How to Learn Guitar in Order

Learning the guitar is like unlocking a new language. You start with the basics, and eventually, you find yourself expressing complex ideas and emotions through music. But where do you begin, particularly if you're itching to shred like your favorite metal guitarist? Let's break down the order of learning guitar, ensuring you build a solid foundation, whether you're aiming to play thrash metal, djent, or anything in between.

The Basics: Strings, Tuning, and Holding the Guitar

Before you start ripping through solos, you need to get comfortable with the guitar itself. First off, understand the parts of the guitar: the body, neck, frets, strings, and tuning pegs. Familiarizing yourself with these will make learning easier as you progress.

Next, tuning is critical. An out-of-tune guitar is like a car with a flat tire—it's not going anywhere fast. Most metal guitarists use standard tuning (E A D G B e), but many metal subgenres thrive on alternative tunings like drop D or C. Invest in a reliable tuner or use a tuning app to get started.

Holding the guitar properly is surprisingly important. You want to be comfortable but also ensure you have the best range of motion. Sit up straight, rest the guitar on your right thigh (for right-handed players), and keep your left hand relaxed on the neck. This setup might feel awkward at first, but it becomes second nature with time.

Building Finger Strength and Dexterity

Ever watched a guitarist's fingers move like lightning across the fretboard? That's not magic—it’s muscle memory and finger strength. Start with basic exercises to build up these skills. Chromatic exercises, where you play each fret in sequence, are perfect for this.

• Chromatic exercise: Play frets 1, 2, 3, and 4 on each string, using your index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers respectively. Move up and down the neck to build dexterity.
• Spider exercises: These involve more complex finger movements to improve coordination. Try playing frets 1 and 3 with your index and ring fingers, then 2 and 4 with your middle and pinky fingers, moving across each string.

Practice these exercises daily. Finger strength doesn’t develop overnight, but consistency is your best friend here. You’ll notice improvement in just a few weeks.

Chords and Power Chords: The Backbone of Metal

Chords are the building blocks of music, and power chords are the heart of metal. Start with basic open chords: E, A, D, G, C, Em, Am, Dm. These will help you understand chord structure and finger placement.

Power chords are simpler to play but pack a punch. They're typically two-note chords played on the lower strings and are the foundation of countless metal riffs.

• Basic power chord shape: Place your index finger on the 5th fret of the low E string and your ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string. Strum only these two strings.
• Move this shape up and down the fretboard to play different power chords like G5, A5, and B5.

Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your playing sounds more musical.

Picking Techniques: Alternate and Downpicking

Picking technique can make or break your metal sound. Two essential techniques are alternate picking and downpicking. Alternate picking involves picking up and down alternately, great for speed and fluidity.

Downpicking, made famous by bands like Metallica, involves picking only in a downward motion. It’s more aggressive and perfect for crunchy riffs.

Practicing with a metronome will dramatically improve your timing and speed. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. This might feel tedious, but it’s crucial for building precision.

Rhythm Guitar: The Heartbeat of Metal

Rhythm guitar forms the backbone of any metal band. It's what keeps the groove and drives the band. Focus on palm muting and chunking to add weight to your playing. Palm muting involves resting your picking hand on the strings near the bridge to create a muted, percussive sound.

Chunking, on the other hand, is about creating rhythmic, chugging patterns that are staples in metal. Experiment with different patterns and practice with a metronome to stay tight.

For those interested in taking their rhythm skills to the next level, Riffhard offers lessons from the world's top metal guitarists, focusing on rhythm techniques that define the genre.

Lead Guitar Techniques: Bending, Vibrato, and Slides

Now that you’re feeling more confident with rhythm, it’s time to add some flair with lead techniques. Bending involves pushing a string up or down to reach a higher pitch. It's essential for expressive solos.

Vibrato adds emotion and sustain to your notes. It involves shaking the string slightly to create a wavering pitch. Start with small, controlled movements and gradually increase the intensity as you gain control.

Slides are another expressive tool. They involve sliding your finger up or down the fretboard to transition between notes smoothly. Practice sliding into chords or single notes to create fluid, melodic lines.

Developing these techniques will make your solos sing and add a professional touch to your playing.

Scales: The Building Blocks for Improvisation

Understanding scales is crucial for improvisation and soloing. The minor pentatonic scale is a great starting point for metal players. It’s simple and versatile, offering a solid foundation for both solos and riffs.

e|----------------------5---8--|
B|------------------5---8------|
G|--------------5---7----------|
D|----------5---7--------------|
A|------5---7------------------|
E|--5---8----------------------|

Practice this scale in different positions on the neck. Once you're comfortable, try connecting different positions to extend your range. This is where creativity begins to flow, as you start developing your own licks and solos.

For more in-depth lessons on scales and improvisation, consider checking out our resources at Riffhard, where top guitarists break down complex concepts into easy-to-follow steps.

Advanced Techniques: Tapping and Sweep Picking

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might be ready to tackle advanced techniques like tapping and sweep picking. Tapping involves using your picking hand to tap notes on the fretboard, creating fast, fluid lines.

Sweep picking is a technique that allows you to play arpeggios at lightning speed. It involves a smooth, sweeping motion across the strings with your pick. Start slow, focusing on clean, even notes before gradually increasing the speed.

Both techniques are challenging but incredibly rewarding. They add a new dimension to your playing and impress any audience. Consistent practice and patience are crucial here.

Songwriting and Composition: Creating Your Own Music

Once you’re comfortable with playing, why not try creating your own music? Songwriting is one of the most rewarding aspects of learning the guitar. Start by analyzing songs you love. What makes them stand out? Is it the riff, the melody, the structure?

Experiment with different chord progressions and riffs. Use the scales you’ve learned to create solos and melodies. Don’t be afraid to break the rules and find your unique sound.

To refine your songwriting skills, you might want to join our community at Riffhard, where you can learn from seasoned artists and get feedback on your compositions.

Final Thoughts

Learning guitar is a journey, not a sprint. By following these steps, you’ll build a strong foundation that allows you to play—and create—the music you love. Remember, consistency and patience are your best allies. For those looking to dive deeper into metal guitar techniques, we at Riffhard offer resources and lessons from the world’s top guitarists to help you along your path. Keep practicing, and enjoy the ride!