How to Play Guitar Tunes

Ever noticed how certain guitar tunes just hit all the right spots? Whether it’s the raw power of a metal riff or the intricate beauty of a progressive solo, playing these tunes on the guitar can be incredibly rewarding. Today, we’ll get into the nuts and bolts of playing guitar tunes across various genres, focusing a lot on metal and its subgenres. It’s a journey worth taking, whether you’re a seasoned shredder or just picking up your first axe.

Riffing with Precision

The backbone of any killer tune is a solid riff. For metal guitarists, precision is everything. You might think it’s all about speed, but without precision, your riffs can sound more like a trainwreck than a metal masterpiece. Start by focusing on your picking technique. Try using a metronome to keep your timing tight. Slow it down until every note rings clear, then gradually increase your speed.

When it comes to picking, Riffhard offers some great lessons from metal maestros who can teach you how to achieve that perfect blend of speed and accuracy. You’ll find that with a bit of guidance, your picking hand can become as disciplined as a drill sergeant.

• Alternate Picking: It’s all about alternating up and down strokes. Start slow and build up your speed over time.
• Palm Muting: Use the side of your hand to mute the strings lightly. This technique gives your riffs that tight, chunky sound.
• Downpicking: A staple of thrash metal, it involves picking every note with a downward stroke. It’s tough, but it gives riffs a powerful, aggressive sound.

Precision isn’t just about your picking hand. Your fretting hand plays an equally important role. Ensure that each finger is pressing down firmly behind the fret and not on it, which can cause buzzing. Practice exercises that stretch your fingers and strengthen them for those wide metal chords and fast runs.

Building Chugging Rhythms

If there’s one thing that defines metal, it’s the chug. That rhythmic, percussive sound is what gets heads banging and fists pumping. Creating a good chugging rhythm is all about timing and control. You’ll want to ensure your downstrokes are consistent and that your palm muting is on point.

Think of your guitar as part of the drum section. You’re not just playing notes; you’re adding to the overall rhythm of the music. Start by playing along with your favorite tracks. Pay attention to how the guitar interacts with the drums. Are they in sync? Is there a call-and-response happening?

Also, consider using a metronome or a drum track to practice. This will help you stay in time and develop a tight rhythm. Chugging isn’t just about hitting the strings hard—it’s about doing so with purpose and precision.

Nailing Lead Parts with Emotion

Solos and lead parts are where you can express yourself. It’s your chance to stand out and make the guitar sing. But to do that, you need to put emotion into your playing. It’s not just about shredding at a million notes per minute—it’s about making each note count.

Focus on your phrasing. Think about how you can use bends, slides, and vibrato to add emotion to your solos. Listen to the greats—guys like Zakk Wylde and Jason Richardson—who can make a single note scream or weep. It’s about dynamics and feeling, not just technical prowess.

• Bending: Hit a note and push it up to a higher pitch. Make sure your bend is in tune.
• Vibrato: Shake the string to add expression. Practice different speeds and widths.
• Slides: Slide your finger along the string for smooth transitions between notes.

Remember, Riffhard can help you refine these techniques with lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists. Their insights can be invaluable in helping you find your own voice on the guitar.

Understanding Metal’s Unique Tuning Systems

One of the exciting aspects of metal guitar playing is the variety of tuning systems. Standard tuning is great, but exploring other tunings can open up a whole new world of sound. Drop D tuning, for instance, is a favorite for its deep, heavy sound.

To achieve Drop D, you simply tune your low E string down a whole step to D. This makes it easier to play power chords and gives your riffs a beefier sound. There’s also Drop C, which is even lower and common in metalcore and death metal.

Experiment with different tunings. Each one offers a unique set of possibilities. Some might require you to adjust your playing style or rethink your chord shapes, but that’s part of the fun. It’s like giving your guitar a new voice.

Creating Harmonies with Dual Guitars

Metal often features dual guitar harmonies, adding depth and complexity to the music. Think of bands like Iron Maiden or Trivium, where two guitars weave in and out of each other, creating lush harmonies.

Creating harmonies involves playing two or more notes at the same time, often in thirds or fifths. You can start by recording yourself playing a melody. Then, try playing along with a harmony over it. Experiment with different intervals to see what sounds best.

Harmony is also about timing and interaction. Each guitar part should complement the other. Pay attention to how the different parts move together. Are they in sync? Do they create tension and release?

Finding Your Groove with Rhythm Sections

In any great tune, the rhythm section is the foundation. Your guitar should lock in with the bass and drums to create a solid groove. This is especially true in genres like djent, where the rhythm is often complex and syncopated.

Listen closely to the rhythm section in your favorite tunes. Notice how the guitar interacts with the bass and drums. Are they playing the same rhythm, or are they complementing each other?

Practice playing along with backing tracks or a metronome. Pay attention to your timing and make sure you’re in sync with the rhythm section. A tight rhythm section is what makes a tune feel powerful and cohesive.

Exploring Dynamics in Metal Music

Dynamics refer to the variation in loudness and intensity throughout a piece of music. In metal, dynamics can add excitement and drama to your tunes. Think of the quiet, clean intro that explodes into a heavy riff, or the soft breakdown that leads to a soaring solo.

Experiment with different dynamics in your playing. Try starting a riff softly and gradually increasing the intensity. Or play a passage quietly, then suddenly hit the strings hard for a dramatic effect.

Dynamics aren’t just about volume—they’re about emotion. Use them to express the mood of the music and engage your audience.

Incorporating Effects Pedals into Your Sound

Effects pedals can add a whole new dimension to your sound. From distortion and overdrive to delay and reverb, pedals can help you craft the perfect tone for any tune.

Start by experimenting with different pedals to see what works for you. Try layering effects to create unique sounds. Just remember, less is often more. Too many effects can muddy your sound, so use them strategically.

Consider what each tune calls for. Does it need a bit of reverb to add space? Or maybe some delay to fill out a solo? Use effects to enhance your music and bring your vision to life.

Embracing the Challenge of Complex Time Signatures

Metal music often features complex time signatures, adding a layer of sophistication to the tunes. Bands like Meshuggah are known for their use of odd meters, creating a sense of unpredictability and tension.

If you’re new to complex time signatures, start by counting along with the music. Tap your foot or clap your hands to the beat. Once you get the hang of it, try playing along with your guitar.

It might be challenging at first, but embracing complex time signatures can open up new possibilities in your playing. It forces you to think differently about rhythm and can lead to some truly unique compositions.

Final Thoughts

Playing guitar tunes, especially in metal and its subgenres, is an adventure filled with creativity and challenge. Whether you’re riffing with precision or crafting emotive solos, each aspect of playing offers a unique reward. At Riffhard, we provide lessons from some of the best in the metal world to help you along your journey. Dive in, experiment, and most importantly, have fun with your guitar playing.