All metal guitar lessons
Brand new? Start with the beginner path. Otherwise, jump to the problem you're working on.
Start here
How to learn metal guitarSix stages from holding the pick to playing a real riff clean with a click.
Practice routine: 20, 40 or 60 minutesWhat to do with the time you've actually got.
Rhythm & riffs
Palm muting and tight rhythmWhere your palm goes and why your chugs sound muddy.
Downpicking enduranceFast thrash 8ths without burning out your forearm.
Syncopation and off-beat chugsHitting the "ands" and leaving the downbeats empty.
Drop tunings explainedDrop D to Drop A, with one-finger power chord riffs.
Picking & techniques
Alternate picking for metalA short stroke and a ladder to even 16th notes.
Outside string-crossing drillThe fix for "fast on one string, sloppy in riffs".
Sweep picking fundamentalsOne stroke, a fretting-hand roll, and a three-string start.
Two-hand tappingTap, pull off, and keep the other strings quiet.
Legato that cuts throughHammer-ons and pull-offs as loud as picked notes.
Pinch harmonicsHow to find the sweet spot and make squealies repeatable.
Scales & lead
Metal scales for guitarPentatonic, natural and harmonic minor, Phrygian, Phrygian dominant.
Targeting chord tonesEnd phrases on the notes the riff is playing.
Lead phrasingStart late, leave space, land on purpose.