How to Play Speed Metal Guitar

Speed metal guitar is all about blistering tempos, precise riffing, and an adrenaline-fueled intensity that challenges even seasoned players. If you’ve ever wanted to harness that raw power and speed, you’re in the right place. We’ll cover everything from picking techniques to crafting solos that shred, giving you the tools to light up the fretboard with speed and precision.

Building Stamina with Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is the backbone of speed metal. Without it, keeping up with those rapid tempo changes feels like trying to sprint in a dream—frustrating and slow. To get started, focus on even, consistent strokes where your pick glides effortlessly across the strings.

Here’s a quick exercise to drill alternate picking:

• Start with a metronome set at a comfortable pace.
• Pick down-up repeatedly on a single string.
• Gradually increase speed, focusing on accuracy and minimizing tension in your wrist.

It seems simple, but consistency is key. If your hands start cramping, take a break. You’ll notice the improvement in your picking fluency over time. For those who want to take it to the next level, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists, breaking down alternate picking in ways that make it feel intuitive and achievable.

The Art of Downpicking

Downpicking is the secret behind the aggressive, chugging riffs of speed metal. Mastering this technique will give your playing a tighter, more controlled sound. It’s not just about brute force—precision and endurance play a huge part.

Start by practicing short, powerful downstrokes on a single string, gradually building up speed while keeping each note distinct. Your wrist should do most of the work, with your forearm staying relatively still. Remember, it’s not about speed initially, but about hitting each note with clarity and intent.

With patience, your stamina will build, and you’ll be able to play those relentless riffs without breaking a sweat. For more in-depth guidance, our lessons at Riffhard delve into the nuances of downpicking, with tips from seasoned pros who make it look effortless.

String Skipping for Dynamic Riffs

String skipping adds complexity and flair to your riffs, allowing for more dynamic movements across the fretboard. This technique requires precise control of your picking hand to avoid unwanted string noise.

To practice string skipping, try this exercise:

• Pick a simple pattern on the 1st and 3rd strings.
• Ensure your picking hand is moving in a controlled manner, avoiding the middle string.
• Use a metronome to gradually increase speed.

String skipping can feel awkward at first, but with practice, it will become an integral part of your playing style. For visual learners, Riffhard provides video lessons that demonstrate this technique in context, making it easier to grasp and apply.

Harnessing the Power of Palm Muting

Palm muting is essential for adding texture and depth to your riffs. It allows you to control the resonance of each note, making your playing sound tight and aggressive. The right hand placement is crucial here—rest your palm lightly on the strings near the bridge to achieve that muted, percussive sound.

Experiment with different pressure levels to see how it affects the tone. Combine palm muting with downpicking for those classic chugging riffs, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a staple in speed metal.

For those tricky transitions between muted and open notes, practice slowly, focusing on maintaining the same wrist motion. Our Riffhard instructors offer detailed breakdowns of palm muting in action, helping you refine this technique to perfection.

Scale Runs and Tap Arpeggios

In speed metal, solos are fast, furious, and often rely on scale runs and tapping techniques. Begin with the basics of the pentatonic and modal scales, then integrate tapping for a more fluid sound.

To practice scale runs:

• Choose a scale and play it ascending and descending.
• Focus on clean transitions between notes, using alternate picking or legato techniques.
• Gradually increase speed with a metronome.

Tapping involves using your picking hand to hammer notes on the fretboard, allowing for rapid arpeggios and impressive speed bursts. Start slow, ensuring your tapped notes are as clear as your picked ones. With time, you’ll be able to incorporate these into your solos seamlessly.

Creating Intricate Riff Patterns

Crafting intricate riffs is what gives speed metal its complexity and allure. These riffs often involve unusual time signatures and syncopated rhythms. Start by listening to your favorite speed metal tracks and breaking down the riff patterns.

Try writing your own by experimenting with different rhythmic groupings and note sequences. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and push boundaries. Remember, a great riff is memorable and engaging, not just fast.

For inspiration, Riffhard’s library features lessons on songwriting and riffing, taught by some of the most respected names in modern metal. These insights can spark creativity and provide structure to your riff-writing process.

Perfecting Your Solo Techniques

Speed metal solos are often a showcase of technical prowess, blending speed with melodic elements. Start by slowing down complex solos, focusing on learning each section accurately before increasing tempo.

Incorporate techniques like bending, vibrato, and slides to add emotion and flair. Remember, it’s not just about playing fast; it’s about conveying a story through your solo.

Practice with backing tracks to develop your timing and improvisational skills. Over time, you’ll feel more comfortable expressing yourself through your lead playing.

Keeping Time with a Metronome

Speed metal demands precision, and a metronome is your best friend for developing timing. Practice all exercises with a metronome, gradually increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable.

Start with simple rhythms and gradually incorporate more complex patterns. This will help you internalize the tempo, making it easier to stay in time with a band or backing track.

Our custom metronome at Riffhard is tailored for guitar practice, offering features that help you keep pace with even the fastest riffs.

Incorporating Dynamics for Expressive Playing

Dynamics are crucial for adding emotion and depth to your playing. Speed metal isn’t just about playing fast; it’s about knowing when to pull back and let the music breathe.

Experiment with varying your picking intensity and palm muting pressure to create contrast within your riffs. This can make your playing more engaging and less monotonous.

For a deeper dive into dynamics, our video lessons at Riffhard explore how to use dynamics effectively, taking your speed metal playing to new expressive heights.

Final Thoughts

Speed metal guitar is a thrilling journey that combines speed, precision, and creativity. With patience and practice, these techniques will become second nature. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from the best in the business, helping you refine your skills and explore new musical avenues. Dive in, play hard, and let your guitar do the talking.