How to Play Black Metal Guitar

Black metal guitar playing is not just about speed and aggression; it's an art form that combines atmospheric darkness with raw power. If you've ever felt the pull of those tremolo-picked riffs and haunting melodies, you're in the right place. We're going to explore how to capture that dark, mystical sound on your guitar and get you shredding like your favorite black metal legends.

Understanding the Sonic Palette of Black Metal

Black metal, at its core, is about creating an atmosphere that transports the listener to another realm. Unlike other metal genres that focus heavily on technical prowess, black metal often prioritizes mood and emotion. This doesn't mean it's any less demanding, though. The sound is characterized by rapid tremolo picking, shrieking vocals, and raw production that often eschews polish for authenticity.

To start, let's talk about the kinds of sounds you'll want to experiment with:

• Tremolo Picking: This is the hallmark of black metal guitar. It involves rapidly picking a single note or a series of notes to create a continuous, flowing sound. The idea is to generate a wall of sound that can be both melodic and chaotic.
• Open Chords: Many black metal bands use open chords to create a droning effect, allowing the music to breathe and build tension.
• Minor Scales: These are your go-to scales for creating that eerie, haunting quality that's so prevalent in black metal. The natural minor and harmonic minor scales are particularly favored.

Interestingly enough, black metal doesn't always rely on complex solos. Instead, the focus is often on building a powerful, atmospheric backdrop. This is where bands like Emperor or Darkthrone excel, crafting soundscapes that are as immersive as they are intense.

Tremolo Picking: The Heartbeat of Black Metal

To truly capture the essence of black metal, you'll need to master tremolo picking. This technique involves picking a note repeatedly at high speed, creating a wave of sound that defines many black metal riffs.

Here's a step-by-step approach to getting it right:

1. Start Slow: It's tempting to jump in at full speed, but starting slow ensures accuracy and endurance. Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase your speed.
2. Relax Your Hand: Tension is your enemy here. Keep your picking hand relaxed to maintain speed without fatigue.
3. Use the Right Pick: A medium to heavy pick can give you the control and attack needed for those rapid-fire notes.

For those looking to refine their technique, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists who can show you how to improve your tremolo picking and other critical skills.

Crafting Dark and Atmospheric Riffs

Creating a black metal riff is about more than just playing fast. It's about evoking a feeling. You want to create riffs that are hypnotic and transportive, pulling the listener into the dark world you're conjuring.

Here's how you can start crafting those dark riffs:

• Use Minor Scales: Stick to minor scales to maintain that dark feel. The minor pentatonic scale can add a bluesy edge if you're looking for something different.
• Experiment with Dissonance: Don't shy away from dissonant intervals. They can add tension and unpredictability to your riffs.
• Repeat and Layer: Repetition is a powerful tool in black metal. Repeating a riff can create a trance-like effect. Try layering guitar tracks to build a fuller sound.

Remember, black metal is as much about atmosphere as it is about the notes themselves. Think about the mood you're trying to convey and let that guide your riff-writing process.

Utilizing Open Tunings

Open tunings can be a secret weapon in your black metal arsenal. They allow for a fuller sound and can make it easier to create complex chords with a minimal finger movement.

Common tunings in black metal include:

• Standard D Tuning: A whole step down from standard E tuning, providing a darker tone.
• Drop C Tuning: This tuning can give your riffs a heavier edge, perfect for those low, droning chords.
• Open G or Open D: These tunings can create a rich harmonic base for your riffs.

Experimenting with different tunings can lead to new ideas and inspire creative directions you might not have considered in standard tuning.

Incorporating Ambient Elements

Black metal isn't just about the notes you play, but also about the spaces between them. Incorporating ambient elements can elevate your sound and add depth to your compositions.

Consider these ideas:

• Reverb and Delay: These effects can create a sense of space and atmosphere, making your riffs feel larger than life.
• Field Recordings: Adding sounds from nature or other environmental noises can create an immersive experience. Think of how the sound of wind or rain can set the mood.
• Synthesizers: While not traditional, synths can add a haunting layer to your music, blending seamlessly with guitar tones.

These elements are about enhancing the emotional impact of your music. Use them sparingly to avoid overshadowing the guitar work.

The Role of Lyrics and Themes

While the guitar is a driving force in black metal, the themes and lyrics play a significant role in crafting the overall experience. The themes often explore topics like nature, philosophy, and the occult, contributing to the genre's mystique.

When writing lyrics for black metal:

• Embrace Poetic Language: Black metal lyrics often read like poetry. Use metaphors and allegories to convey complex themes.
• Explore Dark Themes: Don't be afraid to tackle challenging or dark themes. The genre thrives on pushing boundaries.
• Consider the Vocal Style: Remember that black metal vocals often employ a shrieking or growling style. This can influence how you write your lyrics, as clarity is less of a concern.

Lyrics are an integral part of the black metal aesthetic, providing another layer of depth and meaning to your music.

Choosing the Right Gear

To get the true black metal sound, your gear choices play a crucial role. While you don't need the most expensive equipment, certain gear can help you achieve the desired tone.

Some gear considerations include:

• Guitars: Look for guitars with humbuckers, as they can handle high gain without excessive noise. Brands like ESP and Jackson are popular among black metal guitarists.
• Amplifiers: High-gain amps are essential for that crushing sound. Consider brands like Peavey or Marshall.
• Pedals: Overdrive and distortion pedals can help you shape your tone. Reverb and delay pedals can add that atmospheric quality.

Your gear should complement your playing style and the sound you're aiming to create. Don't be afraid to experiment with different setups until you find what works for you.

Practicing with Purpose

Like any musical style, black metal requires dedicated practice to master. However, practicing effectively is more than just playing through songs repeatedly.

Consider these practice tips:

• Focus on Technique: Spend time on exercises that improve your tremolo picking, chord transitions, and speed.
• Break Down Songs: Analyze songs from your favorite black metal bands. Break them down to understand the structure and techniques used.
• Record Yourself: Listening back to recordings of your practice sessions can highlight areas for improvement.

At Riffhard, we provide structured lessons that can help you hone your skills with guidance from some of the best metal guitarists in the industry.

Final Thoughts

Playing black metal guitar is a journey into a world of dark atmospheres and raw emotion. From mastering tremolo picking to crafting atmospheric riffs, each step brings you closer to capturing that elusive black metal sound. With resources like Riffhard, you can learn directly from metal masters and refine your technique, making your foray into black metal a rewarding experience.