How to Play Scales Faster on the Guitar

Speeding up your scale playing on the guitar isn't just about impressing your friends or shredding like your favorite metal gods—though that's a sweet bonus. It's about building the foundation for smoother improvisation, tighter riffs, and overall better musicianship. So, let's break down some practical ways to get those fingers flying across the fretboard.

Building a Strong Foundation: Technique Comes First

Before you even think about speed, let's talk technique. The way you hold your pick, the angle of your wrist, and even how you stand can make a big difference. You want your playing to be efficient—less wasted movement means more speed. Here's what to focus on:

• Pick Grip: Hold your pick firmly but not too tight. A relaxed grip helps you move quickly.
• Wrist Position: Keep your wrist loose. Your wrist should be doing most of the work, not your arm.
• Posture: Sit or stand in a comfortable position that lets your arms move freely.

If you're looking for more detailed guidance on these basics, check out Riffhard. We've got lessons from some of the best metal guitarists around who can help you nail these fundamentals.

The Metronome: Your Best Friend

Ah, the metronome. It's not the most glamorous tool, but it's a game-changer when it comes to speed. Start slow. No, really—start slow. It's tempting to crank up the tempo, but precision trumps speed every time. Here's a simple method to get started:

1. Set your metronome to a comfortable speed where you can play cleanly.
2. Once you're comfortable, increase the tempo by 5-10 bpm.
3. Repeat this process, pushing your limits gradually.

This might seem tedious, but it's effective. And if you want to practice along with some killer tracks, our custom metronome at Riffhard could be just what you need.

Economy of Motion: Less is More

When it comes to speed, every unnecessary movement is your enemy. Focus on keeping your fingers close to the strings and fretboard. Think of it like typing—fingers hovering over the keys are faster than fingers that fly up and down. Here are some pointers:

• Minimal Finger Movement: Keep your fingers close to the strings to reduce travel time.
• Efficient Picking: Use small, controlled movements for picking.
• String Crossing: Practice transitioning smoothly between strings.

Interestingly enough, once you start focusing on minimizing movement, you'll notice a difference in your speed and precision.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Adding Flair and Speed

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are not only flashy—they're also efficient. They allow your picking hand to take a break while your fretting hand does the heavy lifting. Here's how to incorporate them into your scales:

• Pick the first note of a pair, then "hammer" onto the next note without picking again.
• For pull-offs, pick the first note, then pull your finger off to sound the next note.

These techniques can add speed and fluidity to your playing. Plus, they sound wicked cool in solos and riffs.

Alternative Picking: Consistency is Key

Alternative picking—down-up-down-up—is a staple for any fast guitarist. Consistency is your goal here. You want each pick stroke to be even and controlled. Try this exercise:

• Choose a simple scale or riff.
• Use strict alternate picking throughout.
• Focus on making each pick stroke sound the same.

Alternate picking might feel awkward at first, but stick with it. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

Practice Routine: Consistency Over Quantity

Let's face it—life gets busy. But a consistent practice routine is more effective than cramming in long sessions sporadically. Aim for focused, short sessions. Here's a sample routine you might follow:

• Warm up with finger exercises (5-10 minutes).
• Work on scales with a metronome (10-15 minutes).
• Focus on a specific technique like hammer-ons or alternate picking (10-15 minutes).

Regular practice, even if it's just 30 minutes a day, will pay off in the long run.

Bringing It All Together: Jam and Improvise

Once you've worked on the technical aspects, it's time to have some fun. Jamming and improvising are great ways to integrate what you've learned. Throw on a backing track or play along with a song you love. Focus on:

• Applying scales in different musical contexts.
• Experimenting with dynamics and phrasing.
• Trying out new licks and riffs.

Jamming is where your practice pays off. It's also a great way to develop your unique style.

Using Riffhard to Level Up

We've talked a lot about technique and practice, but having access to high-quality lessons can make a big difference. At Riffhard, we offer a treasure trove of lessons from renowned metal guitarists. Whether you're into metalcore, djent, or progressive metal, we've got you covered. Our interactive player lets you adjust tempos, and you can download tabs and Guitar Pro files for deeper study.

Plus, our bi-weekly lesson plans, known as the Shredule, are curated to help you make consistent progress.

Final Thoughts

Playing scales faster on the guitar is a journey, not a race. By focusing on technique, consistency, and creativity, you'll see your speed improve naturally over time. Remember, it's not just about playing fast—it's about playing well. And if you're serious about modern metal guitar, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best instructors in the genre to help you along the way.