How to Play Powerviolence Guitar

Powerviolence guitar is all about raw energy and blistering speed. It’s a subgenre that embraces chaos and aggression, pushing the boundaries of punk and hardcore to their extreme limits. If you’re looking to channel your inner fury and unleash some frenetic riffs, then understanding the nuances of powerviolence guitar is your ticket. Let’s break down what you need to know to get started.

What Makes Powerviolence Unique?

Powerviolence, for the uninitiated, is a musical style that emerged in the late ’80s and early ’90s, characterized by its fast-paced, aggressive sound. It’s a raw and unpolished genre that prioritizes intensity over technical precision. Think of it as the punk rock cousin of grindcore, with a DIY ethos and a penchant for short, explosive songs.

The genre is defined by a few key elements:

• Speed: Powerviolence is fast. Really fast. Songs often clock in under a minute, and tempos can reach dizzying heights.
• Aggression: The music is aggressive and confrontational, with a focus on visceral emotion rather than polished production.
• Short Song Structures: Tracks are typically short, often under a minute, packing a punch in a brief timeframe.
• DIY Ethos: The genre has strong roots in the underground punk scene, with an emphasis on self-production and anti-commercialism.

Key Bands and Influences

To truly understand powerviolence, it’s helpful to look at some of the bands that helped shape the genre. Groups like Man Is the Bastard, Infest, and Spazz laid the groundwork with their frenetic energy and uncompromising sound. These bands drew from hardcore punk, grindcore, and noise music, creating a unique blend that defined powerviolence.

Getting the Right Gear

Before you dive into playing, it’s important to make sure you’ve got the right gear. While powerviolence doesn’t demand expensive equipment, there are a few essentials that can help you achieve that signature sound.

Guitar

Any electric guitar will do, but something with a fast neck and good action will make those rapid riffs easier to play. Many powerviolence guitarists favor guitars with humbuckers for their higher output and resistance to feedback.

Amp

A solid-state amp with a good overdrive channel can work wonders. You’re looking for raw, gritty distortion rather than a polished heavy metal tone. Crank up the gain and let the chaos flow.

Pedals

While purists might stick to just a guitar and amp, adding a fuzz or distortion pedal can help you achieve that crunchy, abrasive sound. A noise gate can also be useful in taming unwanted feedback between songs.

Strings and Picks

Consider using heavier gauge strings for more stability when playing at high speeds, and a thicker pick for better control. You’ll need both to hold up against the aggressive strumming and picking techniques.

Building Speed and Precision

Powerviolence is all about speed, but speed without control can quickly sound messy. Building up your speed while maintaining precision is crucial.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a technique where you alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes. It’s essential for maintaining speed and fluidity. Start slow and focus on even, consistent strokes. As you get more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo.

Downpicking

While alternate picking is great for speed, downpicking is often used for its aggressive, percussive sound. Practice playing downstrokes in quick succession to build endurance. This technique can make your riffs sound more forceful and tight.

Practice Exercises

Try incorporating these exercises into your daily routine:

• Chromatic Runs: Play chromatic scales up and down the neck, focusing on clean, precise picking.
• String Skipping: Practice skipping strings while alternate picking to improve coordination and accuracy.
• Power Chord Drills: Move power chords up and down the neck, practicing both alternate and downpicking.

For more guided exercises, we recommend checking out Riffhard. Our lessons are perfect for honing your speed and precision with input from some of the best modern metal guitarists.

Crafting Riffs That Hit Hard

Riffs are the backbone of powerviolence, driving the intensity and setting the tone. Crafting riffs that are both memorable and brutal is an art form in itself.

Simple Yet Effective

Simplicity is key. Powerviolence riffs often revolve around simple power chords and single-note lines. The goal is to create a sense of urgency and aggression. Don’t overcomplicate things—sometimes the simplest riffs pack the most punch.

Using Dissonance

Dissonance is your friend when it comes to crafting unsettling, aggressive riffs. Incorporate tritones or diminished intervals to create tension and unease. This can add a layer of unpredictability to your music.

Rhythmic Variation

Experiment with different rhythms and time signatures. Powerviolence often incorporates sudden tempo changes and off-kilter rhythms to keep listeners on their toes. Play around with syncopation and unexpected shifts to create a dynamic sound.

Riff Writing Tips

• Start With a Hook: Build your riff around a catchy phrase or rhythm. This will give your song a memorable core.
• Experiment With Dynamics: While powerviolence is typically loud and aggressive, playing with softer dynamics can create contrast and make your heavy parts hit even harder.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Borrow: Listen to your favorite bands for inspiration. Don’t be afraid to borrow ideas, but put your own spin on them.

Crafting riffs takes time, so be patient with yourself. If you’re looking for more structured guidance, Riffhard offers a wealth of lessons on riff writing and composition.

Incorporating Noise and Feedback

Noise and feedback can be powerful tools in your powerviolence arsenal, adding layers of chaos and unpredictability to your sound.

Controlled Feedback

Feedback can be used creatively to add texture and atmosphere. Experiment with different amp settings and pedal combinations to find the sweet spot where feedback enhances your sound without overwhelming it.

Noise Techniques

Incorporate noise elements like pick scrapes, string bends, and random atonal chords. These sounds can add an abrasive edge to your music and help break up more structured sections.

• Pick Scrapes: Drag your pick along the strings for a screeching effect.
• String Bends: Bend strings in unusual directions for a dissonant, unsettling sound.
• Atonal Chords: Play random chord shapes for a noisy, chaotic feel.

Using Effects

While powerviolence tends to eschew over-reliance on effects, a few well-placed pedals can add depth to your noise elements. Consider using a delay or reverb pedal to create space and atmosphere.

Embracing the DIY Ethos

Powerviolence has a strong DIY ethos, which extends to every aspect of the music—from recording and production to live performances and merchandise.

Recording at Home

With the rise of affordable recording technology, capturing your music at home has never been easier. Use basic recording software and a decent audio interface to lay down your tracks. Remember, powerviolence is about raw energy, so don’t get too caught up in perfecting every detail.

Promoting Your Music

DIY doesn’t stop at recording. Embrace self-promotion by creating your own album art, designing merchandise, and organizing shows. Social media platforms can also help you reach a wider audience.

• Design Your Own Merch: Create unique designs that capture the spirit of your music.
• Organize Local Shows: Connect with other bands in your scene and put together your own gigs.
• Utilize Social Media: Share your music and engage with your audience online.

Staying True to Yourself

At the end of the day, powerviolence is about authenticity and self-expression. Stay true to your vision, and don’t compromise your sound for commercial appeal. The genre’s heart lies in its rebellious, uncompromising spirit.

Finding Inspiration in the Scene

Powerviolence is as much about community as it is about music. Engaging with the scene can provide valuable inspiration and support as you develop your sound.

Attend Shows

Live shows are a great way to immerse yourself in the powerviolence scene. They’re often raw, intimate affairs that capture the energy and intensity of the genre. Plus, they’re a fantastic opportunity to connect with other musicians.

Collaborate With Others

Collaborating with fellow musicians can open up new creative possibilities. Work with other artists to explore different sounds and techniques. You never know what might spark your next great idea.

Stay Open to New Influences

While it’s important to stay true to your roots, don’t be afraid to explore new influences. Powerviolence is a constantly evolving genre, and incorporating aspects from other styles can keep your music fresh and exciting.

For more inspiration and guidance, check out the lessons and community at Riffhard. We offer a supportive environment for modern metal guitarists to grow and thrive.

Performing Live: Capturing the Energy

Playing powerviolence live is an exhilarating experience. The energy and intensity of the genre translate well to the stage, making for thrilling performances.

Stage Presence

Stage presence is crucial in powerviolence. Engage with your audience and let the music flow through you. Don’t be afraid to lose yourself in the performance.

• Move Around: Use the stage to your advantage. Jump, thrash, and interact with your bandmates.
• Engage the Audience: Make eye contact and encourage crowd participation.
• Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through.

Sound and Setup

Make sure your setup is optimized for live performance. Test your gear beforehand and ensure everything is in working order. Adjust your amp settings to cut through the mix and deliver that raw, powerful sound.

Handling Mistakes

Mistakes are inevitable during a live set, but how you handle them is what matters. If you make a mistake, keep going. Embrace the chaos and use it to fuel your performance. Remember, powerviolence is about raw energy, not perfection.

Final Thoughts

Getting into powerviolence guitar is a wild ride, but it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s a genre that celebrates raw emotion and energy, and playing it can be an exhilarating experience. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Riffhard offers a wealth of resources and lessons to help you on your journey. So grab your guitar, crank up the volume, and dive into the chaotic world of powerviolence.