How to Play Guitar Lessons

Strumming away at a guitar can be one of the most exhilarating experiences, especially when diving into the wild world of metal and its heavy subgenres. But if your riffs sound like a soggy wet sponge instead of a thunderous storm, it might be time to sharpen those skills. Let’s explore how to tackle guitar lessons with a focus on metal, from the heart-pounding rhythms to the searing solos that define the genre.

How to Develop Crushing Downpicking Endurance

Downpicking is the bread and butter of any metal guitarist. Imagine pounding your way through Metallica’s “Master of Puppets”—it’s not just a workout for your right hand; it’s a full-on marathon. To get there, you need to build stamina and precision.

• Start Slow: Before you jump into blistering speeds, start at a manageable tempo. Use a metronome to keep time, and focus on consistency.
• Proper Form: Keep your wrist relaxed. Tension is your enemy here. Use your forearm for power and let your wrist handle the finesse.
• Gradual Speed Increase: Once you feel comfortable, notch up the tempo by small increments. Patience is key; rushing this process can lead to sloppy playing.

Interestingly enough, many modern metal guitarists, like those teaching at Riffhard, emphasize the importance of downpicking. It’s a technique that separates the pros from the rest, and with the right lessons, you can master it too.

Sweep Picking Without the Slop: A Step-by-Step Approach

Sweep picking is a technique that can make your solos sound like a tidal wave of notes crashing down. But without proper execution, it can also sound like a muddy mess. Here’s how to get it right.

• Note Separation: Focus on making each note distinct. Practice arpeggios slowly, ensuring clarity between each note.
• Economy of Motion: Minimize movement in your picking hand. Let the pick flow smoothly across the strings without any unnecessary lifting.
• Finger Positioning: Your fretting hand should be ready to roll. Practice finger placement to transition smoothly between notes.

Riffhard has lessons from some of the world’s best sweep pickers, like Jason Richardson, who break down their approach in a way that’s easy to digest. It’s a skill that, once mastered, opens up a whole new dimension of playing.

Tight Metal Rhythm Playing: What Separates the Pros from the Rest

Metal rhythm guitar is not just about speed; it’s about precision and tightness. A great riff can lose its impact if it’s not played with accuracy.

• Metronome Practice: This is non-negotiable. Practicing with a metronome helps you lock into the beat and maintain consistent timing.
• Chunking: Break down complex riffs into smaller sections. Master each chunk before putting them together for the full riff.
• Dynamics: Pay attention to the volume and intensity of your playing. Dynamics can add life to even the simplest riffs.

Some of the most respected metal guitarists, like Dean Lamb of Archspire, teach rhythm techniques at Riffhard. Their insights can help you understand what makes a rhythm part truly powerful.

Breaking Down the Art of Shredding

Shredding is more than just playing fast; it’s about expression and technique. To shred effectively, you need a combination of speed, control, and creativity.

• Finger Independence: Exercises like spider drills can help improve finger independence and coordination.
• Alternate Picking: Mastering this technique ensures that you can play fast lines with precision and clarity.
• Improvisation: Shredding isn’t just about rehearsed solos. Being able to improvise adds authenticity to your playing.

At Riffhard, you can find lessons that focus on developing shredding techniques, taught by players who’ve mastered the art.

The Role of Harmony and Theory in Metal Guitar

While metal is often associated with aggression and speed, it’s also deeply rooted in musical theory. Understanding harmony can elevate your playing from good to great.

• Scale Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with the minor scales and modes used frequently in metal.
• Chord Progressions: Experiment with different progressions to create tension and release in your music.
• Counterpoint: Interweave melodies and harmonies for a richer sound.

Many artists at Riffhard incorporate theory into their lessons, showing how it can be applied to writing compelling metal music.

Improving Timing with Custom Metronomes

Timing is everything in metal. It’s what makes those polyrhythms and syncopated riffs hit hard. One way to fine-tune your timing is with a custom metronome.

• Subdivision Practice: Practice playing different subdivisions over a steady beat to get comfortable with complex rhythms.
• Accented Notes: Use the metronome to practice accenting different beats, improving your rhythmic versatility.
• Tempo Adjustments: Gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable, pushing your limits.

We offer a custom metronome at Riffhard, designed specifically for guitar practice, which can be a game-changer for your timing skills.

Expanding Your Riff Vocabulary

The heart of metal guitar lies in its riffs. Expanding your riff vocabulary can make your playing more interesting and diverse.

• Learn from the Greats: Study riffs from your favorite metal bands and analyze what makes them tick.
• Create Variations: Take a simple riff and create variations by altering rhythm, notes, or dynamics.
• Collaborate: Jamming with other musicians can inspire new ideas and approaches.

Riffhard provides access to a wide library of riffs and lessons from top metal guitarists, giving you the tools to expand your riff repertoire.

Creating Emotion with Lead Phrasing

While speed is impressive, it’s the emotion in your lead playing that truly resonates with listeners. Proper phrasing can turn a simple solo into a memorable experience.

• Bending and Vibrato: These techniques add expression and emotion to your playing.
• Note Choice: Focus on the notes that create the most emotional impact within a scale.
• Space and Dynamics: Use silence and volume changes to add drama to your solos.

Artists like Zakk Wylde emphasize the importance of phrasing in their lessons on Riffhard, providing insights into creating solos that speak to the soul.

Exploring Advanced Techniques: Tapping and Legato

To round out your metal guitar skills, mastering advanced techniques like tapping and legato can add a new dimension to your playing.

• Tapping: Use tapping to reach notes that are otherwise out of reach, creating fluid and fast lines.
• Legato: Focus on smooth transitions between notes, reducing the need for picking and creating a silky sound.
• Combining Techniques: Mix tapping and legato with other techniques for dynamic solos.

Lessons on Riffhard cover these techniques in-depth, taught by guitarists who excel in this stylistic flair.

Final Thoughts

Playing guitar, especially in the metal genre, is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. With dedication and the right guidance, you can achieve the skills needed to create powerful, expressive music. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the best metal guitarists, providing you with the tools to become the guitarist you’ve always wanted to be.