How to Play Guitar with Numbers

Guitar tablature is a great tool for beginners and seasoned players alike. But have you ever heard of guitar numbers? It’s a different way of learning that can be incredibly intuitive. Instead of relying on traditional musical notation or even tabs, guitar numbers use, well, numbers to teach you where to place your fingers on the fretboard. Here’s how this method works and how it can make your metal guitar journey a bit smoother.

Why Use Guitar Numbers?

The first question on your mind might be, why even bother with guitar numbers when tabs work just fine? The answer lies in simplicity and accessibility. Guitar numbers offer a quick way to understand fret positions without having to decipher complex tablature or sheet music. This can be a lifesaver when you're trying to learn a new riff or solo quickly.

• Simplicity: Numbers are universal. You don’t need to learn how to read musical notation or tabs.
• Speed: You can learn new pieces faster because you’re focusing on numbers rather than symbols.
• Accessibility: This method can be easier for those who might struggle with traditional notation.

That said, don't completely ditch tabs or sheet music. Each method has its strengths, and using them together can make you a more versatile guitarist. But if you're in a pinch or want to try something new, numbers can be your go-to method.

The Basics of Guitar Numbers

So how do guitar numbers work? It’s pretty straightforward. Each string on the guitar is assigned a number from 1 to 6, starting from the bottom (thinnest) string. The frets are numbered from 0 (open string) upwards. If you’re playing a note on the second fret of the first string, you’d see it represented simply as 1-2.

• 1-0: Open E string (thinnest).
• 2-3: Third fret of the B string.
• 3-5: Fifth fret of the G string.

It’s a minimalist approach, but the beauty lies in its simplicity. You focus solely on which string and which fret, nothing more. This can be particularly helpful in fast-paced metal solos where every second counts.

Using Guitar Numbers in Metal Genres

Metal guitar, with its rapid riffs and intricate solos, benefits greatly from the guitar numbers method. Imagine you’re learning a fast-paced thrash metal riff. Instead of stopping to interpret complex tabs, you can quickly glance at the numbers and play along.

Let’s say you’re learning a classic thrash riff. Your numbers might look like this:

6-0 6-3 6-5 6-7
5-5 5-7 5-8

It’s a straight shot from the low E string to the A string, telling you exactly where to position your fingers. This straightforward approach keeps your mind focused on playing rather than deciphering.

Advanced Techniques with Guitar Numbers

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can use guitar numbers to tackle more advanced techniques like sweep picking or alternate picking. These techniques are crucial in metal subgenres like death metal and djent, where precision is key.

For instance, a sweep picking pattern could be represented like this:

3-5 2-4 1-3 2-6 3-7

Each number and string gives you a roadmap to execute those fluid, arpeggiated runs. It’s almost like a cheat sheet for your fingers, letting you focus on the technique rather than the notes.

Practicing with Guitar Numbers

Practicing using guitar numbers can sharpen your skills in a unique way. Start with simple scales or riffs, gradually increasing the complexity as you become more familiar with the numbers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to practicing effectively:

• Begin with Scales: Use guitar numbers to play major or minor scales. Focus on clean, accurate play.
• Move to Riffs: Choose a simple riff and write it out using numbers. Practice until you can play it smoothly.
• Experiment with Solos: Pick a solo you love and convert it to numbers. This exercise enhances your ability to visualize and play quickly.

Riffhard offers lessons that can help you apply these numbers to complex metal techniques, making practice both efficient and fun.

Combining Guitar Numbers with Other Methods

While guitar numbers are a fantastic tool, integrating them with traditional tabs or sheet music can expand your musical vocabulary. Use numbers for fast learning and tabs for detailed understanding of dynamics and rhythms. This combined approach provides a well-rounded learning experience.

Consider guitar numbers as a stepping stone, a way to quickly get your fingers moving. Once you’re comfortable, dive deeper into the nuances with tabs or sheet music. This method not only speeds up your learning process but also enhances your musical depth.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Like any learning method, using guitar numbers can come with its pitfalls. It’s easy to misread numbers or strings, especially when you’re just starting. Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes:

• Double-Check Strings: It’s essential to ensure you’re on the right string, especially in fast passages.
• Watch Your Timing: Numbers don’t convey rhythm, so pay attention to the timing of your notes.
• Practice Slowly: Speed will come, but accuracy is more important initially. Start slow and build up.

By recognizing these potential slip-ups, you can fine-tune your practice sessions. This method is all about clarity and precision, so take your time to get it right.

Real-Life Application: Learning Your Favorite Metal Riff

Let’s put this method into practice with a real-life example. Say you want to learn the main riff from Metallica’s “Master of Puppets.” Using guitar numbers, you’d lay it out as follows:

6-0 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-3
5-5 5-3 6-0

By breaking it down into numbers, you can tackle this iconic riff with ease. Focus on clean execution and proper timing to capture the riff's aggressive energy.

If you're looking to dig deeper, Riffhard has lessons tailored to learning metal riffs, complete with video guidance from some of the genre's leading guitarists.

Troubleshooting: When Guitar Numbers Don't Work

There might be times when guitar numbers just don’t cut it. Perhaps the riff is too complex, or the timing is confusing. Don't worry; there are ways to troubleshoot:

• Switch to Tabs: Sometimes, a tab can provide the detail you need, especially with intricate timing or techniques.
• Listen Closely: Use your ear to guide you. Listening to the song can help you match the rhythm and feel.
• Slow It Down: Use a metronome to slow the piece down. Master it at a comfortable speed before ramping up.

It's about finding what works for you. Guitar numbers are a tool in your arsenal, but they're not the only one. Don’t be afraid to mix and match methods to suit your learning style.

Final Thoughts

Guitar numbers offer a fresh and efficient way to learn your favorite riffs and solos, especially in the fast-paced world of metal. They provide a straightforward method for quickly getting your fingers in the right positions. For more in-depth lessons, Riffhard is a fantastic resource, offering lessons from top metal guitarists to help you hone your skills. Embrace this method as part of your learning journey, and watch your playing improve.