How to Play Stoner Doom Guitar

Stoner doom guitar is all about capturing that heavy, fuzzy, and hypnotic sound that makes you feel like you’re wading through a thick fog of riffs. It’s a genre that combines the slow, crushing pace of doom metal with the psychedelic and groove-oriented vibes of stoner rock. If you’re ready to dive into this world of thick-toned riffs and mind-bending solos, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break down what makes stoner doom guitar tick and how you can start playing it like a pro.

Finding the Right Tone

Before anything else, you need to dial in the right tone. Stoner doom is all about that thick, fuzzy sound. You want your guitar to sound like it’s being played through an amp that’s been buried in the desert for a decade. So, how do you achieve that?

• Pick the Right Guitar: While any guitar can technically work, guitars with humbuckers are preferred. They provide the warmth and power needed for those heavy riffs.
• Amp Settings: Go for a tube amp if possible. Crank up the gain, but not too much—let the fuzz pedal do most of the work. Keep the mids somewhat scooped and the bass turned up high.
• Fuzz Pedal: A fuzz pedal is your best friend here. Look for ones that offer a classic, vintage tone. Think Big Muff or Fuzz Face as starting points.
• Tuning: Drop tuning is common in stoner doom. Try Drop C or even lower to give your riffs that extra weight.

The key to finding the right tone is experimentation. Every setup is a little different, and what sounds great in one context might not work in another. Spend time tweaking your settings until you find that sweet spot where the fuzz is thick, but the notes still ring out clearly.

Learning the Classic Riffs

Stoner doom guitar has a lot of classic riffs that are both fun to play and great for understanding the genre’s vibe. Start with some of the pioneers—bands like Black Sabbath, Kyuss, and Sleep. Their riffs are a fantastic way to get a feel for the style.

• Black Sabbath: “Into the Void” is a quintessential riff that embodies the doom sound. It’s slow, heavy, and has a bluesy undertone.
• Kyuss: “Green Machine” has a driving groove that’s perfect for getting into the stoner mindset.
• Sleep: “Dragonaut” features a thick, sludgy riff that’s a cornerstone of stoner doom.

As you learn these riffs, pay attention to the dynamics. The way you pick, the pressure you apply, and how you transition between notes all play a huge role in capturing that authentic stoner doom sound.

Building Your Own Riffs

Once you’ve gotten the hang of some classic riffs, it’s time to start building your own. The beauty of stoner doom is that it’s a genre that thrives on creativity and improvisation. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Keep It Simple: The best stoner doom riffs are often the simplest. Focus on a strong, memorable motif and build around it.
• Use Repetition: Repetition is your friend. Let a riff breathe and evolve over time rather than rushing to the next part.
• Experiment with Timing: Play around with odd time signatures or syncopation to add interest.
• Incorporate Slides and Bends: These techniques add a bluesy feel that suits the genre perfectly.

Remember, the goal is to create something that feels heavy and immersive. Don’t be afraid to let a riff ride for a while—sometimes, the groove is all you need.

Adding Solos and Leads

Solos in stoner doom often veer towards the psychedelic and expressive. They’re not always about speed or technical prowess but more about creating a vibe. Here’s how to achieve that:

• Focus on Feel: Prioritize emotion and expression over speed and complexity. Think of it as telling a story with your guitar.
• Use Effects: Reverb and delay can add depth to your solos, making them sound larger than life.
• Explore Scales: Pentatonic and blues scales are a great starting point. Experiment with modes for a more exotic sound.
• Improvise: Many classic solos were born out of improvisation. Let yourself explore and see where the music takes you.

As you practice, try playing over backing tracks to simulate a band environment. This not only helps with timing but also with developing an ear for how your solos fit into the overall sound.

The Importance of Groove

Stoner doom isn’t just about heavy riffs and thick tones—it’s also about groove. The music should make you want to nod your head and get lost in the rhythm. This is where your rhythm guitar skills really come into play.

• Lock in with the Drummer: If you’re playing with a band, pay attention to the drummer. Your rhythm should complement the drums, creating a tight, cohesive sound.
• Experiment with Syncopation: Playing slightly off-beat can create a hypnotic effect that pulls listeners in.
• Use Dynamics: Vary the intensity of your picking to add interest and keep the listener engaged.

Groove is all about feel, so trust your instincts and let the music guide you. It’s more about what feels right than what technically makes sense.

Practicing with Purpose

Like any style of music, mastering stoner doom guitar takes practice. But it’s not just about playing scales or exercises—it’s about practicing with a purpose.

• Set Goals: Whether it’s learning a new riff or writing your own, set specific goals for each practice session.
• Record Yourself: This can be incredibly helpful for identifying areas that need improvement and tracking your progress over time.
• Use a Metronome: Keeping time is crucial, especially in a genre that relies so heavily on groove.

One of the best ways to improve is by learning from those who have mastered the craft. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, helping you hone your skills and find your unique voice in the stoner doom genre.

Jamming with Others

Playing with other musicians is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a guitarist. It not only improves your playing but also gives you a deeper understanding of the music. Here’s how to make the most of jamming sessions:

• Listen Actively: Pay attention to what others are playing. This will help you find your place in the music and contribute more effectively.
• Communicate: Don’t be afraid to discuss ideas or changes. A simple nod or a smile can also be enough to communicate certain transitions.
• Be Open to Experimentation: Jamming is about exploring new ideas and seeing what works. It’s a safe space to try out different riffs, solos, and dynamics.

Jamming is a great opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. It’s also a fantastic way to develop your own style and build confidence as a player.

Embracing Mistakes

Finally, remember that mistakes are a natural part of learning. In fact, they’re often where the most growth happens. Here’s how to embrace and learn from them:

• Don’t Dwell: Everyone makes mistakes. The key is to move on quickly and not let them throw you off your groove.
• Analyze: If you notice a recurring issue, take time to analyze what’s causing it and how you can fix it.
• Use Them as a Learning Tool: Mistakes can often lead to unexpected discoveries or new ideas. Keep an open mind and see where they take you.

Stoner doom is about expression and creativity, not perfection. So don’t be afraid to take risks and see where your playing takes you.

Final Thoughts

Playing stoner doom guitar is about more than just technique; it’s about creating an atmosphere and expressing yourself through music. Whether you’re nailing down those heavy riffs or losing yourself in a psychedelic solo, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. For those looking to deepen their understanding and skills, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the most respected metal guitarists, providing a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. So grab your guitar, crank up the fuzz, and let the music flow.