How to Play the Guitar Video

Finding the right video to learn guitar can feel like a quest for the holy grail—especially if you’re diving into the deep waters of metal guitar. Whether you’re after the bone-crushing riffs of thrash or the complex time signatures of progressive metal, having the right resources is crucial. In this article, we’ll lay out a roadmap for choosing the best guitar instructional videos and how you can use them to elevate your playing, along with some practical advice and a few personal anecdotes to make your learning journey more enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Video for Your Style

Let’s face it, not all guitar videos are created equal. When it comes to metal, the subgenres are so varied that it’s important to find a video that matches your specific interests. Are you a beginner just picking up the guitar, or are you looking to master the intricate techniques of djent? Your skill level and genre preference will guide your choice.

• Identify Your Genre: From thrash to black metal, each style has its own unique techniques. Knowing your preference helps in selecting the right instructional video.
• Skill Level: Beginners should start with videos that cover basic techniques and gradually work their way up to advanced lessons.
• Instructor Reputation: Look for videos by reputable guitarists or educators who have a proven track record in the genre you want to learn.

Interestingly enough, platforms like Riffhard offer a curated selection of lessons tailored specifically for modern metal guitarists, taught by some of the best in the business.

Understanding the Techniques

Metal guitar is not just about speed and aggression—it’s about precision and technique. Let’s break down some of the essential techniques you’ll encounter in these instructional videos.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a foundational technique in metal guitar. It involves striking the strings with alternating down and up strokes, allowing for fast and precise playing. To get started, practice with a metronome to maintain a consistent rhythm.

• Start slow and gradually increase the tempo.
• Focus on clean, even strokes to avoid unwanted string noise.
• Use a pick that’s comfortable for you; many metal guitarists prefer a thicker pick for better control.

Palm Muting

Palm muting gives metal its signature chugging sound. By resting the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, you can dampen the sound and create a percussive effect. It’s crucial for adding dynamics to your riffs.

• Experiment with the pressure of your hand to achieve different tones.
• Combine palm muting with power chords for that classic metal sound.

Once you’ve grasped these basics, it’s time to move on to more advanced techniques. For instance, you might explore sweep picking, where you play a series of notes with a single sweeping motion of the pick. This technique is essential for playing arpeggios cleanly and quickly, a staple in many metal solos.

Practicing with Purpose

When it comes to learning from videos, practice is everything. But not just any practice—focused, goal-oriented practice. Here’s how you can make the most of your practice sessions.

Set Clear Goals

Before you start a practice session, set specific goals. Instead of just aiming to get better, focus on mastering a particular riff or technique. This gives your practice structure and purpose.

Use a Metronome

A metronome is your best friend when it comes to practice. It helps you keep time and gradually increase your speed without sacrificing accuracy. Many guitarists overlook this tool, but it’s invaluable for improving your timing and precision.

Record Yourself

Recording yourself can be an eye-opener. It allows you to hear mistakes you might not notice while playing and track your progress over time. Listening back to recordings can reveal areas that need improvement and boost your confidence as you hear your growth.

One of the cool features we offer at Riffhard is a custom metronome designed specifically for guitar practice, making it easier to stay on beat and improve your timing.

Breaking Down Complex Techniques

When you encounter a complex technique in a video, it can be tempting to skip it and move on to something easier. However, breaking down these techniques into manageable parts can make them more approachable.

Segment the Technique

Take a complex technique and divide it into smaller, more manageable sections. Focus on mastering each segment before putting it all together.

• For example, if you’re learning a difficult sweep picking sequence, practice each arpeggio separately before connecting them.

Use Slow Practice

Slowing down a technique helps you understand the mechanics behind it. Practice slowly and incrementally increase the speed as you become more comfortable.

Our interactive player at Riffhard lets you adjust the tempo of video lessons, making it easy to practice techniques at your own pace.

Building a Routine

A consistent practice routine is key to progress. Without it, it’s easy to get lost in the vast sea of guitar techniques and lose focus. Here’s how you can build a routine that works for you.

• Consistency: Practice at the same time each day to build a habit. Even 20 minutes a day can lead to significant improvements over time.
• Variety: Mix up your practice sessions to keep things interesting. Incorporate different techniques, styles, and exercises to avoid burnout.
• Flexibility: While consistency is important, don’t be too rigid. Allow room for creativity and exploration in your practice sessions.

Learning from the Pros

One of the biggest benefits of video instruction is the opportunity to learn from the pros. Watching a skilled guitarist break down their technique can provide insights you might not get from written instruction alone.

Observe Their Technique

Pay attention to the small details in their playing, like finger positioning, pick angle, and posture. These elements can significantly impact your playing.

Emulate Their Style

While it’s important to develop your own style, emulating aspects of a professional’s playing can help you improve. Try to mimic their technique, tone, and phrasing to understand what makes their playing unique.

Handling Frustration and Plateaus

Every guitarist hits a plateau at some point. When progress seems to stall, frustration can set in. Here’s how to push through those tough times.

Change Your Approach

Sometimes, a minor tweak in your practice routine can make all the difference. If you’ve been focusing on one technique, switch to another for a while. This can refresh your mind and spark new progress.

Take a Break

It might sound counterintuitive, but taking a short break can help you return to your guitar with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Use this time to listen to music, study different styles, or simply relax.

Stay Positive

Remember why you started playing guitar in the first place. Keep a positive attitude and remind yourself that plateaus are a natural part of learning any new skill.

Incorporating New Techniques into Your Playing

Once you’ve learned new techniques, it’s time to incorporate them into your playing. This is where the magic happens—where technique meets creativity.

Write Your Own Riffs

Use the techniques you’ve learned to create your own riffs. This not only helps solidify your understanding but also develops your creativity and personal style.

Collaborate with Others

Playing with other musicians challenges you to apply your skills in a real-world setting. It’s a great way to learn from others and gain new perspectives.

Final Thoughts

Learning guitar through videos can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you find ones that resonate with your style and skill level. At Riffhard, we provide lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists, helping you tackle everything from rhythm to lead techniques. So grab your guitar, choose the right video, and start your journey toward becoming the guitarist you’ve always wanted to be.