How to Play Guitar Like a Pro

Tight picking and clean technique are the foundation of killer metal rhythm playing. If your riffs sound sloppy, it's not your guitar—it's your right hand. Here's how to clean up your picking and get that crushing precision.

How to Develop Crushing Downpicking Endurance

Downpicking is the bread and butter of metal guitarists everywhere. If you've ever wondered how bands like Metallica or Slayer get that relentless chugging sound, downpicking is your answer. But, it's not just about hammering away at your strings—there's a technique to it that balances speed with endurance.

First, make sure your pick angle is right. Too flat, and you're likely to get stuck; too angled, and your tone gets thin. Experiment with slightly angling your pick to find that sweet spot where it glides over the strings with minimal resistance.

Now, let's talk practice. Start slow. No, really slow. It's tempting to jump in at full speed, but building muscle memory requires slowing things down. Use a metronome to help keep you in time. Aim for clean, precise strokes rather than speed. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.

• Use isolation exercises: Focus on one string first and get comfortable with the motion.
• Consistency is key: Practice daily, even if it's just for 10 minutes.
• Alternate between slow and fast tempos to build endurance.

Interestingly enough, you might find that taking breaks actually helps improve your endurance. During rest periods, your muscles recover, and your brain consolidates the new skills. On Riffhard, we offer lessons with some of the best metal guitarists who can show you how to refine these techniques for maximum impact.

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

Sweep picking can be a game-changer for adding flair to your solos, but it’s easy to get sloppy. The technique involves smoothly transitioning your pick across strings in a single fluid motion. Think of it like painting a stroke with a brush, rather than tapping individual dots with a pen.

Start by choosing a simple three-string arpeggio. Make sure each note rings out cleanly, without any unwanted noise. This requires muting the strings you aren't playing. Use your palm to lightly mute the strings before and after the one you're picking.

Once you have the basic motion down, alternate between ascending and descending sweeps. This helps balance your technique and prevents you from favoring one direction over the other. A metronome can help you maintain consistency and gradually increase your speed.

• Focus on a relaxed grip to avoid tension in your hand.
• Mute unwanted strings using your palm or fingers.
• Practice with a metronome to build up speed gradually.

Sweep picking can take time to master, but once you have it down, it opens up a new world of possibilities for your solos. We have some incredible instructors on Riffhard, like Jason Richardson, who offer tips and tricks to perfect your sweep picking technique.

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

Rhythm guitar in metal is about more than just keeping time; it's about driving the song. A tight rhythm section can elevate a track, while a sloppy one can drag it down. But what makes a rhythm guitarist stand out?

One secret is maintaining a solid groove. This means locking in with the drummer or drum tracks and ensuring your chugs and strums are in sync with the beat. Focus on playing in time and with consistent dynamics, so every hit has the same power and precision.

Another important aspect is dynamics. Metal isn't just about playing loud—it's about using volume and intensity to create contrast. Experiment with palm muting and open strumming to add texture to your playing.

• Practice with a metronome to ensure you're playing in time.
• Use dynamics to add interest to your rhythm playing.
• Lock in with the drums for a tight, cohesive sound.

The pros aren't just technically proficient; they have an innate sense of rhythm and groove. By practicing these elements, you can elevate your rhythm playing to new heights. On Riffhard, we feature lessons on rhythm guitar from legends like Dean Lamb, who can help you fine-tune these skills.

The Art of Alternate Picking: Speed Meets Precision

Alternate picking is a fundamental technique in metal guitar playing, balancing speed and precision. It's the art of picking up and down alternately, allowing for rapid note sequences. But, it takes more than just moving your pick up and down quickly.

Start by holding your pick correctly—most players find a slightly angled grip works best. Use your wrist for the picking motion, keeping your arm relaxed. Tension is your enemy here, and it will slow you down and make your playing less accurate.

When practicing alternate picking, focus on evenness. Each stroke, whether up or down, should be consistent in speed and power. Start slowly, and use a metronome to gradually increase your speed.

• Hold your pick at a slight angle for smoother transitions.
• Use your wrist, not your arm, for the picking motion.
• Focus on evenness and consistency in your picking.

Alternate picking can be a challenging technique to master, but with practice, it can greatly enhance your playing. On Riffhard, we offer lessons from top guitarists who can help you refine your alternate picking technique for speed and precision.

Palm Muting: The Secret to Aggressive Metal Tones

Palm muting is a technique that gives metal its signature percussive, chunky sound. By lightly resting your palm on the strings near the bridge, you can control the sustain and add a rhythmic element to your playing.

Start by positioning your palm right where the strings meet the bridge. Too far forward, and you'll deaden the sound; too far back, and you won't mute at all. Experiment to find the right position for the sound you want.

Once you've got the basic placement down, try incorporating palm muting into your riffs. You can alternate between muted and unmuted notes to add texture and interest to your playing.

• Position your palm near the bridge for optimal muting.
• Experiment with different levels of pressure for varied tones.
• Alternate between muted and unmuted notes for dynamic riffs.

Palm muting is a versatile technique that can add depth and aggression to your playing. We have lessons from some of the best metal guitarists on Riffhard, who can show you how to master this technique and use it effectively in your playing.

Understanding Harmonics: Adding Flair to Your Solos

Harmonics are a great way to add some spice to your solos. They create a bell-like sound that stands out against the usual barrage of notes. There are two main types: natural harmonics and artificial harmonics.

Natural harmonics are produced by lightly resting your finger on a string at specific points, like the 5th, 7th, or 12th frets. The key is to barely touch the string and pluck it cleanly.

Artificial harmonics, on the other hand, require you to use your picking hand to create the effect. This involves lightly touching the string with your thumb or a finger after you pick it. It can be tricky to get right, but with practice, you can make it a staple of your playing.

• Practice natural harmonics at the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets.
• For artificial harmonics, experiment with thumb placement on your picking hand.
• Use harmonics to add color and texture to your solos.

Harmonics can add a new dimension to your playing, making your solos stand out. On Riffhard, we feature lessons on harmonics and other advanced techniques from renowned guitarists who can help you incorporate these sounds into your solos.

Legato Playing: Smooth as Silk

Legato playing is all about smoothness and fluidity, allowing you to play fast passages without the harshness of picking every note. It involves using hammer-ons and pull-offs to transition between notes seamlessly.

Start by practicing simple exercises that focus on hammer-ons and pull-offs. Make sure each note is clear and consistent in volume. Use your fingers to generate the sound, rather than relying on your pick.

Legato playing requires a light touch and good finger strength. Focus on keeping your hand relaxed and using minimal motion to achieve the sound you want.

• Practice hammer-ons and pull-offs for smooth transitions.
• Focus on even volume and clarity in your notes.
• Keep a light touch and relaxed hand for fluid legato playing.

Legato playing can add a new level of expressiveness to your solos, allowing you to play fast and fluid passages with ease. On Riffhard, we offer lessons from expert guitarists who can help you perfect your legato technique and incorporate it into your solos.

Building Speed: It's All About Consistency

Building speed on the guitar is something many players strive for, but it’s not just about playing fast. Consistency, accuracy, and timing are the pillars of speed. If you rush this process, you'll end up with fast but sloppy playing.

Start by practicing scales and exercises at a slow tempo. Focus on clean, precise playing with each note ringing out clearly. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable, ensuring you maintain accuracy.

Another important aspect of building speed is using a metronome. It helps you keep a steady pace and ensures you're playing in time. You can also practice with backing tracks to simulate playing in a band setting.

• Practice scales and exercises slowly to focus on accuracy.
• Use a metronome to build speed gradually and consistently.
• Play along with backing tracks to practice in a band-like setting.

Building speed takes time and patience, but with consistent practice, you can achieve the speed you're aiming for. On Riffhard, we offer lessons from top guitarists who can help you develop your speed and precision through targeted exercises and practice techniques.

Writing Killer Riffs: Let Creativity Flow

Writing killer riffs is at the heart of metal guitar playing. A great riff can define a song and make it memorable. But how do you come up with something fresh and exciting?

Start by experimenting with different chord progressions and rhythms. Try combining power chords with single-note lines for added interest. Use palm muting and dynamics to add texture and depth to your riffs.

Don't be afraid to draw inspiration from other genres or styles. Sometimes, incorporating elements from outside of metal can lead to unique and innovative riffs.

• Experiment with different chord progressions and rhythms.
• Use palm muting and dynamics for added texture.
• Draw inspiration from other genres for unique riffs.

Writing killer riffs is all about letting your creativity flow and experimenting with new ideas. On Riffhard, we offer lessons on songwriting and riff writing from some of the best metal guitarists, who can help you develop your own unique style and sound.

Final Thoughts

Playing guitar like a pro requires dedication and practice, but by focusing on techniques like downpicking, sweep picking, and palm muting, you can elevate your playing to new heights. With lessons from top metal guitarists, Riffhard provides the tools and resources you need to improve your skills and become the guitarist you've always wanted to be.