How to Pick Up the Guitar Again

Picking up the guitar again after a break can feel like reconnecting with an old friend. Maybe you’ve been busy with life, or perhaps your guitar has been gathering dust in the corner while you explored other interests. Whatever the reason, getting back into playing can be both exciting and daunting. This guide will help you ease back into the groove, with tips and insights specifically tailored for those who want to shred in metal and its subgenres.

Setting Realistic Goals

Before you jump back in, it’s important to set some realistic goals. Ask yourself why you want to play again. Is it to join a band, write your own music, or simply have fun? Having a clear idea will help you stay motivated.

• Short-term goals: Learn a new song or improve a specific technique.
• Long-term goals: Play live gigs, record an album, or master a challenging subgenre like djent.

By setting achievable goals, you give yourself something concrete to work towards. Remember, it’s okay to adjust these goals as you progress. The key is to keep them challenging yet attainable.

Refreshing Your Skills

Once you’ve set your goals, it’s time to refresh your skills. Start by revisiting the basics. Scales, chords, and picking exercises are great ways to get your fingers moving again. If you’re into metal, focus on techniques like palm muting and fast alternate picking.

Additionally, consider using a metronome to improve your timing. At Riffhard, we offer a custom metronome designed for guitar practice, which can be incredibly helpful as you work on tightening up your rhythm.

Building a Practice Routine

A structured practice routine can make a huge difference in your progress. Start by setting aside a regular time for practice, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Consistency is more important than the length of each session.

• Warm-up: Begin with finger exercises to get your hands warmed up.
• Technique: Focus on specific techniques like downpicking or sweep picking.
• Repertoire: Work on songs or riffs that interest you.
• Improvisation: Spend some time jamming to backing tracks or improvising over a loop.

By breaking your practice sessions into these segments, you can cover a lot of ground without feeling overwhelmed.

Exploring New Techniques

Getting back into guitar playing offers a perfect opportunity to explore new techniques. If you’ve always played rhythm, try your hand at lead guitar, or vice versa. Experiment with different styles within metal, like black metal’s tremolo picking or progressive metal’s odd time signatures.

At Riffhard, we have lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists, covering a wide range of techniques. Learning from these experts can provide you with fresh inspiration and ideas.

Getting Inspired by Gear

Sometimes, a new piece of gear can reignite your passion for playing. Whether it’s upgrading your guitar, trying out new pedals, or investing in a better amp, fresh gear can offer new sounds and possibilities.

However, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need expensive equipment to play well. Often, a small tweak to your current setup can make a big difference. Experiment with different string gauges or pickup settings to find a sound that excites you.

Connecting with the Community

Playing guitar doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Join online communities or local groups to connect with other guitarists. Sharing your progress and learning from others can be incredibly motivating.

Consider attending workshops or live streaming events. At Riffhard, we offer livestreams featuring top metal guitarists, providing a chance to interact and learn directly from the pros.

Recording Your Progress

Recording yourself can be a valuable tool for improvement. It allows you to objectively hear your playing and identify areas for improvement. Start by recording simple riffs or solos and gradually move on to more complex pieces.

Don’t worry about making everything perfect. The goal is to track your progress over time. You’ll be surprised at how much you can improve by listening back to your recordings and making adjustments.

Staying Motivated

It’s natural to have ups and downs in your musical journey. To stay motivated, regularly remind yourself why you started playing in the first place. Celebrate small victories and enjoy the process of learning.

Remember, music is meant to be fun. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a break and come back with a fresh perspective. Consider exploring new genres or techniques to keep things interesting.

Embracing the Journey

Finally, embrace the journey of rediscovering your love for guitar. Progress may be slow at times, but every step forward is a step in the right direction. Enjoy the experience and let your passion guide you.

At Riffhard, we’re here to support your journey with lessons and resources from some of the world’s best metal guitarists. Whether you’re just getting back into playing or aiming to hone your skills further, we’ve got you covered.

Final Thoughts

Picking up the guitar again is a journey filled with discovery and excitement. Set goals, practice regularly, and explore new techniques. Remember, Riffhard is here to provide lessons and resources from top metal guitarists to help you along the way. Enjoy every step of the journey, and keep the music alive.