowing why a power chord sounds so powerful helps you use it more effectively in your compositions. Similarly, understanding how to construct a chord progression can guide you in writing your own music.

If you're interested in diving deeper, consider learning about modes. They can add flavor and variety to your music, especially in metal. Dorian and Phrygian modes, for instance, are commonly used for their dark and mysterious tones.

If you're looking for structured lessons on music theory applied to metal guitar, Riffhard offers courses that break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons. This can be particularly helpful if you're feeling a bit lost in the theory jungle.

Ear Training and Aural Skills

Developing your ear is a crucial aspect of becoming an intermediate guitarist. This means being able to identify notes, intervals, and chords by listening. It also means recognizing different techniques and effects used in the music you hear.

Ear training is something you can incorporate into your daily practice routine. Start by trying to transcribe simple melodies or riffs by ear. Over time, you'll notice your ability to pick out details improving.

When I started focusing on ear training, I was amazed at how much more I could hear in music. It made learning songs by ear quicker and helped me understand what was happening in complex solos. You'll find that this skill not only improves your playing but also your enjoyment of music.

Learning and Playing Songs

An intermediate guitarist should be able to play songs from start to finish, including solos and complex sections. This doesn't mean you have to play every song perfectly, but you should be able to tackle pieces that challenge you and require you to push your skills.

Tackling songs from different metal subgenres can help broaden your skill set. For instance, playing a thrash metal song can improve your downpicking stamina, while a progressive metal piece might challenge your timing and rhythm changes.

Don't shy away from songs that seem difficult. Break them down into sections, practice slowly, and gradually increase the tempo. You'll be surprised at how much you can accomplish with consistent practice.

Experimenting with Different Genres and Styles

By the time you're an intermediate guitarist, it's beneficial to start exploring different genres and styles. This can help you become a more well-rounded musician and introduce you to new techniques and ideas.

Metal is a genre with many subgenres, but don't be afraid to step outside of it. Blues, jazz, and classical music all offer unique perspectives and skills that can enhance your metal playing. For instance, jazz chords can add richness to your compositions, while classical techniques can improve your finger strength and dexterity.

Experimenting with different styles can also help you develop your unique voice on the guitar. You'll start to incorporate elements from various genres into your playing, making your style more distinctive.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an intermediate guitarist is an exciting milestone, marked by a deeper understanding of music and enhanced technical skills. Whether you're nailing down complex solos or exploring new genres, it's all part of the journey. If you want to refine your skills further, Riffhard offers lessons from top-notch metal guitarists that can guide you to the next level. Keep practicing, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the ride!