How to Play Death Metal Guitar

Death metal guitar isn’t just about aggressive tones and rapid-fire riffs. It’s a journey into a world where technique and creativity collide to unleash sonic fury. Whether you’re new to the genre or refining your skills, let’s walk through the essentials of playing death metal guitar, covering techniques, exercises, and tips that will have you shredding like a pro.

Understanding Death Metal Tuning

Death metal tuning often involves tuning down your guitar to achieve a heavier, darker tone. Standard tuning might feel too bright for this genre, so drop it a step or two. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Drop D: Simple and effective. It gives you that extra punch without needing to learn new chord shapes.
• D Standard: Tune all strings down a whole step. It’s like playing in standard tuning but with more growl.
• Drop C: Lower and heavier, this is great for those brutal riffs but requires a bit more string tension adjustment.

Experiment with these to find the one that resonates with your style. Remember, lower tunings might require thicker strings to maintain tension and prevent floppiness.

Mastering Alternate Picking for Speed

One of the pillars of death metal guitar is precise alternate picking. This technique allows for rapid note articulation, essential for those blistering solos and complex riffs. Here’s how to nail it:

• Start Slow: Begin with slow tempos to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• Use a Metronome: Gradually increase your speed as your picking becomes more consistent.
• Focus on Wrist Movement: Rely on your wrist for picking rather than your whole arm to avoid fatigue and maintain control.

Practicing with a metronome can be tedious, but it’s crucial. At Riffhard, we’ve got a custom metronome tailored for guitar practice, enabling you to set precise tempos and lock in those lightning-fast riffs.

Downpicking: The Powerhouse Technique

If alternate picking is the bread, downpicking is the butter of death metal. It’s used for palm-muted chugs and riffs that need a punchy, articulate sound. Here’s how to harness its power:

• Build Stamina: Start with simple riffs and repeat them to develop endurance.
• Maintain Consistent Pressure: Keep your pick close to the strings to ensure each note sounds clear and powerful.
• Practice with Dynamics: Vary the force of your picking to add texture and dimension to your riffs.

It’s not just about speed; it’s about articulation and consistency. Spend time refining this technique, and your riffs will resonate with authority.

Sweep Picking Without the Slop

Sweep picking is a technique that can add a whole new dimension to your solos, offering fluidity and speed. But it’s tricky and can easily sound sloppy if not executed correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Begin with Three-String Arpeggios: Start small to focus on accuracy.
• Use a Metronome: Ensure each note rings out cleanly by practicing slowly and gradually increasing speed.
• Practice Muting: Use your palm to mute strings just after they are played to avoid unwanted noise.

It’s easy to get frustrated, but persistence is key. At Riffhard, we have lessons from top guitarists who break down this tricky technique into manageable steps.

Creating Killer Riffs

Writing a killer death metal riff requires a blend of creativity and technical skill. Here’s how to channel your inner riff machine:

• Experiment with Timing: Play around with different time signatures to create unique rhythmic patterns.
• Incorporate Chromatics: Use chromatic runs to add tension and dissonance.
• Layer with Harmony: Add harmonized guitar parts to create a fuller, more complex sound.

Sometimes, the best riffs come from happy accidents. Record your practice sessions to capture these moments of inspiration and refine them later.

Using Scales to Spice Up Your Solos

Scales are the backbone of any great solo. In death metal, the harmonic minor scale is a favorite due to its dark and exotic sound. Here’s how to incorporate it:

• Learn the Scale Positions: Familiarize yourself with the scale across the fretboard.
• Practice with Backing Tracks: Improvise over backing tracks to develop your ability to use the scale creatively.
• Mix with Other Scales: Combine it with the natural minor scale to add variety and contrast.

While scale practice can be tedious, it’s crucial for developing a strong soloing foundation. Remember, it’s not just about speed; it’s about expression and control.

Developing Your Unique Tone

Creating a signature death metal tone involves more than just cranking up the distortion. Here are some tips:

• Experiment with Pedals: Try different distortion and overdrive pedals to find your sound.
• Adjust Your Amp Settings: Tweak the EQ settings to enhance your guitar’s natural tone.
• Use Noise Gates: Reduce feedback and unwanted noise without sacrificing sustain.

Your tone is an essential part of your musical identity. Take the time to experiment with different setups until you find the one that feels right.

Practice Routines for Consistent Improvement

Consistency is key when it comes to improvement. Here’s a practice routine to keep your skills sharp:

• Warm-Up Exercises: Spend 10 minutes on finger stretches and basic scales.
• Technique Practice: Dedicate 20 minutes to alternate and sweep picking exercises.
• Riff Writing: Spend 30 minutes experimenting with new riff ideas.
• Solo Improvisation: Use backing tracks to practice soloing for 20 minutes.

Remember, quality over quantity. It’s better to have a short, focused practice session than a long, unfocused one. With Riffhard, you can access structured lesson plans like The Shredule to keep your practice sessions on track.

Finding Inspiration and Staying Motivated

It’s easy to hit a plateau or feel uninspired. Here’s how to keep the creativity flowing:

• Listen to New Music: Explore different bands and subgenres to find new ideas.
• Jam with Others: Collaborating with other musicians can spark creativity and motivation.
• Set Challenges: Give yourself goals, like learning a new song or writing a riff in a new time signature.

Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. Keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

Final Thoughts

Playing death metal guitar is a rewarding journey filled with challenges and triumphs. By focusing on technique, tone, and creativity, you’ll develop a style that’s uniquely yours. At Riffhard, we’re here to help with lessons from the world’s best metal guitarists, giving you the tools to crush it on your guitar. Keep practicing, stay inspired, and enjoy the ride!