How to Play the Guitar

So, you're ready to rock out on the guitar, but where do you start? Whether you're a total beginner or someone looking to refine your skills in the metal arena, there's a path that leads from basic strumming to shredding solos. This journey isn't just about learning chords and riffs; it's about understanding the essence of the instrument and the genres that inspire you. Let's break it down into manageable steps that can turn your guitar playing from good to legendary.

Get Acquainted with Your Guitar

Before you start jamming, get to know your instrument. It might sound obvious, but understanding the parts of your guitar is crucial. The body, neck, headstock, and strings each play a role in how you produce sound. Knowing how to tune your guitar is also essential, as playing in tune can make all the difference in the world.

• Body: This is where the sound resonates. Electric guitars have pickups here that amplify the sound.
• Neck: This is where you press down the strings to change notes. It's got frets, which help you find the right pitch.
• Headstock: The top part of the guitar where the tuning pegs are located. This is where you adjust the tension of your strings.
• Strings: Typically, guitars have six strings, each producing different notes when played open or fretted.

Once you're familiar with these parts, tuning your guitar becomes the next step. Standard tuning is E-A-D-G-B-e, but metal often employs drop tunings like Drop D or Drop C. Experimenting with these can open new sonic possibilities.

Building the Basics: Chords and Scales

Chords and scales form the foundation of guitar playing. Chords are groups of notes played together, and learning a few basic ones can set you up for success. Start with the common open chords like C, G, D, E, and A. These are used in countless songs and are a good starting point.

Scales, on the other hand, are sequences of notes ordered by pitch. The most fundamental scale is the major scale, but for metal, the minor pentatonic and blues scales are more commonly used. These scales will help you develop finger strength and dexterity.

• Practice Tip: Use a metronome to keep time while practicing scales. This will improve your timing and rhythm.
• Pro Tip: Try playing scales in different positions on the neck. This can help you become familiar with the fretboard.

Developing Crushing Downpicking Endurance

Downpicking is a hallmark of metal rhythm guitar. It's the technique of picking the string downward repeatedly, creating a tight, aggressive sound. To build endurance, start slow and focus on consistency. Use a metronome to maintain a steady pace and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.

Metallica's James Hetfield is a master of downpicking, and listening to their albums can provide inspiration and insight into the power of this technique. Practice downpicking for a few minutes each day and you'll notice a significant improvement over time.

• Practice Exercise: Choose a riff you like and play it using only downpicks. Pay attention to your wrist movement and try to keep it relaxed.
• Endurance Challenge: Set a timer for five minutes and see how long you can maintain a steady downpicking rhythm without faltering.

Alternate Picking: Speed and Precision

While downpicking is all about endurance, alternate picking focuses on speed and precision. This involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. It's a versatile technique used in solos and fast riffs alike.

To get started, practice playing simple scale exercises using alternate picking. The key is to maintain even timing between down and upstrokes. Start slow and gradually increase your speed. The goal is to play cleanly and accurately, not just quickly.

• Tip: Use a mirror to watch your picking hand. This can help you spot any unnecessary movements that might slow you down.
• Exercise: Take a simple scale or riff and play it with alternate picking. Listen for evenness in your picking.

Sweep Picking Without the Slop: A Step-by-Step Approach

Sweep picking is one of those techniques that can sound incredible when done right, but sloppy if rushed. It involves playing multiple strings in a single sweeping motion, like a strum, but with precision and speed.

Start by practicing arpeggios slowly. Focus on keeping each note distinct and clear. Use your fret-hand fingers to mute strings after they are played, preventing any unwanted noise. As you become more comfortable, slowly increase your speed.

• Beginner Tip: Start with three-string arpeggios before moving on to more complex shapes.
• Advanced Tip: Once you have the basic motion down, experiment with different shapes and positions on the fretboard.

If you're looking for a more structured approach, Riffhard offers lessons from guitarists who excel in these techniques. Learning from the pros can give you insights you might not catch on your own.

Tight Metal Rhythm Playing: What Separates the Pros from the Rest

Playing tight rhythms is essential in metal music. It's not just about playing the right notes but playing them with precision and timing. Start by practicing with a metronome to lock in your timing. Pay attention to the spaces between the notes, as these are just as important as the notes themselves.

Another key aspect is palm muting. This technique involves resting the side of your palm lightly on the strings near the bridge while picking. It produces a chunky, muted sound that's perfect for metal rhythms. Experiment with different amounts of pressure to see how it affects the sound.

• Exercise: Choose a simple riff and practice it with and without palm muting. Notice the difference in sound and feel.
• Challenge: Record yourself playing along with a drum track. Listen back to identify areas for improvement.

For those looking to deepen their rhythm playing skills, Riffhard provides lessons specifically focused on rhythm guitar techniques. It's a great way to learn from some of the best in the genre.

Crafting Killer Metal Riffs

Riffs are the backbone of metal music. They're the memorable, driving parts of songs that get stuck in your head. Crafting a killer riff involves creativity and a good understanding of rhythm and melody.

Start by experimenting with different chord progressions and rhythmic patterns. Don't be afraid to mix things up and try unconventional ideas. Listen to your favorite metal songs and analyze what makes their riffs stand out. Is it the rhythm, the melody, or the dynamics?

• Creative Exercise: Write a riff using only one or two strings. This limitation can spark creativity.
• Listening Exercise: Choose a song with a riff you love and try to transcribe it by ear. This will improve your listening skills and inspire your own creations.

Making Your Solos Stand Out

Great solos are not just about playing fast; they're about expression and emotion. To make your solos stand out, focus on phrasing and dynamics. Phrasing is how you organize your notes into musical sentences. It's what makes a solo memorable.

Start by learning solos from your favorite guitarists. Pay attention to how they use bends, slides, and vibrato to add emotion. Practice these techniques and incorporate them into your playing.

• Expression Exercise: Take a simple melody and play it using different techniques like bends, slides, and vibrato.
• Improvisation Challenge: Play along with a backing track and focus on creating interesting phrases rather than playing fast.

For those interested in taking their soloing to the next level, Riffhard has lessons on lead guitar techniques from some of the best metal guitarists around. It's a resource that can help you expand your soloing skills.

Experimenting with Effects and Gear

Part of the fun of playing guitar is experimenting with different sounds. Effects pedals and amps can drastically alter your tone and open new creative avenues. Common effects used in metal include distortion, delay, reverb, and wah.

Start by learning how each effect works and what it can do. Experiment with different settings to find your unique sound. Listen to how your favorite guitarists use effects and try to emulate their tones.

• Exploration Exercise: Take a riff you know well and play it using different effects. Notice how each effect changes the vibe of the riff.
• Gear Tip: Don't be afraid to mix and match different pedals. Sometimes the best sounds come from unexpected combinations.

Final Thoughts

Playing the guitar, especially in metal genres, is an exciting journey that blends technical skill with creativity. By understanding your instrument, practicing essential techniques, and exploring your musical voice, you can create powerful music that resonates with listeners. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from top metal guitarists to help you further refine your skills and find your unique sound. Keep practicing, stay inspired, and remember that every great guitarist started where you are now.