how to play metallica on guitar

3 min read 18-01-2025

Meta Description: Unleash your inner metalhead! This comprehensive guide teaches you how to play Metallica guitar riffs, solos, and techniques, covering essential skills and song examples. Master iconic Metallica songs like "Master of Puppets," "Enter Sandman," and more! Learn essential techniques like alternate picking, string skipping, pinch harmonics, and more. Perfect for beginners and intermediate guitarists looking to master the Metallica sound.

Introduction: Diving into the World of Metallica Guitar

Metallica. The name alone conjures images of headbanging crowds, soaring solos, and ferocious riffs. Want to learn how to play like Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield? You’ve come to the right place. This guide will take you through the essential techniques and song examples needed to conquer the iconic Metallica sound. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate guitarist, this guide will help you level up your playing. Let's get started on your Metallica guitar journey!

Essential Techniques for Playing Metallica

Before tackling specific Metallica songs, let's master some fundamental techniques crucial to their style:

1. Alternate Picking: The Backbone of Metallica's Riffing

Alternate picking is the foundation of most Metallica riffs. It involves alternating your pick between downstrokes and upstrokes. Practice this consistently until it becomes second nature. Start with simple exercises like playing scales and arpeggios using alternate picking. Focus on evenness and speed.

2. String Skipping: Navigating the Frets Efficiently

Many Metallica riffs involve jumping between strings. This requires precise finger placement and efficient string changes. Practice string skipping exercises focusing on accuracy and speed. Metronome use is highly recommended.

3. Pinch Harmonics: Adding That Signature Metallica Bite

Pinch harmonics, or "harmonic squeals," are a hallmark of Metallica's sound. These high-pitched harmonics are created by lightly touching the string with your picking hand as you pluck. Experiment with different picking angles and string pressures to master the technique. Listen carefully to recordings of Metallica songs to hear how they incorporate pinch harmonics.

4. Tremolo Picking: Creating a Sustained Sound

Tremolo picking involves rapidly picking a single note to create a sustained, tremolo-like effect. This is used extensively in Metallica's solos and some riffs. Practice this technique slowly and gradually increase speed. Use a metronome to maintain even timing.

5. Sweep Picking: Seamless Transitions Between Notes

Sweep picking is a technique where you quickly sweep your pick across multiple strings, playing several notes in rapid succession. While less common in Metallica than alternate picking, it's employed in some of their faster solos. Practice sweep picking scales and arpeggios to develop this skill.

Mastering Iconic Metallica Songs

Now that you've grasped the essential techniques, let's tackle some classic Metallica songs:

1. "Enter Sandman": A Beginner-Friendly Introduction

"Enter Sandman" features relatively straightforward riffs, making it an excellent starting point. Focus on mastering the main riff, paying close attention to the rhythm and timing. Once comfortable, learn the iconic intro and the main verse riff.

Resources: Numerous guitar tabs and lessons for "Enter Sandman" are readily available online. Search YouTube for instructional videos.

2. "Master of Puppets": A Challenging But Rewarding Masterpiece

"Master of Puppets" is a more advanced song, requiring greater proficiency in alternate picking and string skipping. Break the song down into smaller sections, mastering each one before moving on. Focus on the main riff, the solo, and the bridge.

Resources: Numerous guitar tabs and lessons for "Master of Puppets" are available. Look for high-quality instructional videos that break down the complexities of the song.

3. "Battery": Unleashing the Power

"Battery" is a powerful song that showcases Metallica's energy. Mastering the fast-paced riffs requires strong alternate picking and accurate rhythm. The song's intro and outro are challenging but incredibly rewarding once mastered.

Resources: Online resources are plentiful for this song. Again, focus on quality videos that explain the techniques used.

4. "One": Exploring Emotional Depth

"One" offers a mix of heavier and more melodic sections. The clean intro is surprisingly difficult to master perfectly. The main riff requires a precise rhythm. The iconic solo demands speed and technique.

Resources: Search for "One" guitar lessons on YouTube and other platforms. Many instructional videos provide detailed guidance on tackling this complex piece.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques and Song Selection

Once you've mastered the songs mentioned above, explore more advanced Metallica songs. Learn more complex techniques like:

Legato: Smooth, connected notes played without picking.
Vibrato: Adding vibrato to your notes to create a more expressive sound.
Bends and Slides: Using bends and slides to create more dynamic phrasing.

Consider tackling songs like "...And Justice for All," "Unforgiven," or "Fade to Black" to challenge yourself further. These songs often feature more complex rhythms, intricate riffs, and challenging solos.

Conclusion: Your Metallica Guitar Journey Continues

Learning to play Metallica on guitar is a rewarding journey that requires dedication and practice. By mastering the essential techniques and tackling progressively challenging songs, you'll unlock the power and intensity of Metallica's music. Remember to have fun, keep practicing, and most importantly, keep rocking! Now go forth and shred!