How to Skank on a Guitar

Skanking on a guitar might sound like a thing reserved for ska bands, but it’s actually a versatile technique that can spice up your playing in many genres, including metal. If you’ve ever watched a guitarist strum with a percussive, rhythmic flair, you’ve seen skanking in action. Think of it as injecting a bit of that upbeat energy into your riffs, making your playing not only sound tighter but also more engaging. Here's how you can incorporate skanking into your guitar playing to add some extra groove to your riffs.

What Exactly is Skanking?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clear up what skanking actually means in the context of guitar playing. Originating from ska, skanking involves a rhythmic strumming pattern that's heavily reliant on upstrokes. This gives the music a bouncy feel, perfect for danceable tunes. While ska often features clean tones, you can adapt skanking to fit genres with heavier sounds, like metal, by emphasizing percussive elements and palm muting.

Think of skanking as a rhythmic tool in your arsenal, much like how you might use palm muting or alternate picking. It’s about creating a groove that makes people want to move. And yes, while it’s mostly used in ska, reggae, and punk, it can offer a fresh twist when applied to metal or hard rock.

Why Metal Guitarists Should Care About Skanking

At first glance, skanking might seem worlds apart from the down-tuned riffs and blistering solos of metal. But rhythm is rhythm, and a good guitarist knows how to blend styles to create something unique. Incorporating skanking into metal can enrich your rhythm playing, giving it a new dimension of groove and complexity.

If you listen to bands like System of a Down or even some of the groovier thrash metal bands, you’ll notice elements of ska-like rhythms sneaking in. These rhythms can break up the monotony of constant chugging and inject a dynamic change that keeps the listener engaged. Plus, mastering skanking can improve your timing and coordination, which are essential skills for any guitarist.

Getting the Right Strumming Technique

To start skanking, you need to focus on your strumming hand. The key is to use a loose, relaxed grip on the pick, allowing for fluid movement. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your strumming hand in shape for skanking:

• Grip: Hold your pick with just enough pressure to keep it from flying out of your hand. A tight grip will limit your wrist movement and make your strumming sound stiff.
• Wrist Action: The motion should primarily come from your wrist, not your arm. A flicking motion will give you more control and speed.
• Upstrokes: Focus on making your upstrokes as strong and defined as your downstrokes. In skanking, upstrokes usually carry more weight.
• Muting: Use your palm to mute strings lightly after each strum, creating a percussive effect. This can be crucial when adapting skanking to heavier genres.

Practice these elements slowly until you feel comfortable, gradually increasing the tempo as your coordination improves. Remember, precision is more important than speed at this stage.

Applying Skanking to Metal Riffs

Once you’ve got the basics of skanking down, it's time to weave it into your metal playing. Start by taking a simple riff and adding skank-style strumming. For example, a basic power chord progression can be transformed with rhythmic upstrokes and muting.

Imagine you have a riff that goes from E5 to G5 to A5. Try playing each chord with a skank rhythm: down-up-mute, up-down-mute. You’ll notice the riff takes on a new life, with an energetic bounce that wasn’t there before.

This is where creativity comes into play. Experiment with different chords and rhythms, and don’t be afraid to mix skanking with other techniques like palm muting or syncopated rhythms. The goal is to create a groove that feels both familiar and fresh.

Adding Dynamics and Variation

Dynamics are crucial in music, and skanking is no exception. Varying the intensity and speed of your strumming can keep your playing interesting and dynamic. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Volume Control: Play around with dynamics by strumming some parts softly and others with more intensity. This contrast can add emotional depth to your playing.
• Rhythmic Variation: Break away from constant eighth notes. Try adding triplets or syncopated rhythms to your skanking patterns.
• Layering: If you’re in a band, consider how your skanking parts can complement other instruments. Maybe your rhythm can support a bass groove or interact with the drums in an exciting way.

By playing with dynamics and variations, you make your music more engaging for both you and your audience. It’s these subtle changes that can turn a good riff into a great one.

Practical Exercises to Improve Your Skanking

Just like any other technique, the best way to get better at skanking is through practice. Here are some exercises to get you started:

• Metronome Practice: Start by playing simple skank patterns along with a metronome. Focus on staying in time and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable.
• Rhythm Isolation: Work on isolating the rhythm of your skanking without worrying about chord changes. This helps you focus on the percussive element.
• Chord Variations: Practice skanking with different chord shapes and progressions to build versatility.
• Record Yourself: Listen back to your playing to identify areas for improvement. You might notice timing issues or dynamics that need adjusting.

These exercises are just a starting point. The more you practice, the more natural and intuitive skanking will become. If you’re looking for structured lessons, Riffhard offers a variety of courses that can further refine your skills.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As with any new technique, there are common pitfalls that guitarists might encounter when learning to skank. Being aware of these can help you sidestep frustration and improve more efficiently.

• Overstrumming: One common mistake is hitting the strings too hard, which can lead to a harsh, unbalanced sound. Remember that skanking is more about rhythm than force.
• Ignoring the Upstroke: Many players focus too much on the downstroke, leaving their upstrokes weak and inconsistent. Practice making your upstrokes as precise as your downstrokes.
• Stiff Wrist: A tense wrist can hinder your rhythm and cause fatigue. Keep your wrist relaxed and let it do the work.
• Skipping the Metronome: Skanking is all about timing, and practicing without a metronome can lead to sloppy playing. Make the metronome your best friend.

Avoiding these mistakes can help you fast-track your progress and make skanking a valuable part of your guitar toolkit. And remember, if you need extra guidance, Riffhard has lessons from top metal guitarists who can offer insights into refining your technique.

Incorporating Skanking into Songwriting

Now that you’ve got the hang of skanking, why not try incorporating it into your songwriting? Skanking can add a unique texture to your compositions, making them stand out. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Chorus Energy: Use skanking to give the chorus of a song a more uplifting, energetic feel. The rhythmic strumming can make the section pop.
• Bridge Breakdowns: Introduce skanking in the bridge to break away from heavier sections and create contrast.
• Layering with Other Instruments: If you’re in a band, see how skanking fits with bass lines or drum rhythms to create a more cohesive sound.
• Genre Blending: Experiment with skanking in different genres, like using it in a metal context for a fresh twist.

By integrating skanking into your songwriting, you not only diversify your sound but also engage listeners in new ways. Plus, it’s a fun way to explore the versatility of your guitar playing.

How Riffhard Can Help You Learn Skanking

While this guide gives you a solid foundation in skanking, nothing beats learning from the pros. At Riffhard, we provide lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists, covering a wide range of techniques, including rhythm and lead guitar. Our interactive lessons, complete with downloadable tabs and Guitar Pro files, allow you to learn at your own pace.

Whether you’re looking to master skanking or explore other guitar techniques, Riffhard offers a plethora of resources to fit your needs. Our unique lesson plans and expert instructors can help you refine your skills and take your guitar playing to the next level.

Final Thoughts

Skanking on a guitar is more than just a ska staple—it’s a versatile technique that can inject energy and rhythm into your playing, even in metal. By understanding the basics and incorporating them into your practice, you can add a new layer of groove to your riffs. And if you need more guidance, Riffhard is here to help with lessons from some of the best metal guitarists around. Happy shredding!