How to Play Intermediate Guitar

So you’ve been playing guitar for a while, and the basics are under your fingers. But now you’re hungry for more—more speed, more technical prowess, and definitely more metal. This post is all about taking your guitar skills to the next level, particularly if you’re into the darker, heavier subgenres like metal, death metal, and djent. We’ll break down the various aspects of intermediate guitar playing, share tips on perfecting your technique, and even delve into the nuances of metal subgenres. Let’s get started.

Pushing Your Picking Precision

First things first: The way you pick can make or break your sound. If you’re looking to shred like a pro, you’ve got to nail down your picking technique. This includes both alternate picking and downpicking, which are essential for the tight, aggressive sound metal is known for.

• Alternate Picking: This involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. It’s crucial for playing fast, clean riffs and solos. Start slow with a metronome and gradually increase your speed. Focus on economy of motion—your pick should barely leave the string.
• Downpicking: This is where you play all notes with downstrokes. It's a bit more challenging but gives a punchy, percussive sound that’s perfect for metal. Again, practice with a metronome to tighten up your timing.

Interestingly enough, mastering these techniques can really transform your playing. I remember when I first started alternating between the two; suddenly, my riffs had more life and energy. If you’re like me and want to accelerate your progress, Riffhard offers lessons specifically on these techniques from some of the best in the industry.

Conquering Complex Chords

Power chords are great, but to truly expand your sound, you need to explore more complex chord structures. In intermediate guitar playing, understanding and using extended chords can add a new level of depth to your music.

• Seventh Chords: Adding a seventh to your basic triads can create tension and release, which is perfect for the dramatic sound of metal.
• Suspended Chords: These chords add ambiguity and can create an eerie atmosphere. Try incorporating them into your progressions to spice things up.
• Inversions: These are simply chords played with a different bass note. They can help smooth out chord transitions and add variety.

When I first experimented with these chords, it felt like discovering a whole new language. Suddenly, my songwriting had more color and emotion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these in your own songs.

Riffing Like the Legends

If there’s one thing that defines metal, it’s the riff. Iconic riffs can make a song unforgettable, and learning to craft your own is a rite of passage for any guitarist. But how do you get there?

• Understanding Song Structure: Before crafting a riff, know where it fits in your song. Is it an intro, a verse, or a bridge? Each has a different role to play.
• Experiment with Rhythm: Try mixing up time signatures or syncopated rhythms to create something unique. Metal is all about pushing boundaries.
• Use Techniques Like Palm Muting: This technique adds a chunky, rhythmic quality to your riffs. Combine it with power chords for that classic metal sound.

One thing I’ve found useful is studying riffs from bands I admire. You’d be surprised how much you can learn just by analyzing what makes them tick. And if you’re serious about nailing those legendary riffs, Riffhard has a treasure trove of lessons and insights from the guys who wrote them.

Mastering Scales and Modes

Understanding scales and modes is crucial for creating solos that captivate. Sure, the pentatonic scale might be your bread and butter now, but there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored.

• Natural Minor Scale: This is a go-to for metal, as it adds a dark, moody feel. It’s perfect for those heavy, brooding solos.
• Phrygian Mode: Known for its exotic, Spanish flair, this mode can add an unexpected twist to your solos.
• Harmonic Minor Scale: This scale is unique for its raised seventh note, which introduces a dramatic, almost classical feel to your playing.

While it’s hard to say for sure which scale will become your favorite, experimenting with these can unlock a new level of creativity. And if you’re looking for structured guidance, Riffhard offers lessons that break down these scales and modes, making them more accessible.

Timing is Everything: Using a Metronome

Timing is crucial, especially in metal, where precision can mean the difference between sounding tight or just plain messy. A metronome is your best friend here.

• Start Slow: It’s tempting to jump in at full speed, but building accuracy at a slower tempo is more effective.
• Gradually Increase Speed: As you become more comfortable, slowly increase the tempo. This will help you build muscle memory while maintaining accuracy.
• Use Subdivisions: Practice with triplets, sixteenth notes, and other subdivisions to develop a sense of rhythm.

When I first incorporated a metronome into my practice, it was a game-changer. It helped me develop a stronger sense of timing and rhythm, which is essential for any musician. If you’re serious about improving, consider using a custom metronome tailored for guitar practice, like the one available on Riffhard.

Getting Into Lead Guitar: Solos and Improvisation

Lead guitar is often seen as the pinnacle of guitar playing. You’re the one stepping out into the spotlight, and your solos can make or break a performance. Here’s how to approach it.

• Know Your Scales: You can’t improvise if you don’t know where you’re going. Make sure scales and modes are second nature.
• Focus on Phrasing: Think of your solo as a conversation. It should have a beginning, middle, and end.
• Use Dynamics: Play with volume and intensity to add emotion to your solos. A whisper can be as powerful as a scream.

The first time I played a solo that truly connected with an audience, it felt like magic. It’s a skill that takes time to develop, but the journey is incredibly rewarding. If you want to learn from the best, Riffhard has lessons from top-tier guitarists that can provide invaluable insights.

Improving Your Ear: Listening and Learning

One of the most underrated skills in guitar playing is ear training. Being able to pick out notes, chords, and melodies by ear can drastically improve your musicianship.

• Transcribe Songs: Choose songs you love and try to figure them out by ear. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding.
• Identify Intervals: Practice recognizing the distance between notes. This will help you understand melodies and chord progressions.
• Sing What You Play: This might sound silly, but it helps reinforce the connection between your ear and your fingers.

I remember the first time I transcribed a song by ear; it felt like deciphering a code. It’s a skill that’s invaluable for any musician and can really set you apart. If you’re looking for structured ear training exercises, Riffhard offers great resources to help you develop this skill.

Building Speed and Stamina

Speed is often seen as the holy grail for many metal guitarists. But speed without control is just noise. Here’s how to build both.

• Focus on Technique: Ensure your fretting hand and picking hand are synchronized. Practice scales and exercises to improve coordination.
• Use a Metronome: As mentioned earlier, a metronome is crucial for developing speed. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo.
• Stay Relaxed: Tension is your enemy. Make sure your hands and arms are relaxed, even when playing fast.

When I first started focusing on speed, I realized that patience was key. It’s easy to get frustrated, but slow and steady truly wins the race. For those serious about increasing speed, Riffhard offers exercises and tips from professionals who know a thing or two about playing fast.

Practicing Efficiently

Finally, let’s talk about practice. We all know it’s essential, but how you practice can make a world of difference in your progress.

• Set Goals: Know what you want to achieve in each practice session. It could be mastering a riff or improving your speed.
• Use a Timer: Break your practice into focused chunks. Spend 5-10 minutes on each area before moving on to the next.
• Record Yourself: This can be eye-opening. Listening back can help you identify areas for improvement.

Efficient practice is something I struggled with initially. I’d often spend hours playing without a clear goal. Once I started setting specific objectives, my progress skyrocketed. For more organized practice, Riffhard provides structured lessons and a practice scheduler to keep you on track.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—several key areas to focus on as you continue your journey into intermediate guitar playing, especially in the metal genre. Whether it’s picking precision, mastering scales, or building speed, each step takes you closer to becoming the guitarist you aspire to be. If you’re looking for expert guidance from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, Riffhard is an invaluable resource. Happy shredding!