How to Play Metal Guitar Riffs

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.

Setting Up for Success: Gear and Tuning

Before you even think about ripping through those gnarly riffs, let's talk gear. The right setup can make or break your tone, especially in metal. So, what's the secret sauce?

First, grab a guitar that's built for metal. This usually means something with humbuckers, which offer a thicker, more powerful sound than single coils. Brands like ESP, Ibanez, and Jackson are popular for a reason—they're designed to handle the aggression.

• Strings: Heavier gauges are your friends. They give you more tension, which is crucial for maintaining tuning stability when you're chugging away on those low strings. Try something like .010 to .052 for standard tuning, or go even heavier if you plan on dropping down to B or C.
• Amplifier: A high-gain amp is essential. Look for models known for their metal tones, like the Peavey 6505 or the Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier. These amps provide the saturation and clarity you need for those complex riffs.
• Pedals: A good distortion or overdrive pedal can push your amp into the sweet spot. The Tube Screamer is a classic choice for boosting your signal and tightening up the low end.
• Tuning: Metal often uses alternate tunings. Drop D and Drop C are common, but don't be afraid to experiment. Lower tunings give you a heavier sound, but they also require adjusting your playing style to maintain clarity.

Once your gear is set up, you're ready to tackle the technique. But remember, great gear only enhances what's already there. The magic comes from your hands.

The Magic of Downpicking

Downpicking is the bread and butter of many metal subgenres. It's that relentless chug that drives the rhythm and makes heads bang. But it's not as easy as it sounds. Maintaining speed and precision with downpicking requires stamina and control.

Start by practicing slowly. Use a metronome to keep time, and focus on keeping your strokes consistent. Your wrist should do most of the work, not your arm. Think of it as a fast but controlled flick of the wrist.

Here's a simple exercise to build your downpicking endurance:

e|-------------------------------|
B|-------------------------------|
G|-------------------------------|
D|-------------------------------|
A|-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2--|
E|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0--|

Start at a comfortable tempo, and focus on keeping each stroke tight and controlled. Gradually increase the speed as your endurance builds. It’s not just about speed, though. Listen to Metallica’s James Hetfield—a master of downpicking—whose precision and power set the standard.

For more detailed breakdowns on advanced downpicking techniques, Riffhard offers lessons from renowned players like Zakk Wylde, who discuss their personal approaches to perfecting this technique.

Alternate Picking for Speed and Precision

While downpicking gives you that crushing power, alternate picking opens up a world of speed and agility. It's crucial for intricate riffs and solos found in thrash and progressive metal. The technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, allowing for faster play without sacrificing precision.

To practice alternate picking, start with a simple chromatic exercise:

e|-1-2-3-4-----------------|
B|---------1-2-3-4---------|
G|-----------------1-2-3-4-|
D|-1-2-3-4-----------------|
A|---------1-2-3-4---------|
E|-----------------1-2-3-4-|

Use a metronome, starting slow and gradually increasing the speed. The key is consistency—each note should be equally clear and evenly spaced.

Think of your picking motion as a pendulum, swinging evenly and smoothly. Avoid excessive wrist or arm movement; the motion should be economical and controlled. Players like John Petrucci are known for their flawless alternate picking. Listen to Dream Theater’s “The Dance of Eternity” for inspiration and to understand the potential of this technique.

We have courses from guitarists like Dean Lamb at Riffhard that delve deeper into alternate picking, offering exercises to improve your speed and accuracy.

Mastering Palm Muting

Palm muting is the secret weapon of tight, aggressive metal riffs. By resting the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings, you can dampen the sound, creating a percussive, chugging effect that's essential for metal rhythm guitar.

To practice palm muting, start with a simple open-string riff:

e|-----------------------|
B|-----------------------|
G|-----------------------|
D|-----------------------|
A|-----------------------|
E|-0-0-3-0-0-5-0-0-6-5-0-|

Place your palm just in front of the bridge to mute the strings subtly. Experiment with the pressure to find the sweet spot that produces a tight, controlled sound without completely killing the sustain.

It's important to maintain a balance—too much muting can stifle your tone, while too little can lead to unwanted string noise. Listen to Slayer’s Kerry King for inspiration, particularly in songs like “Raining Blood,” where precise palm muting creates an aggressive and tight rhythm.

For more in-depth tutorials on palm muting, check out the lessons from Dave Davidson on Riffhard. His insights can help you fine-tune your muting technique for maximum impact.

Building Riffs with Power Chords

If metal had a skeleton, power chords would be the backbone. They’re simple, yet incredibly versatile, allowing you to create heavy, driving riffs with minimal movement. The classic power chord shape is a two-fingered wonder:

e|-------|
B|-------|
G|-------|
D|-7-----|
A|-5-----|
E|-------|

Here, you’re playing the root note on the A string and the fifth on the D string. This shape can be moved up and down the neck to create different chords, giving you a wide range of possibilities with just a few hand positions.

Experiment with different rhythms and progressions. Try adding palm muting to create dynamic shifts within your riffs. Listen to Pantera’s “Walk” for a masterclass in how to use power chords effectively in metal. Dimebag Darrell's use of power chords is legendary for its punch and groove.

To expand your power chord vocabulary, consider checking out lessons from guitarists like Aaron Marshall on Riffhard, who explore more advanced voicings and progressions.

Incorporating Harmonics

Harmonics add texture and flair to your playing, making riffs stand out. There are two types to focus on: natural and pinch harmonics. Both have their place in metal, and knowing when to use each can add a whole new dimension to your sound.

Natural Harmonics

Natural harmonics occur at specific points along the string, where you can lightly touch the string without pressing down. Try this at the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets:

e|-------------|
B|-----------------------|
G|-----------------------|
D|-----------------------|
A|-----------------------|
E|-----------------------|

These can be used to create eerie, bell-like tones. Bands like Iron Maiden use natural harmonics to great effect, adding a haunting quality to their riffs.

Pinch Harmonics

Pinch harmonics are more aggressive and require a bit more finesse. They’re produced by striking the string with your pick and then quickly grazing the edge of your thumb against the vibrating string. The result is a high-pitched squeal that can cut through the mix.

Practice this by experimenting with different parts of the string and varying your pick angle. Players like Zakk Wylde are famous for using pinch harmonics to add aggression and excitement to their solos and riffs.

For more tips and tricks on how to incorporate harmonics into your playing, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best in the business, helping you master these techniques.

Syncopation: Making Riffs Groove

Syncopation is all about playing with timing, creating unexpected accents and rhythms that catch the listener off guard. It’s a technique that can turn a simple riff into something memorable and engaging.

Start by experimenting with shifting accents within a measure. For example, instead of accenting every downbeat, try hitting the second and fourth beats harder. This creates a sense of tension and release, making the riff more dynamic.

Here’s a simple example of a syncopated riff:

e|-------------------------------|
B|-------------------------------|
G|-------------------------------|
D|-2---2---2-4---4-5---5---------|
A|-2---2---2-4---4-5---5---------|
E|-0---0---0-2---2-3---3---------|

Notice how the accents fall on unexpected beats, creating a groove that’s both catchy and complex. Listen to bands like Meshuggah for inspiration—syncopation is a huge part of their signature sound.

To dive deeper into syncopation, Riffhard features lessons from artists like Javier Reyes, who excel at using syncopation to craft compelling riffs.

Experimenting with Odd Time Signatures

Odd time signatures can add a unique twist to your riffs, breaking away from the traditional 4/4 feel. They’re often used in progressive metal to create complex, intriguing compositions that challenge the listener.

To get started, try writing a riff in 7/8 time. This means you’ll have seven eighth notes per measure, creating an off-kilter groove. Here’s an example:

e|---------------------|
B|---------------------|
G|---------------------|
D|-5-----5-4-----4-2---|
A|-5-----5-4-----4-2---|
E|-3-----3-2-----2-0---|

This pattern feels slightly unbalanced, which is part of its charm. Bands like Tool and Dream Theater are known for their use of odd time signatures, crafting riffs that are both challenging and rewarding to play.

For more insights on working with odd time signatures, check out lessons from Mike Stringer on Riffhard. His expertise in crafting complex rhythms can help you push your compositions to the next level.

Using Dynamics for Impact

Metal isn’t just about playing loud all the time. Dynamics—variations in volume and intensity—can add depth and emotion to your riffs, making them more engaging and expressive.

Try experimenting with volume swells, where you gradually increase or decrease the volume of your playing. This can create a sense of drama and anticipation, drawing the listener in. Listen to how Opeth uses dynamics to shift between tranquil and intense passages, creating a rich, textured sound.

Another technique is to use contrasting sections within a riff. Start with a soft, clean intro before launching into a heavy, distorted section. This dynamic contrast can add a sense of surprise and excitement to your music.

For more on how to use dynamics effectively, Riffhard offers lessons from experienced players like Justin Mckinney, who share their insights on creating impactful, dynamic riffs.

Final Thoughts

Playing metal guitar riffs involves more than just raw speed and aggression. It's about precision, creativity, and understanding the nuances of technique. Whether you're perfecting your downpicking or exploring odd time signatures, remember that practice makes perfect. And if you're looking for expert guidance, Riffhard is here to help with lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists. Happy riffing!