A Step-By-Step Guide To Becoming a Shredding Machine

If you’re a guitarist who aspires to shred like your idols, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the techniques and strategies you need to take your lead guitar playing to the next level. We’ll cover everything from mastering alternate picking to incorporating legato and tapping techniques, as well as essential practice tips to help you build speed and accuracy. Get ready to unleash your inner shredder and conquer the fretboard with blazing-fast solos!

1. Alternate Picking Mastery

Alternate picking is a fundamental technique for guitarists who want to play fast and precise solos. It involves using alternating downstrokes and upstrokes to pick the strings, which creates a fluid and even sound.

To master alternate picking, it’s important to develop a consistent and relaxed picking motion. Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger, and rest your picking hand on the bridge of the guitar for support. Start by practicing slowly, focusing on making clean and even strokes. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.

There are a few different alternate picking patterns that you can use, depending on the style of music you’re playing. Some common patterns include:

• Down-up-down-up: This is the most basic alternate picking pattern, and it’s a good place to start for beginners.
• Down-down-up-up: This pattern is often used for faster picking, as it allows you to pick two downstrokes in a row.
• Economy picking: This pattern involves using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes to minimize string crossings. It’s a more advanced technique, but it can help you to play faster and more efficiently.

Once you’ve mastered the basics of alternate picking, you can start to incorporate it into your solos. Start by practicing simple patterns, and then gradually increase the speed and complexity as you become more comfortable. With practice, you’ll be able to play lightning-fast solos with precision and accuracy.

Downward Pickslanting

Downward pickslanting is a technique that involves angling your pick downwards as you pick the strings. This creates a more efficient and effortless picking motion, as it allows you to use the weight of your arm to generate power.

To downward pickslant, simply hold your pick at a slight angle, with the tip of the pick pointing down towards the strings. As you pick, use a downward motion, as if you were trying to scrape the strings.

Downward pickslanting is particularly useful for fast picking, as it allows you to pick the strings more quickly and with less effort. It’s also a good technique to use for legato playing, as it helps to create a smoother and more fluid sound.

Here are a few tips for downward pickslanting:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on making clean and even strokes.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Experiment with different pick angles to find what works best for you.
• Use a light touch, and let the weight of your arm do the work.

With practice, you’ll be able to downward pickslant effortlessly, which will help you to play faster and more fluid solos.

Economy Picking

Economy picking is a technique that involves minimizing unnecessary string crossings when picking. This helps to reduce wasted motion and improve your speed and fluidity.

To economy pick, simply pick the strings in the most efficient way possible, avoiding any unnecessary movements. This means that you should try to pick the strings in a straight line, and avoid crossing over strings that you don’t need to play.

Here are a few tips for economy picking:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on making clean and even strokes.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Experiment with different picking patterns to find what works best for you.
• Use a light touch, and let the weight of your arm do the work.

With practice, you’ll be able to economy pick effortlessly, which will help you to play faster and more fluid solos.

Economy picking is a particularly useful technique for fast picking, as it allows you to pick the strings more quickly and with less effort. It’s also a good technique to use for legato playing, as it helps to create a smoother and more fluid sound.

Legato Techniques

Legato techniques are a great way to add fluidity and speed to your guitar playing. They involve playing notes without picking the strings, which creates a smooth and connected sound.

There are three main legato techniques:

• Hammer-ons: Hammer-ons involve using your fretting hand to strike a note on the fretboard, without picking the string. This creates a smooth transition from the previous note.
• Pull-offs: Pull-offs are the opposite of hammer-ons. They involve using your fretting hand to pull off a note on the fretboard, without picking the string. This also creates a smooth transition from the previous note.
• Slides: Slides involve sliding your fretting hand from one note to another, without picking the string. This creates a smooth and fluid transition between notes.

Legato techniques can be used to create a variety of different sounds, from fast and fluid solos to smooth and melodic passages. They’re a great way to add expression and variety to your guitar playing.

Here are a few tips for using legato techniques:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on making clean and even transitions between notes.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Experiment with different legato techniques to find what works best for you.
• Use a light touch, and let the weight of your fingers do the work.

With practice, you’ll be able to use legato techniques effortlessly, which will help you to play faster and more fluid solos.

2. Tapping Mastery

Tapping is a guitar technique that involves using your fretting hand to tap the strings instead of picking them. This creates a rapid-fire sound that can be used to create a variety of different effects, from fast and fluid solos to melodic embellishments.

There are two main types of tapping:

• Single-hand tapping: This involves using your fretting hand to tap the strings, while your picking hand remains stationary.
• Two-hand tapping: This involves using both your fretting hand and your picking hand to tap the strings. This allows you to create more complex and intricate patterns.

Tapping can be a difficult technique to master, but it’s a great way to add speed and variety to your guitar playing. Here are a few tips for tapping:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on making clean and even taps.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Experiment with different tapping patterns to find what works best for you.
• Use a light touch, and let the weight of your fingers do the work.

With practice, you’ll be able to tap effortlessly, which will help you to play faster and more fluid solos.

Two-Hand Tapping

Two-hand tapping is a guitar technique that involves using both your fretting hand and your picking hand to tap the strings. This allows you to create more complex and intricate patterns than you can with single-hand tapping.

To two-hand tap, start by placing your fretting hand on the neck of the guitar, as if you were going to play a normal note. Then, use your picking hand to tap the string on the fret that you want to play. You can use either your index finger or your middle finger to tap.

Once you have mastered the basic two-hand tapping technique, you can start to experiment with different patterns. You can tap two strings at the same time, or you can tap different strings in sequence. You can also use two-hand tapping to create arpeggios and other complex patterns.

Two-hand tapping is a challenging technique, but it’s a great way to add speed and variety to your guitar playing. Here are a few tips for two-hand tapping:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on making clean and even taps.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Experiment with different tapping patterns to find what works best for you.
• Use a light touch, and let the weight of your fingers do the work.

With practice, you’ll be able to two-hand tap effortlessly, which will help you to play faster and more fluid solos.

Hybrid Picking and Tapping

Hybrid picking and tapping is a guitar technique that combines traditional picking with tapping. This allows you to create a wider range of sounds and textures than you can with either technique alone.

To hybrid pick and tap, start by placing your fretting hand on the neck of the guitar, as if you were going to play a normal note. Then, use your picking hand to pick the string on the fret that you want to play. You can use either your index finger or your middle finger to pick.

Once you have picked the string, use your fretting hand to tap the string on the next fret. You can then continue to pick and tap in sequence to create a variety of different patterns.

Hybrid picking and tapping is a versatile technique that can be used to create a variety of different sounds and textures. You can use it to create fast and fluid solos, melodic embellishments, and even percussive effects.

Here are a few tips for hybrid picking and tapping:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on making clean and even taps and picks.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Experiment with different picking and tapping patterns to find what works best for you.
• Use a light touch, and let the weight of your fingers do the work.

With practice, you’ll be able to hybrid pick and tap effortlessly, which will help you to play faster and more fluid solos.

Sweep Picking

Sweep picking is a guitar technique that involves picking a series of strings in a fluid and cascading motion. This creates a smooth and sweeping sound that can be used to create a variety of different effects, from fast and fluid solos to melodic embellishments.

To sweep pick, start by placing your picking hand on the strings, as if you were going to play a normal note. Then, use your picking hand to pick the string on the fret that you want to play. You can use either your index finger or your middle finger to pick.

Once you have picked the string, use your picking hand to sweep across the strings, picking each string in sequence. The key to sweep picking is to keep your picking hand moving in a fluid and continuous motion.

Sweep picking can be a difficult technique to master, but it’s a great way to add speed and variety to your guitar playing. Here are a few tips for sweep picking:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on making clean and even sweeps.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Experiment with different sweep picking patterns to find what works best for you.
• Use a light touch, and let the weight of your picking hand do the work.

With practice, you’ll be able to sweep pick effortlessly, which will help you to play faster and more fluid solos.

3. String Skipping and Arpeggios

String skipping and arpeggios are two essential techniques for guitarists who want to play fast and fluid solos. String skipping involves jumping over strings to play notes that are not adjacent to each other. Arpeggios are broken chords that are played one note at a time.

String skipping can be used to create a variety of different effects, from fast and fluid solos to melodic embellishments. It can also be used to navigate complex chord progressions with speed and ease.

Arpeggios are also a great way to add speed and variety to your guitar playing. They can be used to create melodic solos, chordal embellishments, and even percussive effects.

To master string skipping and arpeggios, it’s important to develop good picking technique and finger independence. You should also practice regularly to improve your speed and accuracy.

Here are a few tips for string skipping and arpeggios:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on making clean and even strokes.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Experiment with different string skipping and arpeggio patterns to find what works best for you.
• Use a light touch, and let the weight of your picking hand do the work.

With practice, you’ll be able to string skip and play arpeggios effortlessly, which will help you to play faster and more fluid solos.

Advanced String Skipping

Advanced string skipping involves jumping over multiple strings to play notes that are far apart from each other. This technique can be used to create a variety of different effects, from fast and fluid solos to melodic embellishments. It can also be used to navigate complex chord progressions with speed and ease.

To master advanced string skipping, it’s important to develop good picking technique and finger independence. You should also practice regularly to improve your speed and accuracy.

Here are a few tips for advanced string skipping:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on making clean and even strokes.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Experiment with different string skipping patterns to find what works best for you.
• Use a light touch, and let the weight of your picking hand do the work.

With practice, you’ll be able to execute precise jumps across strings, which will help you to play faster and more fluid solos.

Arpeggio Variations

Arpeggio variations involve playing different patterns and inversions of arpeggios to create dynamic and harmonically rich solos. This technique can be used to add variety and interest to your solos, and it can also help you to better understand the underlying harmony of the music you’re playing.

There are many different arpeggio patterns and inversions that you can use. Some of the most common include:

• Root position arpeggios: These arpeggios start on the root note of the chord.
• First inversion arpeggios: These arpeggios start on the first inversion of the chord.
• Second inversion arpeggios: These arpeggios start on the second inversion of the chord.
• Broken arpeggios: These arpeggios are played with some of the notes missing.

You can experiment with different arpeggio patterns and inversions to find what works best for you. You can also use different picking techniques, such as alternate picking or economy picking, to create different sounds.

Here are a few tips for arpeggio variations:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on making clean and even strokes.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Experiment with different arpeggio patterns and inversions to find what works best for you.
• Use a light touch, and let the weight of your picking hand do the work.

With practice, you’ll be able to play arpeggio variations effortlessly, which will help you to create more dynamic and harmonically rich solos.

Fingerboard Visualization

Fingerboard visualization involves developing a mental map of the fretboard. This can help you to improve your spatial awareness and improvisation, as you will be able to see the notes on the fretboard in your mind’s eye.

To develop fingerboard visualization, you can practice the following exercises:

• Note identification: Look at a note on the fretboard and try to identify it by name.
• Interval identification: Look at two notes on the fretboard and try to identify the interval between them.
• Scale visualization: Visualize a scale on the fretboard and try to play it without looking at your fingers.
• Chord visualization: Visualize a chord on the fretboard and try to play it without looking at your fingers.

You can also use flashcards or other tools to help you memorize the notes on the fretboard.

Here are a few tips for fingerboard visualization:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on accuracy.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Use a variety of exercises to challenge yourself.
• Be patient and persistent, as it takes time to develop good fingerboard visualization.

With practice, you will be able to develop a strong mental map of the fretboard, which will help you to play faster, more accurately, and more creatively.

4. Speed Building Exercises

Speed building exercises are structured exercises and practice routines that are designed to progressively increase your soloing speed. These exercises can help you to develop the finger dexterity, coordination, and stamina that you need to play fast and fluid solos.

There are many different speed building exercises that you can use. Some of the most common include:

• Metronome training: Practicing with a metronome can help you to improve your timing and accuracy. Start by setting the metronome to a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Scale sprints: Scale sprints involve playing scales at increasing speeds. This can help you to develop finger dexterity and coordination.
• Finger independence exercises: Finger independence exercises are designed to help you develop the ability to move your fingers independently of each other. This is essential for playing fast and complex solos.

You can find many different speed building exercises online or in guitar magazines. It’s important to find exercises that are challenging but not too difficult. You should also practice regularly to see results.

Here are a few tips for speed building exercises:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on accuracy.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Use a variety of exercises to challenge yourself.
• Be patient and persistent, as it takes time to build speed.

With practice, you will be able to play faster and more fluid solos.

Metronome Training

Metronome training involves practicing with a metronome to improve your timing and accuracy. This is an essential tool for guitarists who want to play fast and fluid solos.

To use a metronome for speed building, start by setting the metronome to a slow tempo. As you practice, gradually increase the speed of the metronome. This will help you to develop the finger dexterity, coordination, and stamina that you need to play fast solos.

In addition to speed building, metronome training can also help you to improve your timing and accuracy. This is important for playing in a band or with other musicians.

Here are a few tips for metronome training:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on playing in time with the metronome.
• Gradually increase the speed of the metronome as you become more comfortable.
• Use a variety of rhythms and tempos to challenge yourself.
• Be patient and persistent, as it takes time to develop good timing and accuracy.

With regular practice, you will be able to play faster and more accurately, which will help you to take your soloing to the next level.

Scale Sprints

Scale sprints are a type of speed building exercise that involves practicing scales and patterns at increasing speeds. This can help you to develop finger dexterity and coordination, which is essential for playing fast and fluid solos.

To practice scale sprints, start by choosing a scale or pattern that you want to work on. Then, set a metronome to a slow tempo. As you play the scale or pattern, gradually increase the speed of the metronome.

As you become more comfortable with the exercise, you can start to add variations. For example, you can try playing the scale or pattern in different positions on the fretboard. You can also try playing the scale or pattern using different picking techniques.

Scale sprints are a challenging exercise, but they are also very effective. With regular practice, you will be able to develop the finger dexterity and coordination that you need to play fast and fluid solos.

Finger Independence Exercises

Finger independence exercises are designed to help you develop the ability to move your fingers independently of each other. This is essential for playing complex picking and tapping sequences.

There are many different finger independence exercises that you can use. Some of the most common include:

• Single-finger exercises: These exercises involve playing a single note with one finger, while the other fingers remain stationary.
• Two-finger exercises: These exercises involve playing two notes with two fingers, while the other fingers remain stationary.
• Three-finger exercises: These exercises involve playing three notes with three fingers, while the other fingers remain stationary.
• Four-finger exercises: These exercises involve playing four notes with four fingers, while the other fingers remain stationary.

You can also find many different finger independence exercises online or in guitar magazines. It’s important to find exercises that are challenging but not too difficult. You should also practice regularly to see results.

Here are a few tips for finger independence exercises:

• Start by practicing slowly, focusing on accuracy.
• Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Use a variety of exercises to challenge yourself.
• Be patient and persistent, as it takes time to develop finger independence.

With practice, you will be able to develop the finger independence that you need to play complex picking and tapping sequences.

5. Essential Practice Tips

Essential practice tips can help you to maximize your shredding progress. Here are a few of the most important tips:

• Be consistent and disciplined: The key to becoming a great shredder is to practice regularly. Set aside some time each day to practice, even if it’s just for 30 minutes.
• Use a metronome: A metronome is an essential tool for practicing speed and accuracy. Start by practicing slowly, and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Focus on technique: It’s important to focus on your technique when you’re practicing. This means paying attention to your picking hand, your fretting hand, and your posture.
• Listen to your favorite shredders: Listening to your favorite shredders can help you to learn new techniques and ideas. Try to transcribe some of their solos, and analyze how they play.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Experiment with different picking techniques, scales, and patterns. The more you experiment, the more you’ll learn about your guitar and your own playing style.

With practice and dedication, you can achieve your shredding goals. Just remember to be consistent, disciplined, and focused. And don’t forget to have fun!

Consistency and Discipline

Consistency and discipline are essential for achieving your shredding goals. This means setting aside some time each day to practice, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. It also means sticking to your practice schedule, even when you don’t feel like it.

The benefits of consistent practice are numerous. First, it helps you to develop muscle memory. This means that the more you practice, the more automatic your playing will become. Second, consistent practice helps you to improve your speed and accuracy. Third, it helps you to learn new techniques and ideas.

If you want to become a great shredder, it’s important to be consistent with your practice. Set aside some time each day to practice, and stick to your schedule. The results will be worth it.

Proper Technique and Posture

Proper technique and posture are essential for preventing injuries and enhancing playing efficiency. Here are a few tips for maintaining proper technique and posture:

• Hold the guitar correctly: The guitar should be held close to your body, with the neck pointing up at a 45-degree angle. Your fretting hand should be positioned on the neck, with your thumb behind the neck and your fingers resting on the frets. Your picking hand should be positioned over the strings, with your thumb resting on the pickup selector switch and your fingers picking the strings.
• Use a light touch: When you’re playing, use a light touch. This will help you to avoid getting tired and it will also help to prevent injuries.
• Keep your wrists straight: Your wrists should be kept straight when you’re playing. This will help to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and other injuries.
• Take breaks: It’s important to take breaks when you’re practicing or playing. This will help to prevent injuries and it will also help you to stay focused.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent injuries and enhance your playing efficiency.

Active Listening and Analysis

Active listening and analysis is a great way to learn new techniques and ideas. By studying and analyzing the techniques of renowned shredders, you can gain inspiration and refine your own style.

Here are a few tips for active listening and analysis:

• Listen to your favorite shredders: Start by listening to your favorite shredders. Pay attention to their technique, their phrasing, and their overall sound.
• Transcribe some of their solos: Once you’ve listened to a few solos, try transcribing them. This will help you to understand how the shredder played the solo and it will also help you to learn new techniques.
• Analyze the shredder’s technique: As you’re transcribing the solo, pay attention to the shredder’s technique. What picking techniques are they using? What scales and patterns are they playing?
• Incorporate the shredder’s techniques into your own playing: Once you’ve analyzed the shredder’s technique, try to incorporate some of their techniques into your own playing. Don’t try to copy them exactly, but use their techniques as inspiration to develop your own unique style.

By actively listening to and analyzing the techniques of renowned shredders, you can learn new techniques and ideas and you can refine your own style.

Quiz

1. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of consistent practice?

(a) Develops muscle memory (b) Improves speed and accuracy (c) Helps you learn new techniques (d) Makes you a better shredder overnight

2. True or False: It’s important to use a heavy touch when playing guitar.

3. Which of the following is a tip for maintaining proper posture while playing guitar?

(a) Hold the guitar far away from your body (b) Keep your wrists bent (c) Keep your neck hunched forward (d) Keep your wrists straight

4. What is the purpose of active listening and analysis?

(a) To impress your friends (b) To learn new techniques and ideas (c) To waste your time (d) To show off how much you know about guitar

5. True or False: It’s okay to copy the techniques of your favorite shredders exactly.

Answer Key

1. (d)
2. False
3. (d)
4. (b)
5. False