How to Speed Up Guitar Playing

Gaining speed on the guitar isn't just about playing faster. It's about precise technique, control, and the ability to express yourself with clarity and power. Whether you're shredding a death metal solo or nailing a thrash metal riff, speed can elevate your playing to a whole new level. Let's explore practical steps and insights to boost your guitar speed while keeping your playing clean and tight.

Building a Solid Foundation: Finger Dexterity and Strength

Before you can sprint, you need to learn how to walk. The same principle applies to guitar playing. Finger dexterity and strength are crucial for fast playing, and developing them requires patience and consistent practice. Think of your fingers as athletes; they need to be conditioned and ready for action.

Start with basic exercises that focus on building strength in your fretting hand. A simple exercise is the chromatic scale, which involves playing each note on a string in sequence. This exercise not only strengthens your fingers but also improves coordination:

• Place your index finger on the first fret of the low E string, then play the second, third, and fourth frets with your middle, ring, and pinky fingers, respectively.
• Move to the A string and repeat the pattern.
• Continue this pattern up and down the neck.

Incorporate these exercises into your daily routine. Over time, you'll notice increased flexibility and strength in your fingers. If you're looking for structured guidance, Riffhard offers a wealth of lessons from top metal guitarists focused on these foundational skills.

Picking Technique: Precision Over Speed

Speed comes naturally when you focus on precision. If your picking technique is sloppy, your fast playing will sound muddled. Many guitarists underestimate the importance of a precise and efficient picking technique.

Start by examining your pick grip. Hold the pick loosely yet firmly, allowing for smooth movement. Experiment with different pick angles and grips to find what feels most comfortable. A common mistake is holding the pick too tightly, which reduces speed and fluidity.

Once you're comfortable with your grip, practice alternate picking. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. It's foundational for fast playing across all strings. Here's a straightforward exercise to practice:

• Select a simple riff or scale to play.
• Use a metronome set to a slow tempo to maintain consistent timing.
• Focus on even and controlled picking as you alternate between down and upstrokes.
• Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.

Consider checking out Riffhard for lessons on mastering alternate picking from renowned metal guitarists.

Metronome: Your Best Friend

A metronome is an invaluable tool for developing speed and precision. It helps you maintain a consistent tempo, which is crucial when working on speed. Many players neglect metronome practice, opting instead to play at whatever speed feels comfortable. But comfort won't get you to where you want to be.

Here's how to incorporate a metronome into your practice:

• Start by setting the metronome to a slow tempo where you can play comfortably and accurately.
• Focus on playing each note cleanly and in time with the beat.
• Gradually increase the tempo in small increments, making sure not to sacrifice clarity for speed.

By consistently practicing with a metronome, you'll develop a strong sense of timing, which is essential for fast playing. If you're looking for a metronome tailored specifically for guitar practice, Riffhard offers a custom metronome designed to help you enhance your technique.

Economy of Motion: Less Is More

When it comes to speed, efficiency is everything. Economy of motion is about minimizing unnecessary movement in both your picking and fretting hands. The less your hands move, the faster and more accurately you can play.

Let's focus on your picking hand first. Pay attention to the path your pick takes. Is it making large, sweeping motions? If so, try to reduce the range of motion. Aim for small, controlled movements that focus on the strings you need to play.

Now, for your fretting hand, ensure each finger is positioned close to the strings. Avoid lifting your fingers too far off the fretboard, as this wastes time and energy. Practice playing scales slowly, focusing on finger placement and minimizing movement. This will help you develop a more efficient playing style.

Remember, it's not just about playing faster; it's about playing smarter. At Riffhard, we have lessons that delve into the details of efficient playing techniques, helping you achieve speed without sacrificing precision.

Developing Speed with Scales and Arpeggios

Scales and arpeggios are excellent tools for building speed. They provide a structured framework that challenges both your picking and fretting hands. By practicing scales and arpeggios regularly, you'll develop fluidity and coordination, essential for fast playing.

Start with the major and minor scales. These scales are the building blocks of most music and can be played in various positions across the neck. As you practice, focus on maintaining a steady tempo and clean note articulation.

Arpeggios, on the other hand, involve playing the notes of a chord in sequence. They require precise finger placement and picking technique. Begin with simple major and minor arpeggios, gradually increasing complexity as you become more comfortable.

For those looking for structured guidance, Riffhard offers lessons on scales and arpeggios tailored for metal guitarists, helping you develop speed and precision in your playing.

Practicing with Purpose: Quality Over Quantity

It's easy to get caught up in the idea that more practice equals better playing. However, it's essential to practice with purpose and focus on quality over quantity. Mindless repetition won't lead to improvement.

Set specific goals for each practice session. Whether it's mastering a particular riff or increasing your speed by a few BPM, having clear objectives keeps your practice focused and productive.

Break your practice into smaller, manageable chunks. For example, dedicate 10-15 minutes to finger exercises, another 10-15 minutes to scale practice, and so on. This approach keeps your practice varied and engaging, preventing burnout.

Remember, consistency is key. Regular, focused practice will yield better results than sporadic, lengthy sessions. If you're looking for structured practice plans, Riffhard offers curated lesson plans to help you achieve your goals efficiently.

Listening and Analyzing: Learn from the Masters

One of the best ways to improve your speed and technique is by learning from those who've mastered it. Listen to recordings of your favorite metal guitarists and analyze their playing. Pay attention to their picking technique, finger placement, and use of dynamics.

Try to replicate their playing style in your practice. Start by learning simpler songs, gradually working your way up to more complex pieces. This approach not only improves your speed but also broadens your musical vocabulary.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists, providing insights into their techniques and approaches. Learning from the masters can significantly enhance your playing.

Staying Relaxed: Importance of Relaxation

Tension is the enemy of speed. When you're tense, your muscles work against you, making it difficult to play quickly and accurately. Developing speed requires a relaxed, fluid playing style.

Pay attention to your body while you play. Are your shoulders tense? Is your grip on the pick too tight? These are signs of tension that can hinder your playing. Take breaks during practice to stretch and relax your muscles.

Practicing at a slower tempo can also help you stay relaxed. Focus on maintaining a comfortable posture and playing with minimal tension. As you increase speed, make sure to keep this relaxed state.

Relaxation techniques can also be beneficial. Deep breathing or mindfulness exercises can help you stay calm and focused during practice. Remember, playing fast isn't just about physical skill; it's also about mental preparation.

Final Thoughts

Speed is a journey, not a destination. It's about developing precision, control, and musicality. With consistent practice focused on the techniques mentioned, you'll gradually see improvement in your speed and overall playing. For those seeking structured guidance and lessons from top metal guitarists, Riffhard is here to support your journey with expert lessons and resources.