How to Phrase on the Guitar

Struggling to make your solos stand out? If your lead playing feels flat, you might be missing one key ingredient: phrasing. Here’s how to make every note hit harder and sound more expressive.

What is Guitar Phrasing?

Phrasing on the guitar is like delivering a speech with your instrument. It’s not just about what notes you play, but how you play them. Think of your favorite guitar solos. They don’t just have fast runs or intricate scales—there’s a certain emotion or story being told. Phrasing is what gives your playing personality, much like how a great speaker uses pauses, intonation, and emphasis to make a point. It’s about creating musical sentences that engage your listeners.

In the context of metal genres, phrasing takes on an even more vivid form. Whether it’s the hauntingly melodic solos in progressive metal or the aggressive, blistering runs in thrash, phrasing helps convey the raw energy and emotion that define these styles. It’s the difference between a solo that feels like a blur of notes and one that resonates with intensity and purpose.

To start crafting your unique sound, consider the following elements of phrasing:

• Timing and Rhythm: Vary the duration of notes, using syncopation and rests to create tension and release.
• Dynamics: Experiment with playing notes softer or louder to add expressiveness.
• Articulation: Use techniques like slides, bends, vibrato, and hammer-ons to give character to your notes.
• Space: Don’t be afraid of silence—pauses can be as powerful as the notes themselves.

So, with those basics in mind, let’s delve into more practical tips and exercises to help you develop your own phrasing style.

Listening and Mimicking

One of the most effective ways to improve your phrasing is by listening to your guitar heroes. Whether it’s the soulful bends of Slash or the technical precision of John Petrucci, there’s a lot to learn by studying the masters. Listen actively to their solos, paying attention to how they approach phrasing.

Here are some steps to get you started:

• Pick a Solo: Choose a solo that really resonates with you.
• Listen Repeatedly: Listen to it multiple times. Focus on different elements each time, such as note choice, dynamics, and timing.
• Mimic the Phrasing: Try to replicate the phrasing on your guitar. Don’t worry about getting it note-for-note—focus on capturing the feel.
• Analyze: Break down what makes the phrasing effective. Is it the use of space, the dynamics, or something else?

This exercise isn’t about copying. It’s about understanding what makes phrasing impactful and finding ways to incorporate those elements into your own playing. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns and techniques that you can adapt to your style.

And if you’re looking for more structured guidance, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists out there, providing insights into their phrasing approach.

Developing Your Own Voice

Once you’ve absorbed some phrasing concepts from your influences, it’s time to develop your own voice. This is where you let your personality shine through your guitar.

Here are some tips to help you along the journey:

• Experiment with Styles: Don’t limit yourself to one genre. Experiment with different styles of music and see how they influence your phrasing.
• Use Emotion: Let your emotions guide your playing. Whether it’s anger, sadness, or joy, channeling how you feel can lead to more authentic phrasing.
• Record Yourself: Record your playing and listen back critically. Identify what you like and what you want to improve.
• Improvise: Spend time every day improvising. This is where you’ll discover your unique phrasing style.

Remember, developing your voice takes time. Be patient with yourself and keep exploring. As you grow, you’ll find that your phrasing will naturally evolve and become an extension of who you are as a guitarist.

Techniques to Enhance Phrasing

As much as phrasing is about feel, there are specific techniques that can help enhance it. Let’s look at a few that are particularly effective in metal and its subgenres.

Slides and Legato

Incorporating slides and legato techniques can add fluidity to your phrasing. Slides help connect notes smoothly, creating a seamless flow. Legato, which involves hammer-ons and pull-offs, allows you to play notes in a connected manner without picking each one, adding a smooth, vocal-like quality to your lines.

Bending and Vibrato

Bending is an expressive technique that can add emotion to your playing. Whether it’s a slow, soulful bend or a quick, aggressive one, bending helps convey the emotion behind a note. Vibrato, on the other hand, adds a finishing touch, giving notes a singing quality. Experiment with different vibrato speeds and widths to see what fits your style.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a staple in metal guitar playing. It allows for precision and speed, making it ideal for aggressive phrasing. Practice alternate picking with a metronome to improve your timing and consistency. A custom metronome, like the one we offer at Riffhard, can be a valuable tool for this.

By incorporating these techniques into your practice routine, you’ll find your phrasing becoming more dynamic and expressive, helping you stand out as a guitarist.

Using Dynamics Effectively

Dynamics are a powerful tool in shaping your phrasing. They add depth and contrast, making your solos more engaging for the listener. In metal, where the focus is often on speed and aggression, dynamics can help your playing breathe and create more impact.

Here’s how you can start using dynamics more effectively:

• Volume Swells: Use your volume knob or a volume pedal to create smooth swells. This can add an ethereal quality to your playing.
• Soft and Loud Passages: Contrast soft and loud passages within your solos to create tension and release. This can make your solos feel more like a journey.
• Pick Attack: Vary your pick attack to add dynamics. A lighter touch can produce a softer sound, while a harder attack can add aggression.

Practice incorporating dynamics into your playing and notice how they can transform a simple lick into something much more compelling. Remember, dynamics aren’t just about volume—they’re about expressing emotion and adding depth to your music.

The Role of Space in Phrasing

In the rush to play more notes, it’s easy to overlook the power of silence. Space is an essential component of phrasing, allowing your notes to breathe and giving listeners a chance to absorb what you’re playing.

Here are some ways to use space effectively:

• Pause Purposefully: Use pauses intentionally to create tension before resolving it with the next phrase.
• Let Notes Ring: Allow certain notes to sustain and fade naturally, giving them more emphasis.
• Rests in Riffs: Incorporate rests into your riffs to add punch and clarity.

Next time you’re soloing or riffing, be mindful of the space between notes. It might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes the most powerful notes are the ones you don’t play.

Improvisation as a Tool for Better Phrasing

Improvisation is a fantastic way to develop your phrasing skills. It allows you to experiment and discover what works in real-time. The beauty of improvisation is that it’s spontaneous and encourages creativity.

To make the most of improvisation:

• Jam with Tracks: Use backing tracks to practice improvising. This provides a musical context for your solos.
• Limit Your Notes: Restrict yourself to a few notes or a particular scale. This can help you focus on phrasing rather than note choice.
• Record and Review: Record your improvisations and listen back with a critical ear. Identify areas for improvement.

Improvisation might feel intimidating at first, but it’s a rewarding practice that can significantly enhance your phrasing skills. Over time, you’ll find yourself becoming more comfortable and expressive in your playing.

Practicing with Intent

Practicing with intent means focusing on specific aspects of your phrasing during your practice sessions. This approach ensures that you’re not just playing aimlessly but working towards improving your phrasing skills.

Here’s a simple routine to get started:

• Warm-Up: Begin with basic exercises to warm up your fingers and get into the right mindset.
• Focus on Phrasing: Spend dedicated time working on phrasing elements like dynamics, articulation, and space.
• Apply Concepts: Apply the concepts you’ve worked on to actual songs or solos.
• Reflect and Adjust: Reflect on what you’ve learned and adjust your practice routine accordingly.

By practicing with intent, you’ll make more progress in less time, enhancing your overall musicianship. And if you’re looking for a structured practice plan, check out Riffhard for curated lesson plans from some of the best metal guitarists.

Putting It All Together

Now that you’ve explored various aspects of phrasing, it’s time to put everything together. Phrasing is a holistic skill that involves integrating timing, dynamics, articulation, space, and improvisation into your playing.

Here’s a summary of steps to help you bring it all together:

• Listen Actively: Continue to study your favorite guitarists and learn from their phrasing.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of your playing.
• Practice Consistently: Dedicate regular practice time to focus on phrasing.
• Enjoy the Process: Remember that learning is a journey. Enjoy the process and celebrate your progress.

As you continue to develop your phrasing skills, you’ll find your playing becoming more expressive and unique. Phrasing is what gives your music its soul, allowing you to connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Final Thoughts

Phrasing is the secret sauce that can elevate your guitar playing from technical to emotional. By focusing on timing, dynamics, articulation, and space, you can craft solos and riffs that truly resonate. If you’re eager to hone this skill further, Riffhard provides lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, helping you refine your phrasing and expand your musical vocabulary.