How to Learn Guitar Online

Learning guitar online has never been more accessible or exciting, especially for those diving into the electrifying world of metal. Whether you're into the thunderous riffs of thrash, the intricate melodies of progressive metal, or the bone-crushing breakdowns of metalcore, the internet offers a treasure trove of resources to hone your skills. In this guide, we'll explore everything from selecting the right gear to mastering specific techniques, ensuring your journey to becoming a guitar hero is as smooth as a perfectly executed power chord.

Picking the Right Gear for Metal

Before you can unleash your inner metal god, you've got to have the right gear. Choosing the perfect guitar and amp setup is like finding the right weapon before heading into battle. You need something that feels just right and sounds even better.

Guitar Selection

Your guitar is your voice in the world of metal, so picking one that suits your style is crucial. Here are some things to consider:

• Pickups: Look for guitars with high-output pickups, often humbuckers, which are ideal for the heavy sounds of metal.
• Neck Profile: A thin, fast neck can make shredding and fast riffing more comfortable.
• Body Style: While aesthetics matter, body style can also affect comfort and playability. Common choices include superstrat shapes for their ergonomic design.

Amp Choice

Your amp is just as important as your guitar. It shapes your overall sound.

• High Gain: Metal music demands amps with high-gain capabilities for those crushing, distorted tones.
• EQ Flexibility: Look for amps with a wide range of EQ options to dial in your perfect sound.
• Tube vs. Solid-State: Tube amps are often preferred for their warm, dynamic response, but solid-state amps can offer great value and reliability.

Once you've got your gear sorted, it's time to plug in and start playing. And remember, the right setup can make a world of difference in your tone and technique.

Understanding Online Learning Platforms

With the right gear in hand, the next step is finding the best online resources to guide your learning journey. The internet is flooded with options, each offering a unique approach to teaching guitar. Let's break down some of the places you might explore.

YouTube Tutorials

YouTube is a goldmine for guitarists. You can find free tutorials ranging from beginner basics to advanced techniques. However, the quality can vary, and it may take some searching to find instructors who resonate with you.

Online Courses

Structured courses offer a more organized approach to learning. Platforms like Coursera or Udemy have courses tailored to different skill levels, often taught by experienced musicians.

Dedicated Guitar Websites

Websites like Riffhard focus specifically on metal guitar. With lessons from some of the world's most respected metal guitarists, you'll find a wealth of knowledge tailored to your genre of choice. This can be particularly beneficial if you're looking for specialized instruction that goes beyond the basics.

Each platform has its pros and cons, so it's worth exploring a few to see what works best for your learning style and goals.

The Importance of Technique

Now that you've got your gear and resources, let's talk technique. Mastering the fundamentals is like building a sturdy foundation for a skyscraper. Without it, everything else crumbles.

Picking Techniques

Whether it's alternate picking, downpicking, or economy picking, each technique serves a purpose in metal guitar.

• Alternate Picking: This technique involves alternating between down and up strokes. It's essential for fast, precise playing.
• Downpicking: Often used in thrash metal, downpicking delivers a powerful, aggressive sound. It requires endurance and control.
• Economy Picking: A more advanced technique that combines elements of alternate and sweep picking, allowing for smoother transitions between strings.

Fretting Hand Techniques

Your fretting hand is responsible for articulation and expression.

• Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: These techniques add fluidity and speed to your playing.
• Bending and Vibrato: Essential for emotive solos and adding character to your playing.
• Legato: Smooth, connected playing that relies heavily on hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Developing solid techniques takes time and practice, but it's what separates a good guitarist from a great one. Consider using resources like Riffhard to access lessons that break down these techniques in detail, helping you progress faster and more efficiently.

Practicing with Purpose

Practice is the bridge between knowing and doing. But not all practice is created equal. Practicing with purpose means focusing on specific goals and methods to improve efficiently.

Structured Practice Routine

Creating a routine can help you make the most of your practice time.

• Warm-Up Exercises: Start with finger exercises to get your hands ready for more intensive playing.
• Technique Drills: Spend time on picking and fretting exercises to build speed and accuracy.
• Repertoire Building: Work on learning new songs or riffs to apply your skills in a musical context.

Using a Metronome

A metronome is an invaluable tool for developing timing and precision. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as your proficiency improves.

Tracking Progress

Keep a practice journal to track your goals, what you've practiced, and any breakthroughs or challenges. This can help you stay motivated and focused on improvement.

For those looking for a structured approach, Riffhard offers curated lesson plans and a custom metronome designed for guitar practice, taking the guesswork out of creating an effective routine.

Exploring Metal Subgenres

Metal is a diverse genre with many subgenres, each with its own characteristics and techniques. Exploring these can broaden your playing style and inspire creativity.

Thrash Metal

Known for its fast tempo and aggressive sound, thrash metal relies heavily on palm muting, downpicking, and fast alternate picking. Bands like Metallica and Slayer are quintessential examples.

Progressive Metal

Progressive metal combines the complexity of progressive rock with the intensity of metal. It often features odd time signatures, extended song lengths, and intricate compositions, with bands like Dream Theater leading the way.

Djent

A relatively newer subgenre, djent is characterized by its high-gain, distorted palm-muted guitar sound. It's rhythmically complex and often utilizes extended-range guitars. Bands like Periphery and Tesseract are well-known in this style.

By experimenting with different subgenres, you can discover new techniques and approaches to incorporate into your own playing, keeping your music fresh and exciting.

The Art of Songwriting in Metal

Once you've got your chops up to snuff, you may feel the itch to start writing your own music. Songwriting is a fantastic way to express your individuality and creativity.

Riffs and Structure

At the heart of any great metal song is a killer riff. Here's how to get started:

• Riff Creation: Start by jamming on your guitar. Experiment with different rhythms and note combinations until you find something that clicks.
• Song Structure: Metal songs often follow a verse-chorus structure but feel free to experiment. Progressive metal, for example, frequently employs less conventional structures.

Lyrical Themes

Metal lyrics often explore themes like mythology, personal struggles, or fantasy. Choose a theme that resonates with you and complements the mood of your music.

Collaboration

Writing with others can bring new perspectives and ideas to your music. Consider collaborating with fellow musicians to create songs that blend different styles and influences.

For more in-depth guidance on songwriting, check out the lessons from seasoned metal musicians available on Riffhard.

Building Your Repertoire

One of the most rewarding aspects of learning guitar is building a repertoire of songs you can play confidently. This not only boosts your skills but also your confidence as a musician.

Choosing Songs

Select songs that challenge you but are also within reach. This balance keeps you motivated and ensures steady progress.

Learning by Ear

While tabs and sheet music are handy, learning by ear can improve your musical ear and deepen your understanding of music. Start with simpler songs and work your way up.

Recording Yourself

Recording your playing allows you to hear your progress and identify areas for improvement. It's also a great way to share your music with others and receive feedback.

With a vast library of lessons, including downloadable tabs and Guitar Pro files, Riffhard is an excellent resource for building a diverse and challenging repertoire.

Overcoming Plateaus

Every guitarist hits a plateau at some point. It's a natural part of the learning process, but it can be frustrating. Here are some tips to push through:

Set New Goals

Reevaluate your goals and set new, specific objectives. This could be learning a new technique, mastering a challenging song, or increasing your speed.

Change Your Routine

Sometimes a change of scenery—or in this case, routine—can reignite your passion. Try new practice methods, explore different genres, or learn a new instrument to break the monotony.

Stay Inspired

Listen to new music, attend concerts, or watch performances by your favorite guitarists. Inspiration can often come from unexpected places and can fuel your motivation.

Remember, everyone experiences plateaus. The important thing is to stay patient and persistent. With the right mindset and resources, like those available at Riffhard, you can overcome these challenges and continue to grow as a guitarist.

Connecting with the Metal Community

One of the most enriching aspects of playing guitar is connecting with other musicians. Being part of a community can provide support, inspiration, and opportunities for growth.

Online Forums and Social Media

Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to metal guitarists. It's a great way to exchange tips, share your music, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Local Jam Sessions

If possible, find local jam sessions or open mic nights. Playing with others can improve your timing, adaptability, and stage presence.

Collaborations

Collaborating with other musicians can lead to exciting new projects and help you expand your musical network.

Engaging with the community is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to learn and grow as a musician. You might even find new friends or collaborators through platforms like Riffhard, where you can connect with fellow metal enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

Learning guitar online, especially in the vast world of metal, is a journey filled with discovery, creativity, and personal growth. Whether you're breaking down complex riffs, writing your own songs, or connecting with fellow musicians, the possibilities are endless. With resources like Riffhard, you'll have access to invaluable lessons from some of the best in the industry, helping you along every step of the way. So grab your guitar, crank up the volume, and let your metal journey begin!