How to Play Guitar in 10 Days

When you first pick up a guitar, the possibilities seem endless, yet a bit overwhelming. Whether you're dreaming of shredding like a metal god or just strumming along to your favorite tunes, getting a grip on the basics is your first step. We'll cover how you can learn to play guitar in just 10 days, focusing on the essentials you need to get started. And hey, while we're at it, I'll sprinkle in some tips for those metalheads among us who can't resist a good riff.

Day 1: Getting to Know Your Guitar

Your guitar is more than just wood and strings; it's your new best friend. Spend some time getting to know its parts. The body, neck, fretboard, and headstock all play vital roles in how your guitar feels and sounds. Hold it comfortably, whether you're sitting or standing. Strap it on and adjust until it feels like a natural extension of your body.

Next, familiarize yourself with the strings. From thickest to thinnest, you have the E, A, D, G, B, and e strings. Each string has a unique sound, and you'll soon be using them to create everything from gentle melodies to earth-shaking riffs. Try tuning your guitar using a tuner or an app—it's a skill you'll use often.

• Tip: Keep a tuner handy, especially if you're planning to dive into heavier genres. Metal often requires alternate tunings, and a tuner will be your best friend.
• Exercise: Spend 15 minutes each day tuning your guitar. It helps train your ear and ensures your playing sounds great.

Day 2: Basic Chords and Strumming Patterns

Let's dive into the building blocks of guitar playing: chords. Start with the most common open chords: G, C, D, E, and A. These are your gateway to a wide range of songs. Practice switching between them smoothly. It might feel awkward at first, but with practice, your fingers will develop muscle memory.

Strumming patterns are equally important. Begin with a simple downstroke pattern to get a feel for rhythm. Later, you can mix in upstrokes for more complex patterns. Try to keep a steady tempo—this will be crucial when you start playing with others or recording.

• Tip: Use a metronome to help keep time and improve your rhythm. Many guitarists overlook this tool, but it's invaluable, especially when you start exploring metal's faster tempos.
• Exercise: Practice transitioning between the G, C, and D chords using a basic downstroke pattern. Aim for smooth, even changes without looking at your fingers.

Day 3: Finger Exercises and Building Strength

Strength and dexterity in your fingers are vital for any guitarist, particularly those interested in metal. Start with simple finger exercises to build strength and agility. Place your fingers on the fretboard, one per fret, and pluck each string. Move up and down the neck, focusing on keeping each note clear and distinct.

As you progress, incorporate alternate picking—using both downstrokes and upstrokes. This technique is essential for fast metal riffs and solos. It might feel unnatural at first, but stick with it. Over time, your picking speed and accuracy will improve.

• Tip: Don't rush these exercises. Focus on precision before speed. You'll be shredding in no time if you lay a solid foundation.
• Exercise: Spend 10 minutes a day on finger exercises. Start slowly, and increase your speed as you gain confidence.

Day 4: Power Chords and Palm Muting

If you're itching to get that metal sound, power chords are your ticket. They're easy to play and pack a punch. Place your index finger on the root note and your ring finger two frets up and one string over. Strum just the two strings, and voila—you've got a power chord.

Palm muting adds a percussive, chugging quality to your playing. Rest the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge as you pick. It's a staple in metal, giving riffs their aggressive sound.

• Tip: Experiment with different levels of pressure when palm muting to find the sweet spot for the sound you want.
• Exercise: Practice moving power chords up and down the neck while maintaining consistent palm muting. Start slow and build speed as you get comfortable.

Day 5: Riffing and Rhythms

Now that you're familiar with power chords and palm muting, it's time to start riffing. Riffs are the heart of metal music, driving the energy and intensity. Start with simple patterns, using power chords to create a rhythm that feels good to play.

Focus on timing and precision. Use a metronome to keep your playing tight. As you become more comfortable, start experimenting with different rhythms, adding in palm-muted sections and syncopated patterns.

• Tip: Listen to your favorite metal songs and try to mimic their riffs. This will help you understand how riffs are structured and inspire your own creations.
• Exercise: Write a simple riff using power chords and palm muting. Play along with a metronome to ensure you're staying in time.

Day 6: Introduction to Lead Guitar

Lead guitar adds flair and melody to songs. Start by learning a few simple scales. The pentatonic scale is a great starting point, as it's used in many styles of music, including metal. Practice playing it up and down the neck, focusing on clean, even notes.

Once you're comfortable with the scale, start experimenting with simple solos. Use bends, slides, and hammer-ons to add expression to your playing. Remember, lead guitar is about melody and emotion, not just speed.

• Tip: Record yourself playing solos. Listening back will help you hear areas for improvement and track your progress over time.
• Exercise: Improvise a simple solo over a backing track. Use the pentatonic scale and focus on creating a melody that complements the rhythm.

Day 7: Speed and Accuracy

Speed is impressive, but accuracy is what makes it sound good. Continue practicing alternate picking and finger exercises to build both. Gradually increase your speed while maintaining precision. Use a metronome to track your progress and challenge yourself to go faster.

To improve accuracy, focus on isolating difficult sections of riffs or solos. Break them down into smaller parts and practice each part slowly. As you gain confidence, piece them together and gradually increase the tempo.

• Tip: Don't sacrifice clarity for speed. It's better to play slowly and accurately than quickly and sloppily.
• Exercise: Choose a challenging riff or solo you've been working on. Practice it at half-speed, focusing on clean execution. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.

Day 8: Exploring Metal Techniques

Metal guitarists use a variety of techniques to create their signature sound. Techniques like tapping, sweep picking, and tremolo picking can add complexity and excitement to your playing. Start with tapping, where you use your picking hand to tap notes on the fretboard. Practice simple patterns, focusing on clarity and rhythm.

Sweep picking involves using a sweeping motion with your pick to play arpeggios. It's a fluid, fast technique that's great for solos. Begin with three-string arpeggios, practicing slowly to ensure each note rings out clearly.

• Tip: Incorporate these techniques into your practice routine gradually. Mastery takes time, so be patient with yourself.
• Exercise: Spend 10 minutes a day practicing tapping and sweep picking. Use a metronome to keep time and track your progress.

Day 9: Writing Your First Song

Now that you've built a solid foundation, it's time to put it all together and write your first song. Start with a simple chord progression or riff as your foundation. Use power chords and palm muting to create a driving rhythm.

Add a melody or solo using the scales you've learned. Experiment with different techniques, like tapping or sweep picking, to add flair. Don't worry about making it perfect—focus on expressing yourself and having fun.

• Tip: Record your song, even if it's just a rough version. Listening back will help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress.
• Exercise: Write a short song using the skills and techniques you've learned. Play it for a friend or family member and ask for feedback.

Day 10: Reflecting and Planning Ahead

Congratulations! You've completed your 10-day guitar journey. Take some time to reflect on what you've learned and accomplished. Celebrate your progress, no matter how big or small.

Think about where you want to go next with your guitar playing. Set new goals, whether it's learning a specific song, mastering a new technique, or writing more original music. Remember, playing guitar is a lifelong journey, and there's always more to learn and explore.

• Tip: Join a community of guitarists to stay motivated and inspired. Sharing your journey with others can provide valuable support and encouragement.
• Exercise: Write down three new goals for your guitar playing. Make a plan for how you'll achieve them and set a timeline to measure your progress.

Final Thoughts

Learning guitar in just 10 days is quite the feat, and you've done it! But remember, this is just the beginning. Whether you're crafting killer riffs or exploring new techniques, the guitar world is vast and full of potential. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from the best in metal guitar to help you keep rocking and refining your skills. Keep on playing, experimenting, and most importantly, enjoying the journey.