How to Play a 3-String Guitar

Ever wondered how to get creative with a guitar that has only three strings? It’s not as limiting as you might think. In fact, playing a three-string guitar can open up a whole new world of musical possibilities, especially if you’re into metal or its many subgenres. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to diversify your playing style, let’s dive into the gritty, raw world of the three-string guitar.

Why Play a Three-String Guitar?

First, you might ask: why would anyone want to play a guitar with only three strings? There are a few compelling reasons. For one, it forces you to focus on melody and rhythm without the distraction of too many options. It’s like a stripped-down version of songwriting, where you can really hone in on the essentials. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to experiment with new sounds and techniques without the weight of conventional expectations.

Three-string guitars are also a great tool for learning. They simplify the learning process, allowing you to focus on the basics of melody and rhythm without getting overwhelmed. For metal guitarists, this can be an exciting challenge—to create a powerful sound with minimal resources. It encourages creativity and innovation, which is at the heart of metal music.

Setting Up Your Three-String Guitar

Before you start playing, you need to set up your guitar. You can either modify an existing guitar by removing three strings or purchase a guitar specifically designed with three strings. If you’re going the DIY route, remove the D, G, and B strings if you’re working with a six-string guitar. This leaves you with the low E, A, and high E strings.

• Tuning: You can choose different tuning methods, but a common one for three-string guitars is GDG or DAD, depending on your preference. These tunings offer a wide range of notes and make it easier to play power chords.
• Action: Adjust the action to ensure that the strings are comfortable to play and don’t buzz against the frets. Lower action is generally better for faster playing, which is particularly useful in metal genres.
• Picks: Use a pick that’s comfortable for you. A medium to heavy pick is often preferred for metal playing to ensure precision and power.

Once your guitar is set up, you’re ready to start exploring the possibilities that a three-string guitar can offer.

Basic Chord Shapes and Power Chords

With just three strings, you might think you’re limited when it comes to chords, but that’s not the case. The three-string setup is perfect for power chords, which are the backbone of many metal songs. Here’s a simple way to play a power chord on a three-string guitar:

e|---x---|
B|---x---|
G|---x---|
D|---5---|
A|---5---|
E|---3---|

Place your index finger on the third fret of the low E string and your ring finger on the fifth fret of the A string. Strum all three strings to produce a powerful, crunchy sound that’s perfect for metal.

These power chords are movable, meaning you can slide them up and down the fretboard to create different chords. This same shape can be applied to any root note on the low E or A string, allowing for quick and easy changes between chords.

Rhythm Techniques: The Heart of Metal

Rhythm is the cornerstone of metal music, and playing a three-string guitar can help you master those essential techniques. Let’s break down a few fundamental rhythm techniques that will elevate your metal playing:

• Palm Muting: This technique involves lightly resting the palm of your picking hand on the strings close to the bridge. It creates a muted, percussive sound that’s a staple in metal. Practice alternating between palm-muted and open strums to add dynamics to your riffs.
• Downpicking: A powerful downstroke technique that gives metal its aggressive sound. Focus on keeping your hand relaxed and use your wrist for motion, rather than your arm, to maintain speed and precision.
• Galloping Rhythms: This involves a quick, triplet-based strumming pattern that’s synonymous with metal. Think of the rhythm as ‘da-da-da’ with the first note being slightly longer than the next two.

These techniques can be practiced with simple riffs or incorporated into your own creations. If you’re looking for more guidance, our lessons at Riffhard offer detailed insights from world-class metal guitarists.

Crafting Riffs: Let Your Creativity Flow

One of the most satisfying aspects of playing guitar is crafting your own riffs, and a three-string guitar is perfect for this. With fewer strings to worry about, you can focus on experimenting with melodies and rhythms to create something unique.

Start by choosing a simple power chord progression. Use the movable power chord shape we discussed earlier and try different sequences. Add variation by incorporating rhythm techniques you’ve practiced, like palm muting and galloping. Here’s a simple riff to get you started:

e|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
G|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
D|--5---5---7---7--|--5---5---9---9--|--5---5---7---7--|--5---5---5---5--|
A|--5---5---7---7--|--5---5---9---9--|--5---5---7---7--|--5---5---5---5--|
E|--3---3---5---5--|--3---3---7---7--|--3---3---5---5--|--3---3---3---3--|

This simple pattern uses a combination of power chords and rhythm changes to create a compelling riff. Once you’re comfortable with it, try crafting your own riffs by changing the rhythm, adding slides, or incorporating different power chords.

Exploring Soloing on a Three-String Guitar

While it might seem challenging, soloing on a three-string guitar is entirely possible and quite rewarding. The key is to focus on melody and phrasing rather than trying to replicate the complexity of a six-string solo.

Start by experimenting with simple melodic lines. Use the high E string for melody and the A and low E strings for rhythm. Here’s a simple lick to get you started:

e|--7--5--7--9--7--5--|
B|--------------------|
G|--------------------|
D|--------------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

This lick uses a simple ascending and descending pattern on the high E string. Practice it slowly, focusing on clarity and precision. Once you feel comfortable, try incorporating bends, slides, or vibrato for added expression.

For more advanced soloing techniques, consider checking out our instructors at Riffhard, where you’ll find lessons on soloing from some of the best in the metal scene.

Integrating Effects for a Unique Sound

Effects can dramatically alter the sound of your three-string guitar, allowing you to create unique and interesting tones. Here are a few effects that can enhance your playing:

• Distortion: Adds grit and sustain to your sound, making your riffs and solos more powerful. Experiment with different levels of distortion to find the right balance for your style.
• Delay: Creates an echo effect, adding depth and dimension to your playing. Use it sparingly to enhance solos or create atmospheric textures.
• Reverb: Adds space to your sound, making it feel larger and more immersive. Try different reverb settings to find what complements your playing.

These effects can be combined and tweaked to create a signature sound that’s all your own. If you’re new to using effects, start with one and gradually incorporate others as you become more comfortable.

Practicing with a Purpose

Like any instrument, mastering the three-string guitar requires regular practice and dedication. Here are some tips to ensure your practice sessions are effective:

• Set Goals: Whether it’s learning a new riff or developing a particular technique, setting clear goals can help keep you motivated and focused.
• Use a Metronome: Practicing with a metronome can help improve your timing and rhythm. It’s especially useful for mastering fast riffs and complex rhythms.
• Record Yourself: Listening to recordings of your practice sessions can provide valuable feedback on your progress and highlight areas for improvement.

By practicing with a clear purpose, you’ll see steady improvement in your playing and develop a deeper understanding of the guitar.

Learning from the Best

If you’re serious about taking your three-string guitar playing to the next level, learning from experienced musicians can be invaluable. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists. You’ll find a wealth of knowledge and inspiration that can help you refine your technique and explore new musical possibilities.

Our instructors cover a wide range of topics, from rhythm and lead guitar to songwriting and riffing. With access to over 150 video lessons, downloadable tabs, and custom metronome tools, you’ll have everything you need to elevate your playing.

Final Thoughts

Playing a three-string guitar might seem like a quirky endeavor, but it offers a refreshing approach to guitar playing, especially for metal enthusiasts. It’s a journey that encourages creativity, challenges your skills, and allows you to explore new musical landscapes. If you’re looking to expand your guitar prowess further, Riffhard is here to guide you with lessons from the best in the metal world. Dive into the unique experience of the three-string guitar and let your creativity soar.