Metal guitar techniques
Metal guitar is a physical sport in a musical costume. These lessons treat each technique as a trainable motion, not a talent you either have or don't.
Why you're stuck (it's probably not licks)
Most metal players who plateau aren't short of licks. They're short of a reliable picking motion, a stable mute, and a way to speed up without dragging their shoulder into it. Fix those and the licks come easily.
Start with alternate picking
All technique lessons
Outside string-crossing drillWhere most picking falls apart.
Sweep pickingOne stroke, one note at a time.
Two-hand tappingTap, pull off, stay quiet.
LegatoHammer-ons and pull-offs that cut through.
Pinch harmonicsSquealies you can repeat.
Building speedFaster without tension.
Palm mutingThe foundation of tight rhythm.
DownpickingEndurance for thrash riffs.
Quick answers
- Should I use alternate or economy picking?
- What is alternate picking?
- What is a pinch harmonic?
- How long does it take to get good?
Why slow, accurate reps beat grinding at high tempo: deliberate practice and guitar speed. And the one piece of gear that matters more than a new guitar: a metronome you'll actually use.