How to Play Neo-Classical Metal Guitar

Neo-Classical metal guitar is a thrilling blend of classical music influence with the power and intensity of metal. Imagine Yngwie Malmsteen shredding a fiery Baroque fugue, and you’ve got a taste of what this genre is all about. In this post, we’re going to take a detailed look at how to play neo-classical metal guitar, breaking down techniques, styles, and tips to get you playing like a virtuoso.

Getting Started with Scales

Neo-Classical metal thrives on the use of scales, particularly those derived from classical music. You’ll often find modes like the harmonic minor, natural minor, and phrygian dominant taking center stage. These scales provide that distinctive sound reminiscent of centuries-old compositions.

To start, you should familiarize yourself with the harmonic minor scale. This scale is similar to the natural minor but with a raised seventh degree. It gives that exotic, mysterious feel perfect for neo-classical shredding. Here’s a basic tab for the A harmonic minor scale:

e|--------------------------4-5-|
B|---------------------5-6------|
G|---------------4-5-7----------|
D|---------5-7-8----------------|
A|---5-7-8----------------------|
E|-5----------------------------|

Practice this scale up and down the fretboard. Try playing it slowly at first, then gradually increase the speed. Use a metronome to keep your timing impeccable—something Riffhard can help with, thanks to our custom metronome tailored for guitar practice.

Mastering Sweep Picking

Sweep picking is a hallmark of neo-classical guitar, allowing for rapid, fluid arpeggios across the strings. The technique involves a “sweeping” motion with the pick, almost like a strum, but controlled and precise.

Start by practicing basic arpeggio shapes. A simple major arpeggio shape can be executed like this:

e|-12-----------------------12-|
B|----13-----------------13----|
G|-------14-----------14-------|
D|----------14-----14----------|
A|-------------12--------------|
E|-----------------------------|

Focus on keeping your pick motion smooth and consistent. It’s easy to get frustrated, but remember, precision is more important than speed. As you get comfortable, try incorporating minor and diminished arpeggios to add variety.

If you’re struggling with sweep picking, our instructors at Riffhard, like Dean Lamb of Archspire, have crafted lessons that can guide you through the nuances of these moves.

Building Speed with Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is another essential technique for any aspiring neo-classical guitarist. The goal here is to pick each note in a sequence of down and up strokes, which keeps your playing even and efficient.

Start with a simple exercise like this:

e|-5-7-8-7-5-7-8-7-|
B|-----------------|
G|-----------------|
D|-----------------|
A|-----------------|
E|-----------------|

Set your metronome at a comfortable pace and focus on clean transitions between each note. As you gain confidence, increase the tempo. This method is all about building muscle memory, so regular practice is key.

For those looking to push their limits, Riffhard offers a variety of exercises specifically designed to enhance speed and accuracy in your picking technique.

Integrating Classical Phrasing

Neo-Classical metal isn’t just about shredding fast—it’s about incorporating the musicality of classical composers. This means paying attention to phrasing and dynamics, much like a classical violinist or pianist would.

Listen to classical pieces and try to emulate the phrasing on your guitar. Pay attention to how melodies rise and fall, how they pause for effect, and how dynamics shift from soft to loud. Try transcribing a classical melody and playing it on your guitar. This practice will enhance your understanding of musical structure and expression.

Remember, the goal is to make your guitar sing, not just scream. Use vibrato, bends, and slides to give your playing more emotional depth.

Harmonizing with Parallel Thirds and Sixths

Harmonizing is a great way to add depth to your solos. In classical music, parallel thirds and sixths are commonly used to create rich, full harmonies.

To practice harmonizing, take a simple melody and add a harmony a third or sixth above or below. Here’s a quick example in the key of A minor:

Melody: e|-5-7-8-7-5-|
Harmony: B|-8-10-12-10-8-|

Notice how the harmony follows the melody, maintaining a consistent interval. This technique can make your solos sound fuller and more sophisticated.

Exploring Tapping

Tapping isn’t just for Eddie Van Halen fans—it’s a vital technique in neo-classical metal. It allows for rapid note sequences that can mimic the complexity of a harpsichord or piano.

Begin with a simple tapping exercise using the A minor pentatonic scale:

e|-5h8t12p8-5-|
B|------------|
G|------------|
D|------------|
A|------------|
E|------------|

The key here is coordination. Use your picking hand to tap the 12th fret while your fretting hand holds the 5th and 8th frets. Start slow, building speed as your fingers become more comfortable with the motion.

Our lesson library at Riffhard features extensive tapping tutorials, perfect for expanding your repertoire of tricks and techniques.

Experimenting with Song Structures

Neo-Classical metal songs often take inspiration from classical compositions, which means they might not follow traditional verse-chorus structures. Instead, try thinking in terms of movements, like a symphony.

Consider structuring your song with an introduction, development, recapitulation, and coda. These sections allow for thematic exploration and variation, giving you the freedom to develop intricate musical ideas.

Listen to classical pieces and notice how themes are introduced, developed, and revisited. This can inspire new ways of structuring your own compositions.

Composing with Counterpoint

Counterpoint is the art of combining multiple melodies in a harmonious way, each with its own independent rhythm and contour. This technique is used extensively in classical music and can add a whole new dimension to your compositions.

Start with a simple melody, then write a second melody that complements the first. Make sure they sound good together and maintain distinct identities. This practice can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it.

For those looking to deepen their understanding, Riffhard provides insights from guitarists who excel in complex compositional techniques like counterpoint.

Embracing the Performance Aspect

Finally, don’t forget the performance aspect of neo-classical metal. This genre isn’t just about playing notes—it’s about putting on a show. Engage with your audience, express the drama of the music through your body language, and let your passion shine through.

Stage presence is just as important as technical skill. Practice playing standing up, moving around, and interacting with imaginary or real audiences. Confidence is key, and it grows with experience.

Final Thoughts

Neo-Classical metal guitar is a challenging yet rewarding genre that combines the precision of classical music with the raw power of metal. Whether you’re learning sweep picking, harmonizing, or composing complex pieces, there’s always room to grow. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the best modern metal guitarists to help you master these techniques and more. Dive into our resources and take your playing to the next level.