Chords

• Metal guitarists primarily use power chords played on the sixth and fifth or the fifth and fourth strings. A power chord is a two-note chord that is played with the root and the fifth. It leaves out the third. For example, a G major chord is G (root), B (major third), and D (major fifth). A G power chord --- also referred to as G5 --- contains G (sixth string, third fret) and D (fifth string, fifth fret). This is an example of a power chord on the sixth and fifth strings. A C5 chord can be played with C (sixth string, eighth fret) and G (fifth string, 10th fret) or a C5 chord can be played with C (fifth string, third fret) and G (fourth string, fifth fret). The latter is an example of a power chord on the fifth and fourth strings.
  
  The basic strumming pattern for metal guitar is all down strokes. Playing the rhythm all with down strokes produces a heavier and ore aggressive sound. Develop this technique by practicing with a metronome. Set the metronome to 50 beats per minute so that it clicks one-two-three-four. Play a G5 chord and playing on all four beats with down strokes. Repeat the exercise using eighth notes --- two down strokes per beat. Turn the gain level up on the amplifier or use a distortion box to get a dirty and grungy metal sound. Gradually increase the speed of the metronome and experiment with other chords such as A5, B5, C5 and so forth.
  
  

Picking Techniques

• One of the essential characteristics of metal guitar is speed. Metal guitarists are able to play at excessive speeds clearly and distinctly, and this has resulted in the term "guitar shredder." Metal guitarist develop guitar-shredding chops by utilizing different picking techniques, such as alternate picking, economy picking or sweeping. Alternate picking alternates between down strokes and up strokes with the guitar pick. Economy picking, or sweep-picking, minimizes alternating motion as well as the movement of the right hand. For example, practice economy picking on the first and second strings --- the high-E and B strings --- of the guitar. Fret B (first string, seventh fret) and B-flat (second string, 11th fret). Play B with an up stroke, B-flat with a down stroke, then B with a down stroke. Set the metronome at a slow speed and play B, B-flat, B as triplets --- three notes per beat. Repeat the exercise several times and the try to play six notes per beat --- play the B, B-flat, B series twice for each beat.
  
  

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

• Other techniques that metal guitarists use to play at rapid speeds are hammer-ons and pull-offs. This makes it possible to play a fast series of notes without picking every note. Fret the F (fourth string, third fret) with your first finger. Play F with the guitar pick. Hammer your third finger on G (fourth string, fifth fret). The G note will sound without picking it. The pull-off is just the opposite. Fret G with your third finger and F with your first finger. Play G with the guitar pick, then quickly pull the third finger off of the string, leaving your first finger on the F. Practice the hammer-on and pull-off techniques with all your guitar scales.
  
  

Tapping

• Tapping was popularized by Eddie Van Halen, but it is a technique that was used earlier by other guitarists. Van Halen claims to have taken the idea from Ace Frehley, Kiss's lead guitar player. Tapping is similar to hammer-ons, but it is done with the picking hand rather than the fretting hand. This makes it possible to play a larger variety of notes on the fretboard. Tapped notes are usually played in combination with fretted notes, and they are played with the index or middle fingers of the picking hand. Play C (fourth string, 10th fret) with a pick and pull off to B-flat (fourth string, eighth fret), firmly tap the 14th fret with your index or middle finger to sound the E. Repeat the C and B-flat and firmly tap the 12th fret to sound the D. Practice the techniques on different locations on the fret board and on different strings.