How to Learn Guitar as an Adult

Learning guitar as an adult is like embarking on a wild adventure, filled with excitement, challenge, and a whole lot of noise. Whether you've been daydreaming about shredding like a metal god or simply want to strum some chords around the campfire, the journey can be incredibly rewarding. But where do you start? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your guitar journey underway, offering practical tips and insights to ensure your path is as smooth as possible.

Why Adults Shouldn't Hesitate to Pick Up the Guitar

Let’s get one thing straight: there's no age limit to learning guitar. Adults often bring a wealth of life experience, discipline, and a clear sense of motivation that can make learning an instrument a truly fulfilling endeavor. Plus, playing guitar is a great stress reliever—a perfect antidote to the daily grind. So, if you've been putting it off thinking it's too late, it's time to change that mindset.

Interestingly enough, many adults find that their listening skills, developed over years of enjoying music, provide a good foundation for understanding melody and rhythm. Whether you’re inspired by the intricate solos of progressive metal or the thunderous riffs of death metal, your musical taste can guide your learning process. And remember, music isn't just about playing the right notes; it's about expressing yourself, something adults can excel at.

Setting Realistic Goals for Your Guitar Journey

Before you start buying every piece of gear and signing up for every online course, take a moment to define what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to play your favorite metal songs, write your own music, or just have fun? Having a clear goal helps keep you focused and motivated. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and techniques out there, especially in metal genres.

Try setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For instance, instead of saying, "I want to get better," you might say, "I want to learn the main riff of 'Master of Puppets' by Metallica in two weeks." This approach gives you a definitive target and a timeline, making it easier to track your progress.

And don’t stress if your goals change. As you grow as a guitarist, your aspirations will evolve. What matters is that you remain passionate and committed.

Choosing Your First Guitar: What You Need to Know

Picking the right guitar is a bit like finding the perfect pair of jeans—it needs to fit you well and feel comfortable. If you’re gravitating towards metal, you might want to start with an electric guitar. They’re versatile, and thanks to distortion and effects, they can produce a wide range of sounds that are essential for metal subgenres.

Consider factors like the guitar’s neck profile, weight, and overall feel. You don’t need to break the bank to find a good instrument. Many affordable brands offer great quality for beginners. Ibanez, Epiphone, and Squier are popular choices for those starting out in metal.

• Neck Profile: A thinner neck can be easier to navigate, especially for fast metal riffs.
• Pickups: Humbuckers are great for metal, offering a thick, powerful sound.
• Body Type: Choose something that’s comfortable for you to hold. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time with this guitar!

Remember to get your guitar set up by a professional. A well-set-up guitar is easier to play and will sound better, which is crucial for maintaining motivation.

Building a Practice Routine That Works for You

Consistency is key when it comes to learning guitar. It’s better to practice for 20 minutes every day than to cram for two hours once a week. That said, life can get busy, so be flexible and realistic about your practice schedule. The important thing is to make playing guitar a regular part of your life.

A structured practice routine can make all the difference. Start by dividing your practice time into sections: warm-ups, technique exercises, learning new material, and fun time. Yes, fun is important! It keeps you motivated and reminds you why you started playing in the first place.

• Warm-ups: Spend a few minutes stretching your fingers and doing some basic exercises.
• Technique: Focus on specific skills like alternate picking or palm muting.
• Learning: Work on songs or riffs you want to master. Break them into smaller chunks if needed.
• Fun: Jam along to your favorite tracks or improvise with a backing track.

Using resources like Riffhard can greatly enhance your practice. With lessons from top metal guitarists, you’ll have access to curated practice plans and exercises tailored for metal, helping you focus on the techniques that matter most for your style.

Essential Techniques for Metal Guitar

Metal guitar playing requires a unique set of skills that differ from other genres. Here are a few essential techniques to get you started:

Alternate Picking

This technique involves using both upstrokes and downstrokes to play notes, allowing for faster and more precise playing. Start slow and gradually increase your speed using a metronome. Focus on keeping your pick strokes even and consistent.

Palm Muting

Palm muting creates a tight, percussive sound, essential for metal riffs. Gently rest the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge while playing. Experiment with pressure to find the sweet spot where the notes are muted but still audible.

Power Chords

The backbone of many metal riffs, power chords are simple yet powerful. They usually consist of two or three notes and are easy to move around the fretboard. Practice transitioning between different power chords smoothly.

Downpicking

Known for its aggressive sound, downpicking is a staple in thrash metal. It requires stamina and precision, so start with short bursts and slowly build up your endurance. Focus on keeping your hand relaxed to avoid fatigue.

Each of these techniques is covered extensively with lessons from world-renowned guitarists on Riffhard. We offer exercises and tips to perfect these skills, ensuring your playing is tight and polished.

Learning Songs: How to Choose and Tackle Them

Learning songs is one of the most enjoyable aspects of playing guitar. It’s crucial to choose pieces that align with your skill level and musical taste. Start with simpler songs that you enjoy and gradually move to more complex ones.

Break songs into small sections and focus on mastering one part at a time. Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Pay attention to tricky parts and practice them separately before integrating them back into the song.

Don’t hesitate to use online resources for help. Sites like Riffhard provide lessons on popular metal songs, breaking them down into manageable parts and offering tips from experienced players. This can be a huge help in understanding the nuances of a song and picking up new techniques along the way.

Improvisation: Letting Your Creativity Flow

Once you’ve got some basics under your belt, improvisation can be a fun and rewarding way to express yourself. It’s a skill that grows over time and allows you to create your own melodies and riffs.

Start by learning scales like the pentatonic and minor scales. These are commonly used in metal and provide a framework for improvising. Experiment with different note combinations and rhythms. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—improvisation is about exploration.

Try jamming along with backing tracks to practice improvising in a musical context. This will help you develop a sense of timing and phrasing. As you grow more confident, you’ll find your own voice as a guitarist.

Riffhard offers lessons on improvisation, providing insights from professional guitarists on how to develop your own style and approach to creating music. With their guidance, you can explore different improvisational techniques and find what works best for you.

Staying Motivated: Overcoming Plateaus

Everyone hits a plateau at some point in their learning journey. It’s normal to feel stuck or frustrated when progress seems to stall. When this happens, it’s important to shake things up.

• Try New Things: Experiment with different genres, techniques, or even instruments to reignite your passion.
• Set New Goals: Challenge yourself with a new song or technique that’s slightly outside your comfort zone.
• Take Breaks: Sometimes stepping away for a short while can bring new perspective and energy.
• Join a Community: Connecting with other guitarists can provide support and inspiration. Share your progress, ask for advice, and learn from others' experiences.

Remember, progress isn't always linear. Celebrate small victories and be patient with yourself. The journey is just as important as the destination.

Final Thoughts

Learning guitar as an adult is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, and it's a path worth taking. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, resources like Riffhard offer invaluable support, providing lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists. So grab your guitar, set your goals, and enjoy the ride. The world of metal awaits!