How to Learn Guitar with an App

Learning guitar has never been more accessible, thanks to the myriad of apps available right at your fingertips. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills in specific subgenres like metal or progressive metal, guitar apps offer a range of features to help you on your journey. We’ll go over how you can effectively use these apps to learn guitar and what makes them such a valuable tool in your musical arsenal.

The Basics of Choosing the Right Guitar App

Before diving into the world of guitar apps, it's important to choose one that suits your learning style and goals. You’ll find a plethora of options, each with its own set of features. Some focus on teaching you songs, while others might offer comprehensive courses on techniques or theory. Here’s what you should consider:

• User Interface: A clean, intuitive interface can make all the difference. You don’t want to spend more time figuring out the app than playing guitar.
• Lesson Structure: Check if the app offers structured courses or lessons that align with your goals, whether that's learning basic chords or mastering djent techniques.
• Practice Tools: Look for features like metronomes, tuners, and backing tracks that can enhance your practice sessions.
• Feedback Capabilities: Some apps offer real-time feedback on your playing, which can be invaluable for correcting mistakes early on.

Apps like Riffhard are excellent for those focusing on metal genres, providing lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists. It’s like having a personal coach who knows exactly what you need to progress in modern metal guitar techniques.

Setting Up Your Practice Space

Once you've chosen an app, it’s essential to set up a conducive practice environment. You don’t need a fancy studio, but a comfortable, distraction-free zone can significantly improve your focus and learning efficiency. Here’s what you need:

• Quiet Area: Find a place where you won’t be disturbed. This helps maintain concentration, especially when tackling complex subgenres like progressive metal.
• Comfortable Seating: Ensure you have a chair that supports good posture to prevent strain during long practice sessions.
• Good Lighting: Make sure your space is well-lit to avoid straining your eyes while reading tabs or watching lessons.
• Essential Gear: Have your guitar, picks, and tuner within arm’s reach. Apps often include digital tuners, but a physical one can be handy too.

Remember, consistency is key. A dedicated practice spot encourages regular practice, making it easier to develop and maintain a routine.

Understanding Guitar Tuning and Setup

Before you start playing, ensuring your guitar is properly tuned and set up is crucial. Many apps come with built-in tuners, which are convenient for quick checks. However, understanding tuning goes beyond just the standard EADGBE setup. Different subgenres often require different tunings:

• Drop Tunings: Common in metal genres, drop tunings like Drop D or Drop C can give your riffs a heavier sound.
• Alternate Tunings: Used in progressive metal, alternate tunings open up new possibilities for chord voicings and harmonies.

With apps, you can experiment with these tunings easily. They often provide tuning guides and even demonstrate the sound differences, helping you choose the right tuning for your style. Apps like Riffhard also cover these in their lessons, allowing you to see how professional guitarists use them in their playing.

Getting Started with Basic Techniques

Now that you’re set up, it’s time to start playing. Apps usually offer beginner lessons that cover the basics like chord shapes, strumming patterns, and finger exercises. Here’s a step-by-step to get you started:

1. Learn Chord Shapes: Start with basic open chords like C, G, and D. These are the building blocks of many songs.
2. Practice Strumming: Work on your rhythm by mastering basic strumming patterns. Apps can guide you through exercises at various tempos.
3. Finger Exercises: Develop finger strength and dexterity with simple scales and exercises. This is crucial for more complex techniques down the road.

It might seem tedious at first, but these foundations are critical. Apps can make this process more engaging with interactive lessons and instant feedback, keeping you motivated as you progress.

Advancing to Metal Techniques

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can start exploring techniques specific to metal and its subgenres. Apps tailored for metal, like Riffhard, offer lessons on techniques such as alternate picking, palm muting, and sweep picking:

• Alternate Picking: Focus on accuracy and speed. Apps provide exercises to help you develop muscle memory.
• Palm Muting: Learn to control muting to add dynamics to your riffs. This technique is essential for genres like thrash and metalcore.
• Sweep Picking: A more advanced technique, sweep picking can add fluidity to your solos. Apps break down this technique into manageable steps, allowing you to master it progressively.

These techniques can be challenging, but with consistent practice and the right guidance, you’ll notice significant improvements in your playing.

Exploring Song Libraries

One of the most enjoyable aspects of using a guitar app is the ability to learn your favorite songs. Many apps provide extensive song libraries, allowing you to learn through playing along with tracks. Here’s how you can make the most of this feature:

• Start Simple: Choose songs that match your skill level. This ensures you don’t get frustrated and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you master each track.
• Break It Down: Use the app’s tools to slow down difficult sections and loop them until you’re comfortable.
• Play Along: Playing along with the original track helps improve timing and rhythm. Apps often provide backing tracks for this purpose.

Learning songs you love not only makes practice more enjoyable but also exposes you to different techniques and styles, broadening your musical repertoire.

Tracking Progress and Setting Goals

To keep your learning journey on track, it’s crucial to set goals and monitor your progress. Many apps include features that help with this:

• Progress Tracking: Apps often have built-in trackers or logs that let you see how much you’ve practiced and what you’ve learned.
• Goal Setting: Define clear, achievable goals, whether it’s mastering a particular technique or learning a song. Apps can remind you and keep you accountable.
• Feedback: Some apps offer feedback on your playing, highlighting areas for improvement. This can be particularly useful for self-directed learning.

By regularly reviewing your progress, you can adjust your practice routine and stay motivated, ensuring continuous improvement.

Joining a Community

While learning with an app is convenient, you might miss the camaraderie of a traditional classroom setting. Fortunately, many apps offer community features where you can interact with other learners:

• Forums and Groups: Join forums or groups within the app to share tips, ask questions, and support each other.
• Challenges and Contests: Participate in challenges or contests to test your skills and gain recognition. It’s a great way to push yourself and stay motivated.
• Livestreams and Webinars: Some apps host live events where you can learn from guest instructors and interact in real-time.

Being part of a community can enhance your learning experience, providing encouragement and inspiration from fellow guitarists worldwide.

Maintaining Consistency and Motivation

The key to progressing with any skill, including guitar, is consistent practice. Apps can help maintain motivation, but here are a few additional tips:

• Create a Schedule: Set aside specific times each day for practice. Consistency is more important than the total time spent.
• Mix It Up: Vary your practice routine to keep it interesting. Alternate between songs, techniques, and improvisation.
• Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress. Whether it’s mastering a tricky riff or completing a course, each achievement is worth recognizing.

Apps like Riffhard offer structured lesson plans and interactive tools that make it easier to stay on track and motivated, helping you see tangible progress over time.

Final Thoughts

Learning guitar with an app is a flexible, effective way to hone your skills, especially if you’re interested in genres like metal and progressive metal. With features that cater to both beginners and advanced players, you can tailor your learning experience to suit your goals. Our platform, Riffhard, offers lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists, ensuring you have the best guidance as you develop your skills. Happy playing!