Metal guitar courses: Learn from the best teachers and master metal guitar faster

Local metal guitar teacher vs. online course

For anyone looking for metal guitar lessons, it can feel very tough choosing between a local tutor or making the leap to online lessons.

Wherever you are in the world, be it the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, South America, or beyond, face-to-face lessons can have major upsides and downsides.

But before you make a decision, here’s a list of the pros and cons of online lessons versus working with guitar tutors near you.

The pros:

The cons:

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7 things to look for in a metal guitar course

I’ve played through a bunch of online metal guitar courses over the years, and if you want the best experience, there are some important factors to look out for – here are my top 7 recommendations:

1. Instructor Expertise: Look for a course led by an experienced guitarist who specializes in metal – their knowledge and skills will provide valuable insights and techniques.
2. Comprehensive Curriculum: The course should cover a wide range of topics, including techniques, theory, scales, and song breakdowns to ensure a well-rounded education.
3. Variety of Genres: A good metal course should explore various sub-genres, from classic metal to modern styles, to broaden your musical understanding and versatility.
4. Interactive Elements: Seek courses that offer interactive components, such as playalong exercises, and feedback opportunities to enhance your learning experience.
5. Quality Production: High-quality video and audio production are essential for clear instruction and an enjoyable learning experience – make sure the course materials are visually appealing and easy to follow.
6. Community Support: A course with a dedicated community or forum can provide additional support, motivation, and opportunities to connect with fellow learners and experienced players.
7. Progress Tracking: Look for courses that offer tools to track your progress, set goals, and assess your skills over time – this will help you stay motivated and focused on your improvement.

FAQs

Let’s answer some of those burning questions.

Where can I learn metal guitar?

You can learn metal guitar theory through various online platforms – I’d recommend going for something structured as opposed to floating around aimlessly on YouTube. 

The Metal Learning Pathway is the best course to learn metal guitar in my opinion.🤘

How can I master metal guitar chords faster?

To master metal guitar chords quickly, practice consistently, focusing mostly on different forms of power chords.

Use a metronome and work on various exercises to build speed and accuracy. 

Additionally, incorporating songs you love can make practice more enjoyable and effective.

How important is online community support when learning metal guitar?

Online community support is crucial for motivation, feedback, and networking. 

Engaging with fellow learners and experienced players can provide encouragement, tips, new ideas, and a sense of camaraderie, making your learning journey more enjoyable.

Are there any hacks for studying metal guitar licks?

Yes! Break down licks into smaller segments and work on improving them slowly before increasing your speed. 

Have fun experimenting with different techniques, fingerings, and picking styles, to find what works best for you.

Learning some riffs and licks without TABs is also a good way to train your ears which pays off down the road.

Can I learn metal guitar by myself?

You can. Many guitarists are self-taught and find success through online resources, books, and solo practice.

While self-study requires discipline, you can develop your skills and style independently, especially with a clear practice plan and goal setting.

The self-learning experience has been improved and updated a lot in recent years.

What’s a good guitar brand for beginner metal guitarists?

Brands like Epiphone, Jackson, LTD, and Ibanez offer excellent guitars that are well-suited for modern metal styles.

You can find models that aren’t too expensive and will give you decent sound when paired up with some quality overdrive!

Top tip: The most common metal guitars feature humbucker pickups (or at the very least one at the bridge).

I’m fresh to metal guitar. What are some easy songs to begin with?

You can’t go wrong with these classics – maybe just don’t play them in your local guitar store.

Enter Sandman by Metallica (1991)

Perhaps the most popular song, by perhaps the most popular metal band – it’s a straightforward riff that's fun to play.

Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple (1972)

A classic heavy metal staple with an iconic riff that’s easy to learn. Just play it in private. Trust me, nobody wants to hear you play it.

The Trooper by Iron Maiden (1983)

Wrapping Up

There it is! Hopefully you feel a bit more in the loop.

Metal guitar is an awesome endeavor, it’s a fun, energetic, and extremely challenging genre.

Let’s face it, many of the world's most iconic guitar players, riffs, and solos, stem from heavy metal – it’s time for you to join the party!

Jump into the Metal Learning Pathway now and try it out for a couple of weeks – no risk, no commitment.

‍Yes, I’d Love A Free 14-Day Trial Of Pickup Music To Learn Metal Guitar From Experts >

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Author: Richard Spooner 

Richard Spooner is a writer and musician originally from the UK. After studying contemporary guitar at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) in London, he toured the UK with various groups, playing styles ranging from acoustic to metal.

Richard's diverse experience gigging, studying music, working in guitar stores, and managing rehearsal studios has given him valuable insight into guitar and what it means to be a working musician. Since 2019, he has been traveling and working as an editor for Pickup Music, while also contributing to Total Guitar, Killer Guitar Rigs, and Guitar Pro. After a decade of performing, he now enjoys creating songs, writing about guitar, and taking long walks on the beach.