How to Play Deathcore

Deathcore is a genre that combines the intensity of death metal with the breakdowns and aggression of metalcore. It’s brutal, it’s fast, and it’s technical. If you’re ready to take on the challenge of playing deathcore guitar, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to cover everything from the essential techniques you’ll need to master, to the gear that’ll help you get that crushing tone.

The Foundations of Deathcore: Tuning and Tone

Deathcore is all about heaviness, and one of the first steps in achieving that is getting your tuning right. Most deathcore bands use drop tunings to add depth and weight to their sound. Drop B, Drop A, and even Drop G are popular choices. These lower tunings allow for those bone-crushing riffs that define the genre.

But tuning is just part of the equation. Your guitar tone needs to be tight and aggressive. Here’s a quick rundown on how to dial it in:

• High Gain: You want a lot of distortion, but not so much that it turns into mush. Aim for clarity in your notes.
• Scooped Mids: Lower your mids slightly to get that brutal sound, but don’t scoop them out entirely or you’ll lose definition.
• Compression: Use a compressor to tighten up your sound. This helps in maintaining consistency, especially during fast picking sections.
• Noise Gate: Deathcore often involves rapid stops and starts. A noise gate will help prevent unwanted noise from bleeding through.

Interestingly enough, the gear you choose also plays a significant role. While high-output pickups are a given, combining them with a quality amp or amp simulator can make a world of difference. If you’re looking for guidance on achieving the perfect tone, Riffhard offers lessons from renowned guitarists who can show you how to dial in that killer deathcore sound.

Developing Your Picking Technique

Deathcore is not for the faint of heart, especially when it comes to picking. You’ll need to master alternate picking, tremolo picking, and downpicking to keep up with the genre's demands. Each of these techniques contributes to the relentless drive of a deathcore riff.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking involves picking down and up in a continuous motion. It’s essential for playing fast, intricate riffs. Start slow and ensure that each note is clear and precise. Use a metronome to gradually increase your speed while maintaining accuracy.

Tremolo Picking

Tremolo picking is about speed and endurance. Pick a single note repeatedly at high speed. It’s often used in deathcore for those intense, rapid-fire sections. Again, start slow, focus on evenness, and build up your speed over time.

Downpicking

Downpicking gives your riffs a punchy, aggressive sound. It’s a staple in deathcore, especially for breakdowns and chugging sections. Practice downpicking with palm muting to add extra tightness to your playing.

The key to mastering these techniques is consistency. Regular practice and gradual speed increases are your best friends. If you're struggling with picking techniques, Riffhard has a wide range of lessons focused on improving your picking speed and accuracy, taught by some of the best metal guitarists in the world.

Crafting Brutal Breakdowns

Breakdowns are a defining feature of deathcore. They’re heavy, they’re intense, and they’re meant to get heads banging. Crafting a good breakdown involves rhythm, dynamics, and a bit of creativity.

Start by experimenting with different rhythmic patterns. Use syncopation to create tension and release. Try alternating between fast-paced sections and slower, more deliberate hits. This contrast makes your breakdowns more impactful.

Dynamics are also crucial. Vary the intensity of your picking or palm muting to add texture to your breakdowns. A softer build-up can lead to a crushing, hard-hitting climax.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative. Throw in unexpected pauses or tempo changes. Use dissonant chords to add an unsettling edge. Remember, breakdowns are all about creating a visceral reaction, so feel free to experiment until you find what works.

For more inspiration and detailed breakdown techniques, check out Riffhard. Our lessons include breakdown writing tips from famous metal guitarists who know how to get the crowd moving.

Mastering Harmonics and Dissonance

Harmonics and dissonance add flavor to deathcore riffs. They create tension and interest, making your playing more captivating. Let’s break down how to use them effectively.

Pinch Harmonics

Pinch harmonics are those squealing, high-pitched notes that cut through the mix. To execute them, lightly graze the string with the edge of your thumb immediately after picking it with your pick. It takes practice to find the sweet spot, but once you nail it, you’ll have a powerful tool for emphasizing certain notes.

Natural Harmonics

Natural harmonics are produced by lightly touching the string at certain points (usually above the 5th, 7th, or 12th frets) and plucking it. They offer a bell-like quality that's perfect for adding eerie overtones to your riffs.

Dissonant Intervals

Dissonance is about using intervals that clash slightly. Think tritones or minor seconds. These can add a dark, unsettling quality to your music. Use them sparingly to maintain their effectiveness.

For a deeper dive into harmonics and dissonance, Riffhard has lessons from top guitarists who explain how to incorporate these elements into your playing to create unique, standout sounds.

Building Chops with Odd-Time Signatures

Deathcore isn’t shy about using odd-time signatures to keep listeners on their toes. While 4/4 is the most common time signature, experimenting with 5/4, 7/8, or even 9/8 can open up new rhythmic possibilities.

To get comfortable with odd-time signatures, start by counting out the beats. Tap your foot, use a metronome, or clap along to internalize the rhythm. Once you’re familiar, try incorporating these rhythms into your riffs.

Odd-time signatures can add complexity and interest to your music. Use them to break up the monotony of standard time and surprise your audience with unexpected twists and turns.

If you want to explore odd-time signatures further, Riffhard offers lessons that delve into rhythm and timing, providing insights from guitarists who are masters of playing outside the box.

The Role of Lead Playing in Deathcore

While deathcore is primarily rhythm-focused, lead guitar parts can add an extra layer of sophistication to your songs. Solos and melodic lines can provide contrast and elevate the overall composition.

When writing lead parts for deathcore, consider the following:

• Melodic Themes: Create memorable melodies that complement the rhythm section. Use scales like the harmonic minor or diminished scale for a dark, intense feel.
• Techniques: Incorporate techniques like tapping, legato, and sweep picking to add flair and complexity to your solos.
• Contrast: Use your lead lines to contrast with the rhythm guitar. If the rhythm is fast and aggressive, try a slower, more melodic lead to provide balance.

Lead guitar can be a challenging aspect of deathcore, but with practice, you can develop your unique voice. Riffhard has lessons focused on lead techniques, taught by some of the top guitarists in the genre. They’ll help you refine your skills and create captivating solos.

Embracing the Deathcore Mindset

Playing deathcore isn’t just about technique; it’s about attitude. It’s aggressive, intense, and sometimes chaotic. Embrace the raw energy of the genre and don’t be afraid to push boundaries.

Here are a few mindset tips to help you channel the deathcore spirit:

• Confidence: Play with conviction. Deathcore demands confidence in your playing. Don’t hold back—let your energy shine through.
• Experimentation: Try new things and don’t be afraid to fail. Experiment with different sounds, techniques, and song structures.
• Intensity: Bring intensity to every note you play. Whether it’s a rapid riff or a slow breakdown, put your all into it.

Remember, deathcore is about making a statement with your music. Use your guitar as a tool to express yourself and connect with your audience.

Practicing with Purpose

Mastering deathcore takes dedication and focused practice. It’s not enough to just play through your favorite songs; you need a structured practice routine that targets your weaknesses and builds your strengths.

Setting Goals

Set specific, achievable goals for each practice session. Whether it’s improving your picking speed or writing a new riff, having clear objectives will keep you motivated and ensure consistent progress.

Structured Practice

Divide your practice time into focused segments. Spend time on techniques, like picking or harmonics, as well as creative exercises, like writing riffs or experimenting with new sounds.

Consistency

Practice regularly. Consistency is key to improvement. Even short, focused practice sessions can be incredibly effective if done consistently over time.

If you’re unsure where to start or need guidance on structuring your practice, Riffhard provides curated lesson plans and practice routines designed to help you improve efficiently and effectively.

Final Thoughts

Playing deathcore guitar is a rewarding challenge that combines technical skill with raw energy. Whether you’re crafting brutal breakdowns or exploring complex rhythms, the journey is as exhilarating as the destination. If you’re looking to enhance your skills, consider checking out Riffhard, where we offer lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists to help you on your journey.