How to Play Instrumental Guitar

Instrumental guitar playing is like telling a story without words. It’s about expressing emotions and painting pictures using nothing but strings and fingers. If you’ve ever been captivated by the likes of Joe Satriani or Steve Vai, you know exactly what I mean. This article is going to break down the art of playing instrumental guitar, touching on everything from technique to composition, and even gear. So grab your guitar, and let’s get started with creating music that speaks for itself.

Building a Strong Foundation: The Basics

Before diving into the complexities of instrumental guitar, it’s crucial to build a solid foundation. This means getting comfortable with the guitar itself. Start by ensuring you have the right posture and hand positioning. This might sound basic, but it’s the bedrock on which everything else is built. Bad habits here can seriously hamper your progress down the line.

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Sit or stand comfortably, ensuring your guitar is at a height that doesn’t strain your wrists.
• Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger, ensuring a firm grip without unnecessary tension.
• Ensure your fretting hand’s thumb is positioned at the back of the neck for better reach and control.

Once you’ve got that down, it’s time to focus on your scales and chords. These are the building blocks of your musical vocabulary. Spend time mastering major and minor scales, as well as pentatonic scales, which are particularly essential for rock and metal genres. Practice these with a metronome, gradually increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable.

For those interested in metal and its subgenres, Riffhard offers an extensive library of lessons on rhythm guitar techniques, which can be incredibly helpful in honing your skills.

Developing Your Ear: Listening and Learning

Playing instrumental guitar isn’t just about technique; it’s also about having a keen musical ear. Spend time listening to a wide range of instrumental music. This will not only inspire you but also help you understand different styles and techniques.

Here are some tips to develop your ear:

• Transcribe solos and riffs by ear. This will challenge you to pick out notes and rhythms without relying on tabs or sheet music.
• Analyze your favorite instrumental tracks. What makes them engaging? Is it the melody, the harmony, the rhythm?
• Experiment by playing along with tracks. This helps in understanding how different scales and modes fit into various progressions.

Interestingly enough, it’s often the less obvious details that make a piece stand out. Maybe it’s a subtle bend or a perfectly timed pause. Over time, your ear will start to pick up on these nuances.

Crafting Your Sound: Tone and Gear

Your tone is your voice on the guitar. It’s what makes your playing unique. While technique plays a huge role in defining your sound, the gear you use is equally important. Let’s talk about how to craft a tone that’s all your own.

Start with your guitar and amp settings. Experiment with different pickups and amp channels. Are you looking for a clean, melodic sound, or something more aggressive and distorted? Small adjustments can make a big difference.

Effects pedals are another way to shape your tone. Here are a few that are especially useful for instrumental players:

• Delay: Adds space and depth to your sound, useful for creating ambient textures.
• Reverb: Gives your tone a sense of space, making it sound larger than life.
• Overdrive/Distortion: Essential for adding grit and sustain to your notes.

Finally, consider your strings and picks. Heavier strings can provide a fuller tone but require more finger strength, while lighter picks might offer more speed but less control. It’s all about finding what works best for you.

At Riffhard, we have lessons that delve into gear and tone, taught by some of the best modern metal guitarists. They share insights into how they achieve their signature sounds, which can be incredibly enlightening.

Technique: Making the Guitar Sing

Technique is where your practice pays off. It’s about making the guitar an extension of your creative voice. Here’s how to refine your technique:

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is essential for playing fast and clean. Practice slowly at first, focusing on even, controlled strokes. Use a metronome to gradually increase your speed. The goal is to maintain clarity even at high tempos.

Legato Playing

Legato is all about smooth, flowing notes. Work on your hammer-ons and pull-offs to create seamless lines. This technique can add a lyrical quality to your playing, making it more expressive.

String Bending and Vibrato

Bending and vibrato give your notes emotion and character. Practice bending to the correct pitch and using vibrato to add color to sustained notes. These techniques are what make your playing truly sing.

Remember, technique is a means to an end. The ultimate goal is to express yourself through your instrument. We have a variety of lessons on Riffhard that cover these techniques in depth, taught by world-class guitarists who know their stuff.

Composing Your Own Instrumentals

Once you’ve got the fundamentals down, it’s time to create your own music. Composition is where you can let your creativity shine. Here’s a step-by-step approach to writing your own instrumental pieces:

Start with a Theme

Every great instrumental has a central theme or motif. This could be a catchy riff, a melodic phrase, or even a rhythmic pattern. Spend time developing this idea, as it will be the foundation of your piece.

Build the Structure

Think about the structure of your song. Will it have verses and choruses, or follow a more freeform approach? Experiment with different sections and transitions to keep things interesting.

Add Dynamics and Texture

Dynamics and texture can make your music more engaging. Consider how you can use volume, tone, and effects to add contrast and variety. A quiet, clean section can be a great contrast to a loud, distorted one.

Experiment and Refine

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ideas and sounds. Sometimes the best ideas come from happy accidents. Record your sessions so you can listen back and refine your ideas over time.

Remember, there are no rules in composition. It’s all about expressing yourself. If you’re looking for inspiration or guidance, check out the composition lessons on Riffhard. Our instructors share their processes and tips for writing compelling instrumental music.

Improvisation: Playing in the Moment

Improvisation is a skill that can take your instrumental playing to new heights. It’s about being able to play in the moment, creating music spontaneously. Here’s how to get started:

First, get comfortable with the scales and modes you’re using. Being familiar with these will give you the freedom to explore different melodic ideas. Practice improvising over backing tracks, focusing on developing melodies and phrases that fit the chord changes.

Next, work on your timing and phrasing. Try to play with a sense of rhythm and flow, rather than just a series of notes. Listen to how your favorite guitarists use space and dynamics in their solos, and try to incorporate these elements into your own playing.

Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks. Improvisation is about experimenting and discovering new ideas. Sometimes you’ll hit a wrong note, but that’s part of the learning process. Embrace the challenge and enjoy the journey.

Performance: Taking It to the Stage

Playing live is an entirely different experience from practicing at home. It’s where your skills and confidence are put to the test. Here’s how to prepare for a successful performance:

First, practice your setlist thoroughly. Know your material inside and out so you can focus on putting on a great show rather than worrying about the notes. Use backing tracks or play along with recordings to simulate a live environment.

Next, work on your stage presence. Engage with the audience, move around, and show your enthusiasm for the music. Remember, people are there to see a performance, not just to hear the music.

Finally, be prepared for the unexpected. Things don’t always go as planned on stage, so have a backup plan for technical issues or mistakes. Stay calm and keep playing—most of the time, the audience won’t even notice.

At Riffhard, we offer tips and advice on preparing for live performances, helping you take your music from the practice room to the stage.

Recording: Capturing Your Sound

Recording your music is a great way to share it with others and document your progress. Here’s how to get started with recording your instrumental guitar pieces:

Home Recording Setup

You don’t need a professional studio to start recording. A basic home setup with a computer, audio interface, and a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is more than enough to get started. Experiment with different mic placements and recording techniques to capture the best sound.

Layering and Arranging

One of the advantages of recording is the ability to layer multiple tracks. Experiment with doubling guitar parts, adding harmonies, or incorporating other instruments to create a fuller sound.

Editing and Mixing

Once you’ve recorded your tracks, it’s time to edit and mix them. Pay attention to balancing levels, EQ, and effects to create a polished final product. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different effects and settings to find the sound you’re looking for.

If you’re new to recording, check out the recording lessons on Riffhard. Our instructors cover everything from setting up your home studio to advanced mixing techniques, helping you capture your sound with clarity and precision.

Staying Inspired: Keeping the Creative Juices Flowing

Maintaining your passion and creativity is key to long-term success as an instrumental guitarist. Here are some tips to stay inspired:

• Explore New Genres: Don’t limit yourself to one style. Exploring different genres can open up new musical possibilities and inspire fresh ideas.
• Collaborate with Others: Playing with other musicians can challenge you to think differently and bring new perspectives to your playing.
• Take Breaks: Sometimes stepping away from the guitar for a while can help you come back with renewed energy and creativity.
• Set Goals: Having clear goals and objectives can give you a sense of purpose and direction in your practice and playing.

At Riffhard, we encourage our students to stay curious and open-minded, providing a supportive community where you can share ideas and learn from others.

Final Thoughts

Playing instrumental guitar is a journey of self-expression and creativity. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, there’s always more to learn and explore. At Riffhard, we’re here to support you with lessons from world-class guitarists, helping you develop your unique voice and take your playing to new heights. Keep practicing, stay inspired, and most importantly, enjoy the music you create.