Module 2 - Lesson 5

Introduction to Metal Guitar

Instructor: Julien Bitoun Julien Bitoun
9 min
  • Beginner
  • Metal
Previous lesson
Introduction to Rock Guitar
Next lesson
Introduction to Funk Guitar

Recommended songs

  Title Album Type
Ace of Spades  Rhythm Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love  Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
Back in Black  Rhythm Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
Black Dog  Rhythm Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
Breaking The Law  Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
Crazy Train  Blizzard of Ozz Guitars, Bass & Backing Track
Detroit Rock City  Electric Guitars by Play Guitar Hits
Enter Sandman  Rhythm Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
Highway to Hell  Rhythm Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
In The End  Hybrid Theory Guitars, Bass & Backing Track
Iron Man  Paranoid Guitars, Bass & Backing Track
My Own Summer (Shove It)  Around the Fur Guitars, Bass & Backing Track
Nothing Else Matters  Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
Paranoid  Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
Sad But True  Metallica Guitars, Bass & Backing Track
Smoke On The Water  Rhythm Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
Stranded  Magma Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
Sweet Child O'mine  Rhythm Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
Sweet Dreams  Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
T.N.T.  Rhythm Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
The Trooper  Guitar by Play Guitar Hits
Walk  Guitar by Ludovic Egraz for Play Guitar Hits
Whole Lotta Love  Rhythm Guitar by Play Guitar Hits

Related lessons

How to Play Metal Music on Guitar: A Beginner’s Guide to Metal Rhythms

Getting Started with Metal Guitar and Why It’s Not as Easy as It Looks

Learning how to play metal music on guitar can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s tougher than it might seem at first glance. Metal rhythms aren’t just about volume and distortion; they require precision, rhythmical control, and an understanding of specific techniques unique to the genre. If you’ve ever watched legends like Metallica’s James Hetfield effortlessly chug through intricate riffs and thought, “That looks easy enough,” you’re about to discover the truth: achieving that seemingly effortless power involves serious skill.

So, let’s unpack exactly what you need to know to master the basics and avoid common pitfalls along the way.

The Origins and Evolution of Metal Guitar: Understanding Your Roots

Before you dive into technique, it’s helpful to briefly explore the origins of metal guitar. This gives your practice context and enriches your understanding of what you’re playing. Metal music didn’t spontaneously erupt, it evolved gradually from blues and rock.

In the late 1960s, bands like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin transformed blues-inspired rock into something heavier, darker, and far more aggressive. Sabbath’s guitarist Tony Iommi famously pioneered techniques (like down-tuning and heavy use of power chords) that directly shaped metal’s signature sound. By the late 70s, bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest further defined this style into what became known as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

Fast-forward a few decades, and the genre fractured into various subgenres, from glam metal (think Mötley Crüe) to thrash metal, epitomized by bands like Metallica and Slayer. Understanding these styles will guide you in choosing the right songs to start with and influence your guitar tone preferences.

Techniques Every Metal Guitar Beginner Must Master

To authentically learn how to play metal music on guitar, you need to grasp several foundational techniques. Beginners often struggle with timing and coordination here, but don’t be discouraged, these skills become second nature with focused practice.

First, there’s the power chord, the cornerstone of metal rhythm guitar. Unlike traditional chords, power chords (also called fifth chords) only use the root and fifth note. This stripped-down structure reduces sonic clutter when playing with distortion. For example, Metallica’s riff in “Enter Sandman” or Pantera’s iconic “Walk” heavily relies on these simplified chords.

Then there’s the indispensable palm muting technique, essential for achieving that tight, rhythmic “chug.” By gently resting your picking-hand palm near the bridge of the guitar, you shorten the sustain of each note. Many beginners initially struggle with muting too much or too little, so experiment to find the sweet spot.

Additionally, mastering basic lead guitar techniques like slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, vibrato, and bends significantly enriches your rhythm playing. Though associated with solos, these subtle touches bring riffs to life, giving them expression and personality. Listen to early Black Sabbath or Slayer riffs, and you’ll quickly notice these nuanced details.

Common Mistakes and Advice for Beginners

It’s easy for beginners to jump straight into complex modern metal riffs (like those by Meshuggah or Periphery). While tempting, this often leads to frustration. Instead, start with classic, straightforward tracks like Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” or Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law” to steadily build your skills.

Be cautious with down-tuning. Although lowering your guitar’s tuning (such as Drop D tuning, where you lower your sixth string from E to D) instantly gives you a heavier sound, beginners often underestimate the impact it has on fretboard familiarity and finger positioning. Begin practicing in standard tuning until you’re comfortable with chord shapes and transitions.

Key Takeaways to Start Playing Metal Guitar:

  • Understand the evolution of metal guitar from blues-rock to modern subgenres.
  • Focus on mastering power chords, palm muting, and simple riffs initially.
  • Begin with classics like “Walk” by Pantera or “Breaking the Law” by Judas Priest before tackling modern complexities.
  • Experiment carefully with down-tuning after mastering basic fretboard skills.

Now, armed with these insights, you have everything you need to genuinely start exploring how to play metal music on guitar.

Get the latest Guitar Pro version

Try Guitar Pro Buy Guitar Pro