How to Learn Guitar Fast

Learning guitar quickly is a goal many aspiring musicians share, especially those itching to shred like their metal idols. The good news is, with the right approach, you can make significant progress in a short amount of time. We'll cover practical tips, techniques, and exercises tailored for those eager to dive into metal subgenres like thrash, djent, and progressive metal. Let's get those fingers flying across the fretboard!

How to Set Realistic Goals for Faster Progress

Before you start, it's crucial to set some goals. It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the techniques and songs you want to learn. By breaking your goals down into manageable chunks, you'll find it easier to stay focused and motivated.

• Short-term goals: These could include learning a specific riff or mastering a new technique like palm muting or tremolo picking. Aim for something achievable within a week or two.
• Mid-term goals: Think about what you want to achieve in the next couple of months. Maybe it's playing a song from start to finish or improving your speed by a certain BPM.
• Long-term goals: These are your big dreams, like forming a band or recording your own music. Keep these in mind to fuel your passion.

Remember to celebrate your progress along the way. Each step forward is a win, even if it's just nailing that tricky lick you've been practicing.

Building a Solid Practice Routine

Consistency is the name of the game when it comes to learning guitar. A solid practice routine is your best friend. Here's how to create one that works for you:

• Set aside dedicated time: Whether it's 15 minutes or an hour, try to practice at the same time every day. This helps build a habit.
• Warm-up: Spend a few minutes warming up your fingers. Simple exercises like chromatic scales or finger stretches can work wonders.
• Focus on technique: Dedicate a portion of your practice time to technique exercises. Focus on picking, finger strength, or fretboard knowledge.
• Learn songs: Choose songs you love that incorporate the techniques you're working on. This keeps practice fun and relevant.
• Review and reflect: Spend a few minutes at the end of your session reviewing what you've learned. Reflect on what's working and what needs more attention.

Need some structured guidance? Our Riffhard Shredule offers bi-weekly lesson plans curated to keep you on track with your goals.

Understanding Guitar Techniques for Metal

Metal guitar playing is rich with unique techniques that define the genre's sound. Let's look at some techniques you'll want to master for that metal edge:

• Alternate picking: This involves alternating up and down strokes with your pick. It's essential for clean, fast playing and is a staple in metal.
• Palm muting: Rest your palm lightly on the strings near the bridge to create a muted, percussive sound. It's great for tight, chugging rhythms.
• Tremolo picking: Pick one note rapidly using alternate picking. It's used for creating tension and speed in a riff or solo.
• Hammer-ons and pull-offs: These techniques allow you to play notes smoothly without picking each one, adding fluidity to your playing.
• Sweep picking: A technique for playing arpeggios quickly by "sweeping" the pick across the strings in one smooth motion.

For in-depth lessons on these and other techniques, check out the extensive library at Riffhard, where instructors like Dean Lamb and Aaron Marshall share their expertise.

Speed and Accuracy: The Balancing Act

Speed is a hallmark of metal guitar, but it's nothing without accuracy. To play fast and clean, you'll need to find a balance between the two.

• Start slow: Practice new riffs and exercises at a slower tempo to ensure accuracy. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Use a metronome: A metronome is an invaluable tool for building speed and timing. Set it to a comfortable tempo and increase it incrementally.
• Focus on clean playing: Prioritize accuracy over speed during practice. Sloppy playing at high speeds won't impress anyone.
• Record yourself: Recording your practice sessions helps you identify areas that need improvement. Listen back and adjust your technique accordingly.

Our custom metronome at Riffhard is designed specifically for guitar practice, making it easier to nail those fast, complex passages.

Ear Training and Theory: The Unsung Heroes

While technique and speed are crucial, don't underestimate the power of ear training and music theory. These skills help you understand what you're playing and make you a more versatile musician.

• Interval recognition: Practice identifying intervals by ear. This skill helps you understand melody and harmony better.
• Scales and modes: Learn the major and minor scales, as well as modes like Phrygian and Mixolydian, which are common in metal music.
• Chord progressions: Study basic chord progressions and how they relate to scales. This knowledge will improve your songwriting and improvisation.
• Transcribing music: Try learning songs by ear. It challenges your ear and helps you internalize different styles and techniques.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons that integrate theory and ear training with practical playing, helping you become a well-rounded guitarist.

The Importance of Jamming and Playing with Others

Playing guitar isn't just about practicing alone. Jamming with others can accelerate your progress and make learning much more enjoyable.

• Join a band: Playing in a band pushes you to learn new songs and develop your timing and communication skills.
• Attend jam sessions: Look for local jam sessions or open mic nights. They're great for meeting other musicians and gaining performance experience.
• Collaborate online: If in-person jamming isn't an option, consider collaborating with musicians online. There are plenty of platforms where you can share ideas and tracks.
• Record with others: Recording music with others forces you to play tightly and precisely, which is excellent for honing your skills.

Interestingly enough, many of our Riffhard students have formed bands and projects through our community, finding like-minded musicians to create and grow with.

Embracing Different Metal Subgenres

If you're passionate about metal, exploring various subgenres can inspire you and expand your playing style. Each subgenre has its unique techniques and characteristics.

• Thrash metal: Known for its fast tempos and aggressive playing, thrash is all about tight rhythm guitar and sharp riffs.
• Djent: This subgenre focuses on complex rhythms and polyrhythms, often using extended-range guitars.
• Progressive metal: Characterized by odd time signatures and intricate compositions, progressive metal challenges your technical abilities and creativity.
• Death metal: Known for its heavy, low-tuned riffs and growled vocals, death metal requires precision and endurance.

To dive deeper into these styles, our Riffhard instructors cover a wide range of metal subgenres, providing insight into the specific techniques and nuances that define each style.

Staying Motivated and Overcoming Plateaus

It's normal to hit plateaus or feel unmotivated at times. The trick is to keep pushing through and find ways to reignite your passion for playing.

• Mix it up: If you feel stuck, try learning a new song or technique. Variety keeps things fresh and exciting.
• Set new challenges: Push yourself with new goals, like learning a difficult solo or writing your own riff.
• Take breaks: Sometimes stepping away from the guitar for a day or two can help you return with renewed energy and focus.
• Find inspiration: Listen to your favorite bands, watch live performances, or attend concerts. Inspiration can come from anywhere.

At Riffhard, our community of guitarists supports and motivates each other, providing a network of encouragement and inspiration to keep you moving forward.

Final Thoughts

Learning guitar quickly requires dedication, focus, and a structured approach. By setting goals, practicing consistently, and immersing yourself in the metal genre, you'll find yourself making significant progress. Remember, at Riffhard, we're here to support you with lessons from the world's best metal guitarists, helping you achieve your musical dreams faster and more enjoyably.