How to Play Guitar Faster

Speed is the name of the game for many metal guitarists. Whether it's blistering solos or rapid-fire riffs, playing faster is a common goal. But how do you get there without sacrificing precision and clarity? There's no magic shortcut, but with some dedication and the right techniques, you can definitely speed things up. Let’s break down some practical methods for improving your speed on the guitar while keeping things tight and clean.

Understanding the Role of Technique

First, let’s talk about technique. If you’ve ever watched a seasoned guitarist shred through a solo with seemingly no effort, you've witnessed the power of solid technique. It's the backbone of fast playing, and without it, you'll hit a speed wall pretty quickly. One key technique to focus on is alternate picking. This involves picking in a continuous up-down motion, which helps maintain speed without losing timing or clarity.

Another technique worth mentioning is economy of motion. This means minimizing the movement of your fingers and wrist. If your hand is flailing all over the place, you're wasting precious time and energy. Instead, aim for small, deliberate movements. It might feel awkward at first, but over time, it’ll become second nature.

For those interested in metal styles, techniques like palm muting and galloping are essential. Palm muting adds that chunky, percussive sound to your riffs, while galloping rhythms are a staple in genres like thrash and power metal. Practicing these techniques at slower speeds before gradually increasing the tempo can help solidify your foundation.

Focusing on Finger Strength and Dexterity

Speed isn’t just about how fast you can move your pick. Your fretting hand needs to keep up, too. Building finger strength and dexterity is crucial for playing faster. One way to do this is through finger exercises. Exercises like the "1234" exercise, where you play each finger in sequence on different strings, can help build independence and coordination.

It's also important to practice finger stretching exercises. These can help you reach those wide intervals without straining. Try spreading your fingers across four frets and practice playing scales or chromatic runs. Over time, this will increase your reach and flexibility.

A bit of personal insight: I found that using a hand gripper tool while watching TV helped me build the necessary strength. It’s a simple exercise, but the consistent effort really pays off. Remember, just like a bodybuilder works on different muscles, you need to work on different aspects of your playing to get faster.

Practicing with a Metronome

If you’re serious about playing faster, a metronome should be your best friend. It’s an invaluable tool for developing timing and speed. Start by playing a riff or scale at a comfortable speed. Once you can play it cleanly, increase the metronome speed by 5-10 BPM. This gradual increase helps your muscles adapt to playing faster without sacrificing accuracy.

Another approach is to practice using a technique called "bursting." Play at a comfortable speed for a few bars, then burst into a faster tempo for a short period before returning to the original speed. This technique can help you push beyond your current limits while still maintaining control.

Interestingly enough, Riffhard offers a custom metronome tailored for guitar practice. This tool is designed to help you build speed efficiently, with features that cater specifically to the needs of metal guitarists. It’s a handy resource to have in your practice arsenal.

Breaking Down Complex Passages

Complex riffs or solos can seem daunting at first glance. But breaking them down into smaller, manageable sections can make them less overwhelming. Focus on one part at a time, playing it slowly until you can do it without mistakes. Once you’re comfortable, move on to the next section.

After mastering individual sections, start linking them together. This can be challenging, as it requires you to transition smoothly between different techniques or finger positions. Again, a metronome can be helpful here. Start slow, then gradually increase the speed as you become more confident.

With complex pieces, patience is your ally. Rushing through them will only lead to frustration. Take your time, and soon enough, you'll find the passages coming together seamlessly. And if you’re looking for guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from expert guitarists who can provide valuable insights on tackling these challenging parts.

Incorporating Speed Drills into Your Routine

Speed drills are exercises specifically designed to improve your velocity and precision. These drills often focus on building muscle memory and endurance. One popular drill is the "chromatic ladder," where you ascend and descend chromatic patterns across the fretboard. This helps develop both your picking hand and fretting hand.

Another effective drill is the "two-note per string" exercise. This involves playing two notes on each string and moving up and down the fretboard. It’s a great way to build speed while practicing position shifts.

Consistency is key with speed drills. Try to incorporate them into your daily practice routine, even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes. Over time, you’ll notice improvements in your overall speed and accuracy. And don’t forget to mix things up. Varying your drills can prevent practice from becoming monotonous.

Relaxation and Avoiding Tension

One common pitfall among guitarists aiming for speed is tension. It’s easy to tense up when trying to play fast, but this actually hinders your progress. Instead, focus on staying relaxed. Tension in your hands or body can lead to mistakes and even injury.

Pay attention to your posture. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your hands loose. If you find yourself tensing up, take a break and shake out your hands. Breathing exercises can also help you stay calm and focused.

Remember, playing fast doesn’t mean playing recklessly. Keep your movements controlled and deliberate. With practice, you’ll learn to maintain speed without unnecessary tension. This is something we emphasize at Riffhard, as our instructors often highlight the importance of relaxation in their lessons.

Listening and Analyzing Speed Players

A great way to learn is by listening to and analyzing players who excel at speed. Guitarists like John Petrucci, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Paul Gilbert are known for their incredible speed and precision. Listen to their recordings and pay attention to their phrasing, technique, and how they approach fast passages.

Watching live performances or instructional videos can also be beneficial. Seeing how these players position their hands and execute techniques can provide insights you might not get from just listening. Try to emulate their techniques in your practice sessions, but don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Speed takes time to develop.

Also, consider reaching out to communities or forums where guitarists discuss techniques and share tips. Engaging with fellow musicians can offer valuable perspectives and advice. And if you’re looking for structured lessons from top-tier guitarists, Riffhard is an excellent resource, offering lessons from some of the best in the metal scene.

Recording and Analyzing Your Playing

Recording yourself is one of the best ways to track your progress. It allows you to hear your playing objectively and identify areas that need improvement. You might notice things you didn’t catch while playing, like timing issues or unwanted string noise.

Start by recording short sections of your practice. Listen back and take notes on what sounds good and what needs work. Over time, you’ll start to notice improvements and patterns in your playing.

This process also helps with building confidence. As you hear your progress, you’ll feel more motivated to keep pushing your limits. Plus, having a backlog of recordings is a great way to see how far you’ve come on your guitar journey.

Setting Realistic Goals and Being Patient

Finally, patience is vital when working on speed. It’s easy to get frustrated if you’re not seeing immediate results, but remember that speed is a marathon, not a sprint. Set realistic goals and celebrate small victories along the way.

Break your long-term goals into smaller, achievable steps. This might mean focusing on a specific technique or improving your speed by a certain BPM each week. Tracking these goals can help you stay motivated and focused.

And remember, it's okay to have off days. Progress isn’t always linear. What matters is the consistent effort you put in over time. Stay patient, stay positive, and enjoy the journey. With dedication and the right resources, like those offered at Riffhard, you’ll find yourself playing faster and with more precision than ever before.

Final Thoughts

Speeding up your guitar playing isn’t just about moving your fingers faster; it’s about refining your technique, building strength, and practicing smart. With the right approach, you can make significant progress. And for those wanting a little extra help, we offer lessons at Riffhard from some of the best metal guitarists around, providing you with the guidance needed to enhance your speed and precision. Keep practicing, stay patient, and watch your skills soar.