How to Play Lead Guitar on YouTube

So, you’re itching to unleash some wicked solos and melt faces with your lead guitar skills on YouTube? Whether you’re into blistering metal solos or soulful blues licks, YouTube is a goldmine for budding guitarists. But getting started can feel like standing at the foot of an enormous mountain. Don’t worry—I’m here to help you break it down, make it fun, and get you shredding in no time.

Finding Your Groove on YouTube

Alright, let’s face it. YouTube is a universe unto itself. There’s a staggering amount of content out there, and knowing where to start can be a bit overwhelming. But hey, that’s part of the adventure! First, it’s crucial to identify what kind of lead guitar playing you’re interested in. Are you a sucker for the intricate solos of progressive metal? Or perhaps you lean towards the melodic phrasing found in alternative rock? Knowing your style will help you zero in on the right content.

Once you’ve narrowed down your interests, dive into channels that specialize in those genres. For metal enthusiasts, channels like Ben Eller, Ola Englund, or even our own Riffhard are treasure troves of knowledge. These channels often feature lessons from seasoned guitarists who have been around the block. Watching these guys break down riffs and solos can be both enlightening and inspiring.

Beyond the big names, don’t overlook smaller channels. Many lesser-known instructors offer unique perspectives and tips that can be incredibly valuable. Plus, they often engage more directly with their audience, so you might get your questions answered more quickly.

One pro tip: use YouTube’s playlist feature. Create playlists for different techniques or songs you want to learn. This way, you have a structured learning path and won’t get lost in the vast sea of videos.

Setting Up Your Gear for Success

Before you can start wowing the world with your lead guitar prowess, you need to make sure your gear is up to scratch. Let’s talk about the essentials: your guitar, amp, and any pedals you might want to use. You don’t have to break the bank here, but having reliable equipment can make a significant difference.

Guitar: Whether you’re playing a sleek Ibanez for those fast metal solos or a Fender Strat for a more versatile sound, make sure your guitar is well set up. This means having good intonation, a comfortable action, and fresh strings.

Amp: A decent amp is crucial for getting the right tone. If you’re recording for YouTube, consider a modeler like the Line 6 Helix or a plugin like Neural DSP. These tools can mimic a variety of amps and effects, giving you a wide palette to work with.

Pedals: The right pedals can add flavor to your sound. A distortion pedal is a staple for most lead players, but don’t underestimate the power of a good delay or reverb pedal to add depth to your solos.

Once your gear is set up, spend some time dialing in your sound. Play around with the EQ settings on your amp or modeler, and experiment with different pedal configurations. Remember, the goal is to find a tone that inspires you to play your best.

Nailing Down the Basics

Before you can run, you need to walk. And before you can shred, you need to master some basic techniques. These fundamentals are the building blocks of any great lead guitarist’s arsenal. Let’s break them down:

• Scales: Start with the pentatonic and major scales. These are the bread and butter of most solos. Once you’re comfortable, move on to modes like the Dorian or Phrygian.
• Bending: This technique adds expression to your playing. Practice bending strings accurately to hit the right pitch. It’s all about control.
• Vibrato: Think of vibrato as your signature. It’s what gives your playing personality. Experiment with different speeds and widths to find what suits your style.
• Alternate Picking: This is crucial for fast passages. Focus on keeping your picking hand relaxed and your movements economical.

Practicing these basics might not be glamorous, but it’s essential. Dedicate time each day to work on these techniques. You’ll be surprised at how much they improve your overall playing.

Developing Your Phrasing Skills

If you’ve ever wondered why some solos stick in your mind while others fade away, the answer often lies in phrasing. Good phrasing can turn a simple series of notes into a memorable musical statement. So how do you develop this skill?

First, listen to your favorite solos and pay attention to how the guitarist builds tension and releases it. Notice the use of space, dynamics, and note choice. Try to emulate these aspects in your playing without directly copying them. This will help you internalize the concepts without losing your own voice.

Another tip is to sing the solo before playing it. This might sound odd, but it helps you focus on the melody and rhythm rather than just the technical execution. Once you’ve got it down vocally, transfer it to the guitar. This approach ensures that your solos are musical rather than mechanical.

Finally, record yourself. This can be as simple as using your phone. Listen back to your recordings and be honest with yourself. Where can you improve? What parts do you like? Use this feedback to refine your phrasing.

Improvisation: Finding Your Voice

Improvisation is where you get to express your personality and creativity on the guitar. It’s a skill that takes time to develop, but it’s incredibly rewarding. To start, put on a backing track in your preferred style and begin playing. Don’t worry about making mistakes. The goal is to explore and experiment.

As you become more comfortable, try to incorporate different scales, such as the pentatonic or blues scale, into your solos. These scales are versatile and can fit into various musical contexts.

Another useful exercise is to focus on thematic development. Pick a simple musical idea and see how many variations you can come up with. This can help you avoid falling into the trap of playing the same licks over and over.

Remember, improvisation is about communication. You’re telling a story with your instrument. So, focus on the overall narrative of your solo rather than individual notes.

Recording and Editing Your Videos

Once you’re comfortable with your playing, it’s time to share it with the world. But how do you make sure your videos look and sound professional? Let’s talk about some basics.

First, invest in a good camera and microphone. You don’t need top-of-the-line equipment, but having clear video and audio quality can make a huge difference. Many modern smartphones have excellent cameras, and a simple USB microphone can greatly improve your audio.

When recording, make sure your room is well-lit and free from distractions. A clean background helps your viewers focus on your playing. Consider using a backdrop if your space is cluttered.

For editing, software like Adobe Premiere Pro or even iMovie can do wonders. Trim out any mistakes or unnecessary parts, and add titles and effects to make your video more engaging. Don’t overdo it, though; the focus should always be on your playing.

Finally, upload your video to YouTube with a catchy title and description. Use tags and keywords to help people find your video. Engaging with your audience through comments can also help build a community around your channel.

Building an Audience

Creating great content is just the beginning. To build an audience on YouTube, you’ll need to be consistent and engage with your viewers. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Consistency: Upload regularly. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, stick to a schedule so your audience knows when to expect new content.
• Engagement: Respond to comments and ask for feedback. This encourages interaction and can give you valuable insights into what your audience wants to see.
• Collaboration: Reach out to other YouTubers for collaborations. This can help you reach a wider audience and learn from other creators.
• Social Media: Promote your videos on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. The more people see your content, the more likely you are to grow your audience.

Remember, building an audience takes time. Be patient, keep improving, and most importantly, have fun with it!

Learning from the Best

One of the best ways to improve as a lead guitarist is to learn from those who have mastered the craft. On Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the most respected metal guitarists in the world. From Zakk Wylde to Dean Lamb, our instructors cover a wide range of techniques and styles.

These lessons are designed to help you achieve your goals faster and with more depth than you might on your own. With over 150 video lessons, downloadable tabs, and a custom metronome, you’ll have all the tools you need to become a better guitarist.

But it’s not just about the content. Learning from these instructors can also give you insights into their creative processes and help you develop your unique voice on the guitar.

Final Thoughts

Playing lead guitar on YouTube is an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities. By focusing on your interests, honing your skills, and sharing your music, you’ll not only improve as a guitarist but also connect with a community of like-minded musicians. And remember, if you’re looking for expert guidance, Riffhard offers top-notch lessons that can help you progress faster. Happy shredding!