How to Shred on an Electric Guitar

Shredding on an electric guitar is like unleashing a storm of notes that can leave listeners awestruck. It’s not just about speed, it’s about precision, control, and a ton of attitude. Whether you’re into metal, rock, or even jazz, being able to shred can set your playing apart. We’ll break down the essential techniques, tips, and tricks to get you shredding like a pro.

Building Finger Dexterity

First things first, finger dexterity is the backbone of shredding. It’s like the gym workout for your fingers—essential for playing those rapid-fire licks. Start with chromatic exercises. You know, those 1-2-3-4 finger movements up and down the fretboard? They might seem basic, but they’re golden for building strength and independence in each finger.

Try this: Use a metronome and start slow, maybe around 60 beats per minute, and play each note cleanly. Gradually increase the tempo, focusing on keeping each note even and clear. It’s tempting to rush, but patience is your friend here. Remember, it’s not about how fast you can play, but how clean you can play fast.

Alternate Picking Essentials

Alternate picking is the bread and butter of shredding. It’s all about that up-down-up-down motion that keeps your hand moving efficiently. Start by picking down on the first note and up on the second. This might sound simple, but getting that fluidity takes time.

Practice this on a single string first. A good exercise is to play scales using alternate picking. It helps synchronize both hands, which is crucial. Once you’re comfortable, move on to crossing strings. This is where things can get tricky. Use exercises that force you to skip strings and keep that picking hand steady.

Interestingly enough, Riffhard offers incredible lessons from guitarists like Dave Davidson of Revocation, who break down alternate picking into manageable steps. Their insights could be the game changer you need.

Economy Picking: The Shredder’s Shortcut

Economy picking is like alternate picking’s efficient cousin. Instead of strict up-down picking, you let the direction of your pick follow the string changes. For example, if you’re picking down on one string and need to move to a lower string, you continue with a downstroke. It’s all about minimizing motion.

This technique can be a little tricky to get used to, as it combines elements of both alternate and sweep picking. Start with simple three-note-per-string scales and practice moving across the strings using economy picking. As always, a metronome will help you stay in time and highlight areas that need attention.

Sweep Picking Without the Slop

Ah, sweep picking—it’s the hallmark of many a shredder’s arsenal. This technique involves sweeping the pick across multiple strings in a single, fluid motion, typically while playing arpeggios. It’s a bit like strumming, but your fretting hand needs to be spot on to avoid sounding messy.

Start with simple three-string arpeggios. Focus on making each note distinct. Your fretting hand should lift each finger slightly after it plays each note to avoid overlapping sound. It’s a tricky dance, but when done right, it sounds incredible.

For more in-depth guidance, Riffhard features lessons by guitarists like Dean Lamb of Archspire, who are masters of sweep picking. They break down complex sweeps into understandable parts, making it much easier to grasp.

Legato Licks: Smooth and Fast

Legato playing is all about creating a smooth, flowing sound, using hammer-ons and pull-offs instead of picking each note. It’s essential for playing fast runs without the harshness that can come from excessive picking.

To practice legato, start with basic scales. Pick the first note, then use hammer-ons and pull-offs for the rest. Keep your fretting hand relaxed to maintain speed and clarity. Legato can be physically demanding, so it’s important to build up gradually to avoid straining your fingers.

Tapping Into Tapping

Remember Eddie Van Halen’s iconic solo in “Eruption”? That’s tapping—using one hand to fret notes and the other to tap on the fretboard. It’s a fun, flashy technique that sounds way harder than it is once you get the hang of it.

Begin with simple patterns. Use your picking hand’s index or middle finger to tap on the fretboard, while your fretting hand does its usual thing. A great way to start is by tapping on a note that’s higher than the one you’re fretting. This creates a cascading effect that sounds super slick.

If you’re looking to refine your tapping skills, lessons from Riffhard can be invaluable. They have tutorials from some of the best in the business, like Jason Richardson, who really know how to make tapping sound effortless.

String Skipping for Dynamics

String skipping is a technique that adds a dramatic flair to your playing by skipping over strings. It can create wide interval jumps that sound fresh and exciting compared to linear runs.

Try practicing scales or arpeggios but skip over a string in the sequence. For example, play a note on the low E string, skip the A string, and play the next note on the D string. It feels awkward at first, but it forces your picking hand to become more precise.

Using Backing Tracks for Practice

Practicing shredding doesn’t mean you should always go it alone. Using backing tracks can simulate playing with a band, which is not only more fun but also helps with timing and improvisation.

You can find an array of backing tracks online, or even record your own rhythm parts to play over. It’s a great way to apply what you’ve learned in a musical context. Plus, it can help with developing your ear and understanding how your licks fit into different chord progressions.

Final Thoughts

Shredding on an electric guitar isn’t just about speed, it’s about control, precision, and musicality. Each of these techniques contributes to a well-rounded skill set that can elevate your playing. And if you’re looking to take your skills to the next level, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the world’s best modern metal guitarists. Their insights and guidance can help you tackle these techniques with confidence and style.