How to Play a 6-String Guitar

Getting started on a six-string guitar can be both thrilling and a bit overwhelming. Whether you're eyeing those high-speed metal riffs or just want to strum a tune, it all starts with the basics. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what you need to get those strings singing.

Choosing the Right Guitar

First things first, you need a guitar. This might sound obvious, but the type of guitar you choose can make a big difference. If you’re into metal, you’d probably want an electric guitar with humbucker pickups that give you that thick, aggressive sound. Brands like Ibanez, Jackson, or ESP offer great models that cater to metal players.

Here’s a quick list of things to consider when picking out a guitar:

• Body Type: Solid body guitars are generally preferred for metal due to their sustain and reduced feedback.
• Neck Profile: A thinner neck can help with fast playing, which is common in metal genres.
• Pickups: Active pickups like EMGs or Seymour Duncan Blackouts are popular for their high output.

Remember, if you’re just starting out, don’t stress too much about having the perfect guitar. The important thing is to find one that feels comfortable in your hands and suits your style. As you grow, Riffhard has plenty of lessons that can guide you in refining your sound and technique.

Getting Familiar with Your Instrument

Before you start shredding, take some time to get to know your guitar. Familiarize yourself with the parts: the headstock, neck, frets, body, pickups, and bridge. Understanding what each part does will help you navigate your playing better.

Here's a simple way to remember the basic parts:

• Headstock: Where the tuning pegs are located.
• Neck: The long piece where you place your fingers to create notes.
• Frets: The metal strips that divide the neck into sections.
• Body: The large part of the guitar that houses the pickups and controls.

Once you know your guitar inside out, it's like getting to know a new friend—you'll be more comfortable and confident when playing.

Learning Your First Chords

Chords are the backbone of many songs. Starting with basic open chords like E, A, D, G, C, and maybe a few minors like Em and Am will give you a solid foundation. You’ll find these chords in countless metal songs, often as power chords or barre chords.

Here’s a quick tip: Start by learning the power chord, which is essentially a two-note chord. It’s simple yet powerful, and you'll hear it in virtually every metal song:

e|---|---|---|---|---|
B|---|---|---|---|---|
G|---|---|---|---|---|
D|-5-|---|---|---|---|
A|-3-|---|---|---|---|
E|-1-|---|---|---|---|

Once you've got the hang of these, you can move on to more complex chords. And don’t worry if it feels tricky at first; with practice, your fingers will become more agile and responsive.

Developing Rhythm and Timing

In metal, rhythm is king. Tight, precise rhythm playing is what makes a riff stand out. Here's where a metronome becomes your best friend. Start practicing with slow tempos and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Try this: Set your metronome to 60 bpm and practice strumming four downstrokes per beat. Focus on keeping your strokes even and consistent. It's a simple exercise, but crucial for building timing.

On Riffhard, we offer a custom metronome tailored for guitar practice, which can really help you lock in your timing and develop that tight, rhythmic precision that metal demands.

Introducing Basic Metal Techniques

Now, let’s spice things up with some essential metal techniques. One of the most iconic is palm muting. This technique gives your riffs that chunky, percussive sound. To palm mute, lightly rest the palm of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge while you play.

Here's a simple exercise to practice palm muting:

• Play an open E string while muting with your palm.
• Alternate between muted and unmuted strokes.
• Focus on maintaining a consistent sound and rhythm.

Another technique to explore is alternate picking, which involves alternating between down and up strokes. This is crucial for playing fast, intricate riffs. Start slow and build speed gradually to ensure clarity and precision.

Building Speed and Accuracy

Speed is often synonymous with metal guitar. But remember, it’s not just about playing fast; it’s about playing clean and accurately. Start by practicing scales like the pentatonic or natural minor scales slowly, focusing on clean transitions between notes.

Here’s a simple pentatonic scale exercise:

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

Practice this pattern with a metronome, gradually increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable. It might take time, but it’s worth the effort. Remember, patience and persistence are key.

We’ve got lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists on Riffhard that dive deep into building speed without sacrificing accuracy.

Understanding Tuning and Setup

Metal often involves alternate tunings, like drop D or drop C, to achieve a heavier sound. Learning to tune your guitar not only helps in achieving the right sound but also aids in understanding how your instrument works.

Here’s a quick guide on how to tune to drop D:

• Start by tuning your guitar to standard EADGBE.
• Lower the low E string down to D by matching the 7th fret of the low E string to the open A string.

Understanding your guitar's setup, like adjusting the action or intonation, can also enhance your playing experience. If you’re unsure, a visit to a professional guitar tech can do wonders.

Practicing Effectively

Practice makes perfect, but effective practice makes a great guitarist. Set aside regular practice time, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Focus on areas where you struggle, and don’t shy away from challenging yourself.

Try these tips to enhance your practice sessions:

• Set specific goals for each session.
• Use a metronome to build timing and speed.
• Record your sessions and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

Consistency is more important than the duration of practice. Regular, focused practice will yield better results than sporadic, long sessions.

Exploring Advanced Techniques

Once you're comfortable with the basics, it's time to explore more advanced techniques. Sweep picking, tapping, and harmonics can add flair to your playing and open up new creative possibilities.

Here's a quick introduction to tapping:

• Use your picking hand's index or middle finger to tap a note on the fretboard while holding a note with your fretting hand.
• Pull off to a lower note on the same string with your fretting hand.
• Practice alternating between tapped and fretted notes for a smooth, fluid sound.

Advanced techniques can be daunting, but they’re also incredibly rewarding. As you explore these, remember that every guitar hero started as a beginner too.

Final Thoughts

Learning to play a six-string guitar is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, remember that every step forward is progress. At Riffhard, we’re here to help you achieve your guitar goals with lessons from some of the best metal guitarists around. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the ride!