Hard rock & heavy metal

Aggressive rock and metal styles demand a certain level of technique and timing

1 Palm muting

This technique is a staple in rock and metal in both lead and rhythm parts. Rest the side of your picking hand against the strings where they cross the bridge saddles and play some downstrokes – you’ll hear a much more focused, chunky sound than just picking the string and letting it ring. This is great for keeping clarity on riffs and low register solo lines.

2 Alternate picking

Many of the faster lead lines you’ll hear in rock and metal are a result of alternate down and upstrokes with the pick, aka alternate picking. Generally, onbeat phrases should start with a downstroke – this helps with timing and feeling the pulse of the music. You may find it helpful to angle your pick slightly for a smoother motion across the strings. Aim to keep your grip firm but relaxed.

3 Tapping

Most people first heard this technique from the mighty Eddie Van Halen in the late 70s. By using a picking hand finger to ‘tap’ the string on to the fretboard it’s possible to create complex, fast lines with ease. It works best with a distorted sound, though this isn’t essential. When you’ve tapped and created a note, pull your finger away with a slightly sideways motion rather than just lifting off.