How to Become an Intermediate Guitar Player

So, you’ve tackled the basics of guitar playing and you’re ready to level up. Becoming an intermediate guitar player is an exciting and rewarding journey. You’ll start to feel more confident, tackle more complex pieces, and maybe even start experimenting with your own sound. Let’s break down what it takes to reach this next stage in your guitar playing adventure.

Building a Solid Practice Routine

One of the most overlooked aspects of progressing on the guitar is establishing a consistent practice routine. It’s like exercising; if you want results, you’ve got to stick with it. Now, I’m not saying you need to play for hours every day. Even 30 minutes of focused practice can work wonders if you’re consistent.

Here’s a simple structure to follow:

• Warm-Up: Spend 5-10 minutes doing finger exercises. This can include chromatic scales or simple finger stretches to get your hands ready.
• Technique Practice: Dedicate 10-15 minutes to techniques you’re working on, like alternate picking or legato. Focus on accuracy before speed.
• Song Work: Use 10-15 minutes to work on a specific piece or riff. This keeps practice enjoyable and goal-oriented.
• Cool-Down: End with something fun. Play a song you love or improvise. It’s important to remind yourself why you love playing guitar.

Consistency and focus during practice can significantly speed up your progress. To make things even more efficient, consider using Riffhard for structured lessons and a custom metronome to keep you on track.

Understanding Music Theory

Let’s talk music theory. I know, it sounds daunting, but trust me, it’s incredibly useful. Understanding basic theory will help you make sense of what you’re playing and why it sounds good (or not so good). It’s like learning the grammar of music.

Start with these fundamentals:

• Scales: Get familiar with major and minor scales. These are the building blocks of music.
• Chords: Learn how chords are constructed and how they relate to scales. This will help you understand chord progressions.
• Intervals: Understand the distance between notes. This concept will help with both melody and harmony.

Once you’ve got a handle on these, you’ll start to see patterns in songs and riffs. And who knows? You might even start creating your own music! At Riffhard, we cover music theory in a way that’s tailored to metal and modern genres, making it more relatable and fun.

Improving Technique and Speed

As you move into intermediate territory, refining your technique and increasing your speed become essential. This isn’t just about playing fast; it’s about playing clean and precisely.

Here’s how to improve:

• Metronome Use: Practice with a metronome. It helps with timing and gradually building speed without sacrificing accuracy.
• Focus on Finger Independence: Exercises that isolate finger movements can help build dexterity and strength.
• String Skipping and Economy of Motion: Minimize unnecessary movement. This will naturally increase speed and accuracy.

For those tricky metal techniques, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists. Their insights can help you achieve the speed and precision needed for complex riffs and solos.

Developing Your Ear

Ear training might not sound as exciting as shredding a solo, but it’s crucial for any intermediate player. It’s about recognizing pitches, intervals, and chord progressions by ear, which is invaluable for improvisation and learning songs by ear.

Here are some ways to improve your ear:

• Interval Training: Use apps or online resources to practice recognizing intervals.
• Transcribe Music: Listen to songs and try to play them by ear. Start with simple melodies and work your way up.
• Sing What You Play: This might sound funny, but singing the notes you play helps reinforce your ear training.

Developing a good ear takes time, but it’s one of the most rewarding skills you can cultivate. It will make you more versatile and confident in your playing.

Experimenting with Different Styles

Sticking to one genre is comfortable, but stepping out of your comfort zone can really help your growth. Trying out different styles can introduce you to new techniques and sounds, ultimately making you a more well-rounded guitarist.

Here’s how to branch out:

• Try New Genres: Whether it’s jazz, blues, or classical, each style has unique elements that can enrich your playing.
• Incorporate New Techniques: Fingerstyle, tapping, or slide guitar can add new dimensions to your playing.
• Collaborate: Play with musicians who specialize in other genres. It’s a great way to learn and get inspired.

Exploring different styles will also help you develop your unique sound. Plus, it’s fun to see how elements from other genres can be incorporated into metal or whatever style you love most.

Understanding Gear and Tone

Your guitar and gear can have a huge impact on your sound. As you progress, understanding how to get the tone you want becomes more important.

Consider these aspects:

• Guitar Setup: Make sure your guitar is set up properly—action, intonation, and string gauge all affect playability and sound.
• Effects and Amp Settings: Experiment with pedals and amp settings to find your signature tone.
• Recording Gear: If you’re getting into home recording, knowing how to mic an amp or use direct inputs will be valuable.

At Riffhard, we delve into gear setups used by top metal guitarists. Learning from their experiences can help you achieve the tone you’ve been chasing.

Playing with Others

Playing with other musicians is one of the best ways to grow as a guitarist. It pushes you to listen, adapt, and communicate musically.

Here’s how to get started:

• Join a Band: Whether it’s a casual jam or a serious project, playing with others is incredibly rewarding.
• Jam Sessions: Attend local open mic nights or jam sessions. It’s a great way to meet other musicians and improve your improvisation skills.
• Online Collaboration: Platforms like BandLab or collaborating over Zoom can connect you with musicians worldwide.

Playing with others can open up new musical opportunities and help you put your skills into practice in a real-world setting.

Setting Goals and Tracking Progress

Without goals, it’s easy to feel lost or stagnant in your guitar journey. Setting clear, achievable goals can keep you motivated and on track.

Here’s how to set effective goals:

• Be Specific: Instead of saying “I want to get better,” aim for something like “I want to learn this song within two weeks.”
• Track Your Progress: Keep a practice journal. Write down what you practice, any breakthroughs, and areas you need to work on.
• Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge when you reach a goal. It’s important to recognize your progress and stay motivated.

Goal setting not only gives you direction but also allows you to see how far you’ve come, which is incredibly satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an intermediate guitar player is all about consistency, exploration, and growth. By establishing a solid practice routine, diving into music theory, improving your technique, and setting achievable goals, you’re well on your way to the next level. Remember, learning guitar is a journey, and every step forward is a victory. Our Riffhard lessons can be a great resource to help you progress faster with guidance from some of the best metal guitarists in the world.