The BEST Way to Learn Black Metal Guitar

Black metal guitar isn’t just about speed or aggression, it’s a journey into a soundscape that blends raw power with haunting melodies. If you’re ready to dive into the abyss of tremolo picking and atmospheric riffs, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the best ways to learn black metal guitar, transforming your playing into something truly dark and captivating.

The Heart of Black Metal: Embracing Tremolo Picking

Tremolo picking is the lifeblood of black metal. It’s what gives the genre that relentless, driving force. But how do you get started with this technique? It’s all about precision and consistency.

• Start Slow: Like everything else in guitar, start slow and gradually increase your speed. Use a metronome to keep your timing tight.
• Pick Angle: The angle of your pick affects your tone and speed. Experiment with different angles to see what feels comfortable and sounds best.
• Alternate Picking: Make sure you’re using alternate picking (down-up-down-up) to maintain a smooth and efficient motion.

One way to hone your tremolo picking is by practicing songs from your favorite black metal bands. For example, pieces by Mayhem or Emperor are great for getting that speed and fluidity. And if you’re looking for hands-on guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists who can help refine your technique.

Crafting Atmosphere with Chords

Black metal isn’t just about speed, it’s also about creating an atmosphere. This means using chords that evoke a sense of desolation and darkness.

• Power Chords: These are your bread and butter. But instead of the usual major and minor chords, try using diminished and augmented chords for a more haunting sound.
• Open Strings: Incorporating open strings into your chord progressions can create a fuller, more resonant sound.
• Dissonance: Don’t shy away from dissonant chords. They’re perfect for building tension and unease in your music.

Experimenting with different chord voicings can lead to unique and interesting sounds. If you’re unsure where to start, listening to bands like Darkthrone can give you an idea of how to achieve that quintessential black metal sound.

Rhythm: Precision in Chaos

Rhythmic complexity is another hallmark of black metal. It’s not just about playing fast, it’s about playing accurately.

• Metronome Practice: Use a metronome religiously. It’s your best friend when it comes to nailing those complex rhythms.
• Syncopation: Play around with syncopated rhythms to add variety and intrigue to your riffs.
• Odd Time Signatures: Black metal often uses odd time signatures to create a sense of unpredictability. Try incorporating 7/8 or 5/4 into your playing.

If you want to dive deeper into rhythmic techniques, Riffhard has a wealth of resources to help you master timing and rhythm in your playing.

Scales and Modes: Beyond the Pentatonic

While the pentatonic scale is a staple in many genres, black metal often calls for a different approach.

• Minor Scales: The natural minor scale is a good starting point, but don’t stop there.
• Harmonic Minor and Phrygian Dominant: These scales give you that exotic, eerie sound that’s perfect for black metal.
• Whole Tone and Diminished Scales: These scales can add a sense of otherworldliness to your solos and riffs.

Experiment with these scales to see how they fit into your playing. You might find that a certain mode or scale really resonates with the sound you’re trying to achieve.

Developing Speed: It’s Not Just a Race

Speed is crucial, but it’s not everything. Developing speed should be a gradual process that focuses on precision and cleanliness.

• Clean Technique: Practice slowly and ensure every note is clear and articulate before speeding up.
• Daily Drills: Incorporate speed drills into your daily practice routine. This could be a simple chromatic exercise or a series of scales.
• Relaxation: Tension is the enemy of speed. Stay relaxed and avoid unnecessary muscle strain.

Remember, speed will come with time and practice. Be patient and persistent. And for step-by-step lessons on improving your speed, you might want to check out what Riffhard offers from seasoned players.

Songwriting: Building Your Own Black Metal Tracks

Once you’ve got the technical skills, it’s time to put them to use by writing your own music. Songwriting in black metal involves blending atmosphere with aggression.

• Theme and Mood: Decide on the theme and mood of your song. Is it dark and brooding, or fast and aggressive?
• Structure: Black metal songs often break away from traditional verse-chorus structures. Feel free to experiment with different arrangements.
• Layering: Use multiple guitar tracks to build a wall of sound. Layer different parts to create depth and texture.

Listening to a variety of black metal bands can provide inspiration and new ideas for your compositions. Bands like Burzum or Watain can show you how to create a compelling narrative through music.

Gear: Crafting the Sound

Your gear plays a significant role in achieving the black metal sound. It’s not just about the guitar, it’s about the entire signal chain.

• Guitar and Pickups: High-output pickups can help achieve that aggressive sound. Don’t worry about brand names as much as the sound they produce.
• Amp Settings: Dial in a sound with plenty of gain, but not so much that it becomes a wall of noise. Clarity and definition are key.
• Pedals: Consider using effects like reverb and delay to add atmosphere. A noise gate can also help tame unwanted noise.

Experiment with your gear to find a tone that suits your style. Remember, what works for one player might not work for another, so trust your ear and personal preference.

Influences: Learning from the Greats

Studying the work of established black metal guitarists can be incredibly beneficial. Learn from the masters, and apply those lessons to your playing.

• Listening: Regularly listen to black metal albums and pay attention to the guitar work. Bands like Immortal and Bathory are must-listens.
• Transcription: Transcribing songs can help you understand the nuances of black metal guitar. Write down the tabs and analyze the structure and techniques used.
• Live Performances: If possible, watch live performances or recorded concerts. Seeing how a band performs live can provide insight into their technique and stage presence.

If you’re looking to learn directly from some of the genre’s top players, Riffhard has lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists who can offer invaluable insights and tips.

Community: Connect and Grow

Being part of a community can greatly enhance your learning experience. Connect with other black metal enthusiasts to share ideas and get feedback.

• Online Forums: Join forums or social media groups dedicated to black metal. These communities are full of like-minded individuals eager to share knowledge and experiences.
• Local Scene: Attend local gigs and meet fellow musicians. Networking can open doors to collaborations and new opportunities.
• Collaboration: Collaborating with other musicians can inspire new ideas and push you to improve your skills.

Engaging with a community can keep you motivated and inspired, ensuring you continue to grow as a musician.

Final Thoughts

Diving into black metal guitar is an exciting journey filled with unique challenges and rewards. Whether you’re shredding your way through tremolo-picked riffs or crafting haunting atmospheres, remember that progress takes time and dedication. If you’re looking for expert guidance along the way, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the world’s finest metal guitarists, complete with video tutorials and practical exercises to help you master the art of black metal guitar.