How to Play Guitar: Everything You Need to Know to Play the Guitar

Picking up the guitar can feel like stepping onto a new planet—one filled with endless possibilities and a language all its own. But once you get past the initial awkwardness, it’s one of the most rewarding instruments to learn. Whether you’re dreaming of playing blistering metal solos or crafting soulful melodies, understanding how to play guitar is your ticket to musical freedom. In this post, I’ll cover everything from basic techniques to the intricacies of metal subgenres. Let’s get into it.

Choosing Your First Guitar: Acoustic or Electric?

One of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between an acoustic or an electric guitar. This decision often boils down to the style of music you’re interested in playing.

• If you’re drawn to classic rock, blues, or folk, an acoustic guitar might be your best bet. It’s versatile, great for songwriting, and doesn’t require any additional gear like amplifiers.
• If heavy metal, rock, or any other genre that thrives on electric power calls your name, then an electric guitar should be your weapon of choice. It offers a wide range of sounds and effects that can bring your music to life.

Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s really about what excites you the most. Once you’ve decided, spend some time in a music store, try different guitars, and see which one feels right in your hands. Trust your gut—your first guitar should inspire you to play.

The Basics of Holding and Tuning Your Guitar

Before you start shredding your first riffs, it’s crucial to hold your guitar properly and know how to tune it. Proper posture can prevent injuries and make playing more comfortable.

Holding Your Guitar:

• Sit up straight in a chair with no armrests.
• If you’re right-handed, rest the guitar on your right leg (and vice versa for left-handed players).
• Keep the neck of the guitar angled slightly upwards.
• Relax your shoulders and keep your fretting hand thumb resting at the back of the neck.

Tuning Your Guitar:

• Use an electronic tuner or a tuning app to make your life easier.
• The standard tuning for guitar is E-A-D-G-B-e, from the top string to the bottom.
• Pluck the string and adjust the tuning peg until the tuner indicates you’re in tune.

Getting comfortable with tuning is essential. It ensures your guitar sounds its best and helps train your ear to recognize correct pitches.

Learning Basic Chords: The Foundation of Your Playing

Chords are the backbone of most songs, and learning a few basic ones will enable you to play a wide range of music. Start with open chords, as they are easier for beginners.

Essential Chords to Learn:

• C Major: Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and index finger on the 1st fret of the B string. Strum from the A string down.
• G Major: Your middle finger goes on the 3rd fret of the low E string, your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string. Strum all the strings.
• D Major: Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. Strum from the D string down.

Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly. It might be challenging at first, but with patience, your fingers will start to find their places more naturally. Remember, everyone struggles with chord changes initially, so don’t be discouraged.

Developing Finger Strength and Dexterity

At first, your fingers might feel clumsy, and certain stretches may seem impossible. Developing finger strength and dexterity is essential for playing fluidly and confidently.

Exercises to Try:

• Chromatic Exercise: Play each fret on a string up and down. For example, start on the low E string and play frets 1-2-3-4 using your index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers respectively. Move to the next string and repeat.
• Spider Exercise: Similar to the chromatic exercise, but skip strings. For example, play fret 1 on the low E, fret 2 on the D, fret 3 on the A, and fret 4 on the G.

Try to practice these exercises daily. They not only build strength but also improve your coordination and speed over time. If you want to dive deeper, Riffhard offers lessons specifically designed to enhance finger dexterity and strength, taught by some of the world’s best metal guitarists.

Understanding Rhythm and Timing

No matter how fast or complex your playing becomes, rhythm and timing are crucial. They form the backbone of every great guitar part, especially in metal where intricate rhythms are common.

Using a Metronome:

• Start by playing simple downstrokes in time with the metronome.
• Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
• Experiment with different note values like quarter notes, eighth notes, and triplets.

A metronome is your best friend when it comes to developing solid timing. It can feel awkward at first, but it’s invaluable for building a tight rhythmic foundation. For those looking to take their timing to the next level, Riffhard offers custom metronomes tailored to modern metal guitar practice.

Metal Guitar Techniques: Power Chords and Palm Muting

Power chords and palm muting are staples in the world of metal guitar. They give your playing the punch and aggression that define the genre.

Power Chords:

• Form a power chord by placing your index finger on the 5th fret of the low E string and your ring finger on the 7th fret of the A string. Strum only these two strings.
• Move this shape up and down the fretboard to play different power chords.

Palm Muting:

• Lightly rest the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge.
• Practice applying different amounts of pressure to achieve varying degrees of muting.

These techniques are foundational for playing heavy riffs and tight, aggressive rhythms typical in metal. For more advanced guidance, check out lessons on Riffhard, where our instructors break down these techniques in detail.

Soloing and Lead Techniques

Soloing is where you can express your creativity and personality on the guitar. But it requires a solid understanding of scales and lead techniques.

Scales to Learn:

• Pentatonic Scale: A simple and versatile scale, perfect for soloing in rock and blues.
• Natural Minor Scale: Essential for metal, providing a darker and more complex sound.

Lead Techniques:

• Bending: Push the string up or down to change the pitch.
• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Use one finger to ‘hammer’ on a note or ‘pull-off’ to another.

Experiment with these scales and techniques to develop your own style. Remember, there’s no wrong way to create a solo—just let your fingers and ears guide you. For those eager to learn from the pros, Riffhard features lessons from some of the most respected metal guitarists on crafting killer solos.

Exploring Metal Subgenres: Black Metal, Djent, and More

Metal is a diverse genre with various subgenres, each with its own distinct flavor and playing style. Here’s a brief look at a few:

Black Metal:

• Characterized by its raw sound, tremolo picking, and atmospheric elements.
• Focus on creating dark, haunting melodies and using alternate tunings.

Djent:

• Known for its complex rhythms, syncopated riffs, and use of extended-range guitars.
• Emphasizes percussive guitar techniques and intricate timing.

Each subgenre offers unique techniques and challenges. Dive into the one that resonates with you the most, and don’t be afraid to mix elements from different styles to create something uniquely yours.

Practice Routine: Building Consistency

Consistency is key when learning the guitar. A structured practice routine can significantly accelerate your progress.

Sample Practice Routine:

• Warm-up (5-10 minutes): Start with finger exercises to loosen up.
• Technique (10-15 minutes): Focus on a specific technique like alternate picking or palm muting.
• Repertoire (10-15 minutes): Work on learning new songs or riffs.
• Improvisation (5-10 minutes): Experiment with scales and create your own solos.

This routine is just a starting point. Feel free to adjust it based on your goals and interests. The important thing is to practice regularly and enjoy the process.

Final Thoughts

Learning guitar is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. From mastering basic chords to exploring complex metal subgenres, each step is an opportunity to grow as a musician. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Riffhard offers a wealth of resources and lessons from world-class guitarists to help you on your way. Keep playing, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the music you create.