How to Play Lead Guitar by Feel

Feeling like your guitar solos lack emotion or depth? You might be missing the magic of playing by feel. Whether you’re shredding through a death metal solo or crafting melodic phrases in progressive metal, tapping into your intuition can make your lead guitar playing more expressive and engaging. Let’s explore how you can develop this skill and why it’s crucial for every guitarist, regardless of the subgenre.

Understanding the Concept of Playing by Feel

Playing by feel is about letting your emotions guide your fingers. It’s not just about scales or techniques; it’s about expression. Think of your guitar as an extension of your voice. What do you want to say with your music? The goal is to connect deeply with the instrument so that your personality and mood shine through every note.

When you play by feel, you’re tapping into a more intuitive understanding of music. This isn’t something easily taught through sheet music or tabs. It involves understanding the emotional weight of a note, the tension and release in a musical phrase, and the dynamics that can turn a simple melody into something powerful.

Consider how different guitarists convey emotion. Kirk Hammett of Metallica often uses bends and vibrato to add drama to his solos. On the other hand, John Petrucci from Dream Theater might rely on complex rhythms and intricate note choices. Each player has a unique way of expressing themselves, and playing by feel is about finding your voice.

Building a Strong Foundation: Technique Matters

Before you can let your emotions take the wheel, it’s essential to have the technical skills to back it up. Think of it as learning a language; you need vocabulary and grammar before you can write poetry. In guitar terms, this means scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions are your tools.

Practice scales daily. It might sound tedious, but knowing your scales like the back of your hand allows you to improvise more freely. When you’re comfortable with where each note is on the fretboard, you can focus on phrasing, dynamics, and expression rather than worrying about hitting the right note.

Spend time on finger exercises to build dexterity and strength. This helps you play longer without fatigue, allowing you to pour more energy into your performance. Techniques like alternate picking, legato, and sweep picking are crucial in metal and its subgenres. They give you the ability to articulate your phrases with clarity and precision.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists who share their methods for mastering these techniques. Whether it’s downpicking like James Hetfield or tapping like Eddie Van Halen, we’ve got you covered.

Developing Your Ear: Listening is Key

Playing by feel isn’t just about what you do with your hands; it’s also about what you hear. Developing a good ear is crucial. Start by listening to a wide range of music. Pay attention to how different guitarists use dynamics, phrasing, and timing to create tension and resolution.

Transcribe solos by ear. This might be challenging at first, but it’s one of the best ways to understand what makes a solo great. As you transcribe, focus on the nuances—the slight bends, the vibrato, and the way notes are sustained or cut off. These details add emotion to a performance.

Sing along with your guitar playing. This helps internalize melodies and improve your ability to play what you hear in your head. You don’t have to be a great singer; the goal is to connect your voice with your guitar.

Using our custom metronome at Riffhard can also aid in developing your timing and rhythm, which are essential for playing by feel.

Improvisation: Your Playground for Expression

Improvisation is where playing by feel really comes to life. It’s your chance to experiment and express yourself without the constraints of written music. Start by jamming over backing tracks. Choose different styles and keys to challenge yourself and broaden your musical vocabulary.

Focus on melody rather than speed. While shredding can be impressive, it’s not always the most expressive. Try playing a simple melody and see how you can alter it with different techniques and dynamics.

Think about the story you’re telling with your solo. Are you building tension? Are you resolving it? Use your knowledge of dynamics and phrasing to create a narrative. Remember, a good solo is like a conversation; it should have a beginning, middle, and end.

If you’re looking for inspiration, our library at Riffhard includes lessons on improvisation from some of the best metal guitarists out there.

Expressive Techniques: Making Your Guitar Sing

To play by feel, you need to master expressive techniques. These are the tools that allow you to infuse emotion into every note. Let’s look at a few key techniques:

• Bending: A well-executed bend can mimic the human voice. Practice bending to pitch accurately, and experiment with different speeds and intensities.
• Vibrato: This adds richness to a sustained note. Try varying the width and speed of your vibrato to see how it changes the character of a note.
• Slides: Use slides to connect notes smoothly. This can add a lyrical quality to your phrases.
• Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: These techniques can add fluidity to your playing, making it easier to create seamless lines.

Experiment with these techniques in your practice sessions. Record yourself to hear how they affect your sound. Over time, they’ll become second nature, allowing you to focus more on expression and less on execution.

Utilizing Dynamics: The Power of Soft and Loud

Dynamics are often overlooked in guitar playing, especially in genres like metal where the focus is on speed and technicality. However, using dynamics effectively can add a whole new dimension to your playing.

Think of your volume knob as an expressive tool. Swell into notes to add intensity, or fade out for a more subtle effect. Experiment with picking dynamics, too. Striking the strings gently can create a more intimate sound, while a heavy attack adds aggression and power.

Dynamics also play a role in phrasing. Use them to highlight certain notes or create contrast between sections. This keeps your audience engaged and adds emotional depth to your performance.

Emotion in Music: Beyond Notes and Chords

Ultimately, playing by feel is about conveying emotion. Consider the mood you want to create with your music. Are you expressing anger, sadness, joy, or something else? Let your feelings guide your note choices and phrasing.

Don’t be afraid to take risks. Sometimes the most memorable solos are those where the guitarist steps outside their comfort zone. Trust your instincts; if something feels right, it probably is.

Remember, music is a form of communication. The more you connect with your emotions, the more your audience will connect with your music.

Finding Your Personal Style

As you practice playing by feel, you’ll start to develop a personal style. This is the unique combination of influences, techniques, and emotions that define your sound. Embrace it!

Don’t worry about copying other guitarists. It’s natural to be influenced by the players you admire, but over time, you’ll blend these influences into something uniquely yours. Experiment with different genres and techniques to see what resonates with you.

At Riffhard, we have a wide range of lessons that can help you explore different styles and techniques, giving you the freedom to develop your own voice.

Consistency: The Secret Ingredient

Like any skill, playing by feel requires consistent practice. Dedicate time each day to your instrument, even if it’s just a few minutes. The more you play, the more natural it will become to express yourself through your guitar.

Set goals for your practice sessions. Whether it’s working on a specific technique or improvising over a new backing track, having a focus helps you make the most of your time.

Stay patient and positive. Progress might be slow at times, but every bit of practice adds up. Celebrate the small victories along the way, and remember that every great guitarist started exactly where you are now.

Final Thoughts

Playing lead guitar by feel is about more than just technical skills; it’s about letting your emotions shape your sound. By focusing on expression and intuition, you can bring more life to your solos and connect with your audience on a deeper level. At Riffhard, we’re here to support you with lessons from the best metal guitarists, helping you enhance your playing and find your unique voice.