How to Play Lead Guitar Fast
Learning how to play lead guitar fast is something that many players would like. As with learning any aspect of playing, the keys are learning how to play properly and then practicing what you've learned every day. What many beginners don't realize is that playing fast involves several fundamentals of guitar playing: proper fret-hand thumb and finger position, picking technique and knowing exactly what you are playing. Many of the fastest players of any instrument practice with a metronome or other time-keeping device, because accuracy and timing are just as important as playing the correct notes.
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Instructions
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1
Choose a guitar scale or "riff" that includes three or more notes. The actual scale and riff is not important, but should be one that you would enjoy learning.
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Place your fret-hand in the proper position by placing your thumb directly in the back center of the guitar neck, with your fingers resting across the strings at the front of the neck. You will be holding the guitar neck as you would a small ball between your thumb and fingers, with your palm in a "U" shape underneath the neck.
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3
Relax your elbow and move it away from your body without moving your thumb's general position on the neck (it's normal for your thumb to move in an arch from side-to-side). Notice how the angle of your fingers change as you move your elbow. Your thumb is now a "pivot" point for your arm and fingers and will allow your fingers to move more freely. Try to maintain this pivoting action as you practice.
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4
Set the metronome to a slow speed (60 bpm=beats per minute) and practice playing the notes, one for every metronome beat.
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Play the notes using "alternate" picking. Playing one note on the downstroke, the next on the upstroke and repeat. Alternate picking is the key to playing fast with your picking hand.
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Master the scale or riff at the metronome tempo you have set and increase the setting to 70 bpm. You have mastered the scale or riff when you are able to play it over and over in time with the metronome with no notes or beats skipped.
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Increase the metronome to higher tempos as you master each lower tempo until you reach the desired playing speed.
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Tips & Warnings
Have a guitar pick assortment at your disposal of thin, medium and heavy picks. You may find that your playing speed is affected one way or the other by experimenting with different picks.
The process of increasing speed does involve a fair amount of time and can be tedious but keep your ultimate goal in mind.
Set aside a certain amount of time each day to practice speed, but do not neglect learning other chords, scales and techniques. A fast guitar player is of no use if they are not a knowledgeable, well-rounded player.
Relaxation of the body and both hands is vital to good playing. Avoid practicing and turn it into "play" time when you are mentally or physically stressed.
If you experience hand cramps, it is almost always because of improper hand positioning. Take a break, and re-evaluate what you might be doing wrong. Playing through cramps may eventually cause serious issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome or muscle strains.
Don't allow yourself to become a guitar player who plays everything fast. Fast playing is great in its place and should be used only when it "fits" within the song. Guitar players who are only known for one playing speed or style are likely to be the ones who don't get playing jobs.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit guitar player image by bright from Fotolia.com
