How to Get Faster Fingers on the Guitar

Every guitarist dreams of playing with lightning speed, effortlessly ripping through scales and solos that leave listeners in awe. But achieving those fast fingers isn’t just about raw talent; it’s a mix of technique, practice, and a little patience. Let’s explore how you can boost your finger speed and make those intricate metal riffs and solos a reality.

Understanding Finger Speed

Before we start on the journey to faster fingers, it’s important to understand what we mean by “finger speed.” It’s not just about moving your fingers quickly across the fretboard; it’s about precision, control, and fluidity. Fast fingers don’t just mean rapid movement, but also executing notes cleanly and accurately.

In the world of metal guitar, speed is often associated with shredding solos, rapid riffs, and complex arpeggios. But speed without clarity can lead to a muddy sound that lacks the punch and precision metal demands. This is why developing finger speed is as much about technique as it is about tempo.

Warm-Up and Stretching Exercises

Just like athletes, guitarists need to warm up and stretch. This can prevent injuries and increase the flexibility and response time of your fingers. Here’s a simple routine to get you started:

• Finger Stretches: Gently stretch your fingers apart and hold for a few seconds. Do this several times to improve flexibility.
• Wrist Rotations: Rotate your wrists slowly in both directions to loosen them up.
• Basic Chromatic Exercise: Play a chromatic scale starting from the low E string and work your way up. Use alternate picking and start slowly, gradually increasing speed.

These exercises might seem basic, but they’re crucial for warming up your muscles and tendons, preparing them for more intense practice sessions.

Metronome: Your New Best Friend

Speed without timing is like a car without brakes. A metronome is an invaluable tool for any guitarist aiming to enhance their finger speed. It helps you stay on tempo and gradually increase your playing speed.

Here’s how you can effectively use a metronome:

• Start Slow: Begin with a tempo you can comfortably play without mistakes.
• Gradual Increase: Raise the tempo in small increments, ensuring you maintain accuracy.
• Consistency is Key: Practice regularly with a metronome to develop a solid sense of timing.

At Riffhard, we offer a custom metronome designed specifically for guitar practice, helping you lock in your timing with precision.

Developing Finger Independence

Often, speed is hindered not by a lack of dexterity but by a lack of finger independence. Each finger must be able to move independently to play quickly and accurately. One effective exercise is the “spider walk.”

Here’s how to do it:

• Place your fingers on the first four frets of the low E string.
• Play each note in sequence, moving from one string to the next, maintaining a steady tempo.
• Focus on clean transitions and maintaining an even volume for each note.

This exercise might feel awkward at first, but it’s excellent for building coordination and independence between your fingers.

Picking Techniques for Speed

Your picking hand plays a crucial role in your overall speed. Efficient picking techniques can make a significant difference in how fast and clear your playing sounds. Let’s look at a few techniques:

• Alternate Picking: This involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes. It’s a staple for fast playing and helps maintain a balanced sound.
• Economy Picking: This technique combines alternate picking and sweep picking, minimizing hand motion for increased speed.
• Sweep Picking: Used for playing arpeggios at high speed, this technique involves a smooth, sweeping motion across multiple strings.

For those looking to refine their picking technique, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists, focusing on rhythm and lead guitar techniques.

Practice with Purpose

Mindless practice is rarely effective. To see real progress, practice with specific goals in mind. Set small, achievable targets for each session, focusing on areas that need improvement.

Consider these tips for purposeful practice:

• Focus on Problem Areas: Identify the licks or techniques that challenge you the most and dedicate time to them.
• Use a Practice Log: Keep track of your practice sessions, noting what you worked on and your progress.
• Break Down Complex Passages: Split challenging pieces into smaller sections and tackle them individually.

Purposeful practice not only helps improve speed but also enhances your overall playing ability.

Incorporating Speed Drills

Speed drills are exercises specifically designed to increase your playing speed. They focus on building muscle memory, agility, and finger strength. Here’s a popular speed drill to try:

Play a series of ascending and descending scales across the fretboard, starting slowly and gradually increasing the tempo. Focus on clarity and precision, ensuring each note rings true.

Speed drills are a staple in the practice routines of many accomplished guitarists and can be customized to suit your skill level and musical preferences.

Staying Relaxed While Playing

Tension is the enemy of speed. When you’re tense, your muscles are less flexible, which can slow you down and lead to injury. It’s crucial to stay relaxed, especially when playing fast passages.

Here are some tips to help you stay relaxed:

• Breathe: Don’t hold your breath. Keep your breathing steady and natural.
• Check Your Posture: Ensure you’re sitting or standing comfortably, with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
• Take Breaks: If you feel tension building up, take a short break to stretch and relax before continuing.

Staying relaxed not only helps with speed but also improves your overall playing experience, making it more enjoyable and sustainable in the long run.

Learning from the Best

One of the best ways to improve your guitar skills is to learn from those who have mastered them. At Riffhard, we offer access to lessons from some of the most respected metal guitarists in the world. From rhythm techniques to lead guitar tricks, we have a wide range of lessons that can help you achieve your guitar goals.

By learning from experienced guitarists, you can gain insights into their practice routines, techniques, and even their mindset, helping you to develop your own unique style and speed.

Final Thoughts

Boosting your finger speed on the guitar is a journey that combines practice, patience, and the right techniques. By incorporating the tips and exercises outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to playing faster and more fluently. At Riffhard, we’re here to support you with lessons from top metal guitarists, helping you refine your skills and achieve your musical aspirations. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the process.