How to Learn Metal Guitar

Think you’ve got what it takes to shred like a metal god? Getting there requires dedication, but with the right focus and tools, you’ll be melting faces with your riffs in no time. We’ll break down the essentials of learning metal guitar, explore the nuances of different subgenres, and share tips to help you conquer each one.

How to Develop Crushing Downpicking Endurance

Downpicking is the bread and butter of metal rhythm guitar. It’s the relentless chugging that gives bands like Metallica and Slayer their aggressive sound. But without proper technique, it can quickly become a wrist-killer.

Start by holding your pick firmly, with just enough grip to maintain control without tension. Keep your wrist loose, and use a metronome to gradually increase your speed. Aim for clean, precise notes rather than speed at first. Accuracy is everything.

• Use a Metronome: Begin slow, around 60-80 bpm, and increase the tempo incrementally.
• Focus on Dynamics: Experiment with different levels of attack to find your sound.
• Rest and Recover: Take breaks to prevent injury and to let your muscles recover.

At Riffhard, we’ve gathered some of the best metal guitarists to guide you through these techniques with detailed lessons.

Sweep Picking Without the Slop: A Step-by-Step Approach

Sweep picking can sound like magic when done correctly. It’s a technique that allows you to play arpeggios at lightning speed. However, it’s also a recipe for disaster if your timing and muting aren’t spot on.

Practice slowly, ensuring that each note rings out clearly. Use your fretting hand to mute strings as needed, and let your picking hand glide smoothly across the strings. Pay attention to synchronization between both hands.

Here’s a simple exercise to get you started:

• Start with a simple three-string arpeggio.
• Pick down through the strings, focusing on even timing.
• As you reach the last note of the arpeggio, pick upwards to return to the starting position.

With practice and patience, you’ll find yourself nailing those arpeggios with professional precision.

Tight Metal Rhythm Playing: What Separates the Pros from the Rest

Metal is all about precision. Whether you’re playing classic heavy metal or something more modern like djent, tight rhythm playing is essential. The difference between a good guitarist and a great one often lies in their ability to lock in with a drummer and keep the groove steady.

To tighten your rhythm playing, work on your timing. Play along with a metronome or drum tracks, and record yourself to evaluate your timing. Listen to the masters and analyze what makes their playing so locked in.

One trick is to practice with a focus on accenting the backbeats. This approach helps internalize the rhythm and ensures your playing feels solid and grounded.

At Riffhard, we have lessons and exercises that can help you achieve that tight, professional rhythm sound.

String Bending and Vibrato: Adding Emotion to Your Solos

While speed and technical proficiency are important, adding emotion through techniques like string bending and vibrato can elevate your solos. These techniques can add a bluesy touch or a soulful cry, providing contrast to the relentless speed of metal.

Start by practicing bends to pitch. Use a tuner to ensure your bends are accurate. Then, incorporate vibrato by shaking the string slightly, creating a wavering effect. Aim for control and consistency rather than speed.

Experiment with different speeds and widths of vibrato to express different emotions. Once you feel comfortable, try incorporating these techniques into your solos for added depth and expression.

Alternate Picking: Speed and Precision

Alternate picking is crucial for playing fast, clean runs. It involves picking in a strict down-up pattern, which allows for greater speed and fluidity.

Begin with simple exercises, focusing on consistency between upstrokes and downstrokes. Use a metronome to gradually increase your speed, ensuring each note is clear and evenly spaced.

Try this exercise to improve your alternate picking:

• Choose a simple scale or pattern.
• Pick every note alternately, focusing on even timing.
• Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.

Keep your picking hand relaxed to prevent tension, and pay attention to the dynamics of your playing. At Riffhard, we offer exercises and insights from top metal guitarists to help you master alternate picking.

Djent: The Art of Polyrhythms and Odd Time Signatures

Djent is a modern metal subgenre known for its complex rhythms and polyrhythms. Bands like Meshuggah have popularized this style, using odd time signatures to create a unique and powerful sound.

To play djent, you’ll need to understand polyrhythms and be comfortable playing in odd time signatures. Start by practicing simple polyrhythms, like three against four, and gradually work your way up to more complex patterns.

Experiment with different time signatures, like 7/8 or 9/8, to get a feel for how they work in the context of a riff. Practice with a metronome to ensure your timing is precise.

At Riffhard, we’ve got lessons on djent from some of the best guitarists in the genre, offering insight into their creative process and techniques.

Understanding Metal Subgenres: From Thrash to Deathcore

Metal is a diverse genre with countless subgenres, each with its own unique sound and playing style. Understanding the nuances of each subgenre can help you find your sound and expand your musical vocabulary.

Here’s a quick overview of some popular metal subgenres:

• Thrash Metal: Known for its fast tempos and aggressive guitar riffs, bands like Metallica and Slayer are iconic in this genre.
• Death Metal: Characterized by growling vocals and complex song structures, with bands like Cannibal Corpse leading the charge.
• Black Metal: Known for its raw sound and dark themes, with bands like Mayhem and Burzum setting the standard.
• Djent: Focuses on polyrhythms and odd time signatures, with bands like Periphery and Tesseract pioneering the style.
• Metalcore: A fusion of metal and hardcore punk, with bands like Killswitch Engage and As I Lay Dying defining the sound.

Exploring these subgenres can help you discover new techniques and influences to incorporate into your playing.

Improvisation and Creativity: Finding Your Unique Sound

Improvisation is a key part of being a great guitarist. It allows you to express yourself and explore new musical ideas. While it might seem daunting at first, improvisation is a skill that can be developed with practice.

Start by learning scales and arpeggios, which will provide the foundation for your improvisation. Practice playing over backing tracks, experimenting with different ideas and techniques.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Improvisation is about taking risks and finding what works. Record yourself to hear what sounds good and what doesn’t, and use that feedback to improve.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons on improvisation from top metal guitarists, providing insights into their creative process and how they develop their unique sound.

Final Thoughts

Learning metal guitar is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. By focusing on techniques like downpicking, sweep picking, and alternate picking, and exploring the nuances of different subgenres, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled metal guitarist. At Riffhard, we offer resources and lessons from top musicians to help you along the way. Happy shredding!