How to Play Grindcore Guitar

Grindcore guitar is a beast of its own kind, blending the ferocity of punk with the heaviness of metal. If you’re looking to create a sound that’s both raw and relentless, you’re in the right place. We’re going to break down what makes grindcore tick and how you can bring that intense energy to your playing.

What Sets Grindcore Apart?

Grindcore is one of those genres that doesn’t hold back. It’s like a musical punch to the gut, and that’s the point. But what exactly sets it apart from other metal subgenres? For starters, grindcore is defined by its blistering speed and brevity. Songs are often under two minutes, packed with aggressive riffs and machine-gun-like blast beats.

Here’s what you can expect from grindcore:

• Tempo: Fast and furious. Think speeds that make thrash metal seem slow.
• Distortion: Crank it up. You want your sound dirty and abrasive.
• Lyrics: Often politically charged or dealing with extreme themes.
• Song Structure: Minimalistic. The focus is on intensity over complexity.

While it might seem chaotic, there’s an art to the madness. Learning to play grindcore guitar is about balancing speed with precision and aggression with clarity.

Building Speed: The Heart of Grindcore

Let’s talk speed, because grindcore isn’t grindcore without it. The key is developing both your picking hand and your fretting hand to keep up with those rapid tempos. Here’s a simple exercise to start building speed:

E|------------------------------|
B|------------------------------|
G|------------------------------|
D|------------------2-3-2-------|
A|--------2-3-2-3--------3-2----|
E|--3-2-3-----------------------|

Play this exercise with alternate picking, starting slow to ensure accuracy, then gradually increase your speed. Use a metronome to track your progress and push your limits.

Remember, speed doesn’t mean sacrificing accuracy. It’s better to play at a slower tempo and hit every note cleanly than to rush and end up with a muddy mess. If you’re looking for lessons that focus on developing speed for modern metal, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the top metal guitarists in the world.

Downpicking: The Grindcore Staple

Downpicking is a critical technique in grindcore. It gives the music that tight, percussive sound. Bands like Napalm Death and Terrorizer are prime examples of how effective downpicking can be.

To practice downpicking, try this exercise:

E|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|
A|--2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2--------------|
E|--0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0--------------|

Focus on keeping your picking hand relaxed and your strokes consistent. This technique can be physically demanding, so building endurance is crucial. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase your practice time as your stamina improves.

Power Chords: Your Go-To Chord

If you’re new to grindcore, power chords will be your best friend. They provide the foundation for most grindcore riffs, offering a simple yet powerful sound. Here’s a basic power chord shape to get you started:

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

Practice moving between different power chords smoothly. This might seem basic, but the ability to transition quickly is essential for keeping up with grindcore’s fast pace.

Blast Beats and Syncopation

Blast beats aren’t just for drummers, they influence how you approach guitar rhythms in grindcore. Syncopation—playing off the main beats—can add complexity and intensity to your riffs.

Try syncing your guitar playing with a drum pattern like this:

1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a
G|---2---2---2---2---2---2---2---2---|
D|---2---2---2---2---2---2---2---2---|
A|-----------------------------------|
E|-----------------------------------|

Experiment with different patterns and see how they change the feel of your playing. This can add an unexpected twist to your riffs and keep listeners on their toes.

Adding Dissonance for That Grindcore Edge

Dissonance is a secret weapon in grindcore, bringing tension and unease to your music. Use intervals like the tritone (also known as the devil’s interval) to add that gritty edge.

Here’s how you can incorporate dissonance into your riffs:

E|------------------------------------|
B|------------------------------------|
G|--3---3---3---3---------------------|
D|--2---2---2---2---------------------|
A|--1---1---1---1---------------------|
E|------------------------------------|

Feel free to experiment with different chord shapes and find what sounds best to you. The goal is to create a sound that feels jarring and unsettling, perfect for grindcore’s aggressive mood.

The Art of Short, Intense Songs

Grindcore songs are typically short, often under a minute. This brevity means you need to pack a punch quickly. Focus on creating memorable riffs that hit hard and fast.

Here’s a simple structure to try for a short grindcore track:

• Intro: Start with a catchy riff or a blast beat to grab attention.
• Main riff: Keep it simple but powerful, something that sticks.
• Breakdown: Slow it down for a few bars to add variety.
• Outro: Hit them with a final burst of speed or noise.

Remember, the shorter format doesn’t mean you can skimp on creativity. Each section should serve a purpose and contribute to the overall impact of the song.

Recording and Tone Tips for Grindcore

Getting that raw grindcore sound requires more than just technique—it’s also about your tone. Here are a few tips to help you achieve that gritty sound:

• Gain: Crank it up, but not to the point of losing clarity. You want a balance between distortion and definition.
• EQ: Boost the mids to cut through the mix and keep the bass tight for a more aggressive sound.
• Pedals: Consider using a distortion pedal to add more grit to your sound.

For recording, focus on capturing the energy of your performance. Even if the production is raw, it’s important that the intensity translates through the recording.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons on everything from tone shaping to recording techniques, equipping you with the skills to take your grindcore guitar playing to the next level.

Finding Your Grindcore Voice

Every guitarist brings something unique to the table. Maybe it’s your rhythmic precision or the way you incorporate feedback into your playing. Whatever it is, embrace it. Grindcore is about pushing boundaries and expressing raw emotion.

Experiment with different tunings, techniques, and sounds. Listen to a variety of grindcore bands for inspiration, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through your music.

If you’re looking for guidance from seasoned professionals, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the top names in modern metal, helping you refine your skills and develop your unique sound.

Final Thoughts

Grindcore guitar is about harnessing chaos and channeling it into something powerful. By focusing on speed, precision, and raw energy, you can create music that’s both intense and impactful. For those looking to refine their skills, Riffhard offers invaluable resources and lessons from some of the best metal guitarists around, helping you on your journey to grindcore greatness.