How to Play Brutal Death Metal

Think of brutal death metal as the sonic equivalent of a punch to the gut. It’s loud, aggressive, and unapologetically fast. But beneath the chaos lies a complex structure of riffs and rhythms that demand both precision and stamina. If you’re ready to dive into this intense subgenre, here’s how to channel your inner metal beast and play brutal death metal like a pro.

Building the Foundation: Tuning and Setup

Before we get into the technical stuff, let’s talk about your guitar setup. Brutal death metal often requires a lower tuning to give it that thick, heavy sound that can shake the walls. Popular tunings include Drop B, Drop A, and even down to Drop G. Adjusting your tuning not only changes the pitch but also influences how you approach your riffs and the kind of tension you’ll feel under your fingers.

Getting your guitar to sound just right involves more than just tuning. Your string gauge plays a significant role too. If you’re tuning lower, opt for thicker strings to maintain tension. A heavier gauge keeps your strings from feeling like rubber bands, which is crucial when you’re chugging at high speeds.

Don’t forget the amp settings. You want a tone that’s both cutting and heavy, so crank up the gain but keep it defined. Dial in the mids to carve out your sound, add a touch of reverb for atmosphere, and make sure the bass isn’t overpowering the clarity of your riffs. If you’re looking for more detailed guidance on dialing in the perfect tone, Riffhard offers tips from some of the best metal guitarists in the industry.

Speed and Precision: Developing Your Picking Technique

Brutal death metal is notorious for its breakneck speed and precision. This is where your picking hand becomes your best friend—or your worst enemy. The goal is to achieve a balance between speed and accuracy. Start with alternate picking, which involves moving the pick up and down. It’s the bread and butter of fast playing.

Practice with a metronome to build up your tempo gradually. Start slow and focus on clarity and timing. As you get comfortable, increase the speed while maintaining precision. Remember, speed is useless if your playing is sloppy. It’s like driving a fast car with no brakes, you’ll crash more often than not.

Palm muting is another technique that adds aggression and tightness to your riffs. Lightly rest your palm on the strings near the bridge to mute them while you pick. It’s a subtle technique that requires practice to master, but it adds a punch to your sound that’s hard to replicate any other way.

The Art of Downpicking

If alternate picking is the bread and butter, downpicking is the jam that adds flavor. Downpicking involves striking the strings with only downstrokes, creating a more aggressive and consistent sound. It’s physically demanding, but it’s what gives brutal death metal its relentless drive.

Start by practicing downpicking on simple power chords or single-note riffs. Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm and even dynamics. As you get faster, you’ll find that downpicking builds both stamina and strength in your picking hand. It’s like doing cardio for your fingers.

Don’t get discouraged if you tire out quickly at first. Building endurance takes time, but with consistent practice, you’ll find yourself downpicking at insane speeds. For more tips on improving your downpicking technique, check out the resources available at Riffhard. Our lessons are designed to help you develop the stamina needed for brutal metal playing.

Nailing the Riffs: Complexity Meets Clarity

Brutal death metal riffs are intricate and often involve quick transitions between different techniques. You’ll encounter everything from tremolo picking to pinch harmonics, all within a few bars. The challenge lies in maintaining clarity while executing complex patterns.

Break down the riffs into smaller sections and practice each one slowly. Focus on hitting every note cleanly and with purpose. Once you’re comfortable, start piecing the sections back together. It’s like assembling a puzzle where each piece needs to fit perfectly.

Use a metronome to keep your timing tight, especially during transitions. This ensures that your rhythm remains consistent, even during the most demanding parts. Incremental progress is key, so don’t rush through the process. Master each riff at a slower speed before cranking up the tempo.

Chugging Away: The Role of Rhythm

Chugging is an iconic element of brutal death metal. It involves playing muted power chords in a rhythmic pattern, creating a percussive effect. It’s the backbone of many brutal riffs and requires a strong sense of timing and rhythm.

Start by practicing basic chugging patterns using palm muting. Focus on staying tight with your picking hand and maintaining an even tempo. Experiment with different rhythms and accents to add variety to your chugging patterns.

One effective exercise is to play along with a drum track, which helps you lock in with the rhythm section and improve your timing. This practice not only enhances your chugging skills but also makes you a more well-rounded player. If you’re looking for structured exercises to develop your chugging technique, Riffhard has a variety of lessons from top metal guitarists that focus on rhythm guitar skills.

Understanding Song Structure

Brutal death metal songs often have complex structures, filled with abrupt changes and tempo shifts. Understanding how these songs are built can help you both learn them and create your own compositions.

Most brutal death metal songs follow a loose verse-chorus structure, but with added elements like breakdowns, solos, and interludes. Familiarize yourself with these components by analyzing your favorite songs. Pay attention to how different sections flow into each other and how dynamics are used to build tension and release.

Writing your own brutal death metal song involves combining these elements in a way that feels cohesive yet unpredictable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different time signatures or unconventional song forms. The goal is to keep the listener engaged while staying true to the aggressive nature of the genre.

Lyrics and Themes: Conveying Brutality

Brutal death metal lyrics often delve into dark and violent themes. They’re an extension of the music’s aggressive sound and add another layer of intensity. Writing lyrics for this genre involves more than just stringing together violent imagery, it’s about creating a narrative that complements the music.

Start by brainstorming themes that resonate with you. They can be as literal or metaphorical as you like, but they should always match the intensity of the music. Once you have a theme, write lyrics that fit the mood and rhythm of the song.

Consider the vocal delivery as well. Brutal death metal vocals range from guttural growls to high-pitched screams. Experiment with different vocal techniques to find what suits your style. Remember, the vocals are another instrument in the mix, so they should enhance the song rather than overpower it.

The Role of Technology: Recording and Mixing

Recording brutal death metal presents its own set of challenges. The goal is to capture the raw energy of the music while ensuring each element is clear and balanced. Start by using quality recording equipment, including a reliable interface and microphone.

When mixing, pay attention to the balance between instruments. The guitars should be prominent, but they shouldn’t drown out the bass or drums. Use EQ to carve out space for each instrument, and add compression to maintain a consistent level.

Experiment with different mixing techniques to achieve the desired sound. Reverb and delay can add depth, but use them sparingly to avoid muddying the mix. If you’re new to recording and mixing, Riffhard offers insights from experienced metal producers to help you get started.

Final Thoughts

Playing brutal death metal is no small feat, but with dedication and practice, you can master its aggressive sound. From developing your picking technique to crafting complex riffs, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. For those looking to enhance their skills, Riffhard offers a wealth of resources from some of the best metal guitarists to guide you along the way.