How to Speed Up Your Guitar Playing: Unlock Your Potential!

24 May

By Ben Makes Music

Feeling stuck in a rut with your guitar playing? You’ve been practicing those scales and modes for ages, but the speed just isn’t there yet. You know you have the potential to play faster, but it feels like you’re running in place. Don’t worry – you’re not alone! Speeding up your playing is totally possible, and with the right approach, you can break through that wall and start shredding like you always wanted. Let’s dive into how you can speed up your scales, modes, and overall guitar technique.

1. Slow Down to Speed Up

It sounds counterintuitive, right? But hear me out. The fastest way to play faster is to start slow. When you practice scales and modes at a slow pace, you give yourself time to focus on each note, ensuring you’re playing cleanly and accurately. If you try to rush through a scale, you’ll develop bad habits that will hold you back. Start slow, then gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable.

Tip: Use a metronome! Set it to a comfortable speed and slowly increase the tempo once you’re playing cleanly.

2. Break It Down into Smaller Chunks

Playing fast is all about building muscle memory. But when you try to tackle an entire scale or mode in one go, it can feel overwhelming. Instead, break the exercise into smaller chunks. Take a single phrase or pattern, and master that before moving on. Once you have control over each section, link them together slowly. This way, you’re building your playing in layers, and speed will naturally follow.

Tip: Focus on just the first three notes of a scale. Once that feels fluid, move to the next few. Building in sections is a game changer.

3. Use Alternate Picking and Finger Exercises

Speed isn’t just about your fretting hand – it’s also about your picking hand. Alternate picking (down-up-down-up) is essential for playing fast. If you’re still using all downstrokes or upstrokes, it’s time to change that habit. Practicing alternate picking helps your picking hand move efficiently, and it allows you to play faster without exhausting yourself.

On top of that, make sure your fingers are ready for the speed challenge. Finger exercises, like spider exercises or chromatic runs, can strengthen your fretting hand, making it easier to play fast and accurately.

4. Stay Relaxed

Tension is the enemy of speed. When you tense up, your fingers slow down, and your mind gets frustrated. Stay relaxed, especially when you feel yourself trying to push your speed. Focus on relaxed, fluid movements, and don’t grip the neck of the guitar too tightly. The more relaxed you are, the faster you’ll be able to play, and you’ll also avoid any unnecessary strain.

Tip: Take frequent breaks during practice to shake out your hands and reset. Overworking your hands can cause fatigue, and tension will creep in.

5. Use the Right Practice Techniques

Effective practice is key to improvement. Don’t just repeat the same thing over and over. Mix it up! Try different techniques like legato (hammer-ons and pull-offs), string skipping, or economy picking. These techniques can add a whole new dimension to your playing and increase your overall speed. Experiment with different exercises and modes to keep things exciting and to challenge yourself in new ways.

6. Set Realistic Goals and Track Progress

Sometimes, you feel like you’re not progressing because you haven’t set clear, measurable goals. Set a target for the week, whether it’s mastering a new scale at a faster tempo or improving your accuracy in a specific mode. Tracking your progress will help you stay motivated. Celebrate small wins, like getting through a scale cleanly at a faster tempo, and watch how those incremental steps add up.

Tip: Record your practice sessions and listen to your playing over time. You’ll be amazed at how much you improve.

7. Play Along With Songs

One of the most fun ways to speed up your playing is to practice along with songs. Find tracks that challenge your current speed level and try to keep up. Whether it’s a fast metal riff or a speedy jazz solo, playing along with music can make your practice feel more real and engaging. Plus, it’s a great way to apply the scales and modes you’ve been working on in a musical context.

8. Stay Consistent and Patient

Speed takes time – don’t expect to wake up tomorrow and shred like a rockstar. Consistency is key. Even 20 minutes a day of focused, slow practice can make a huge difference over time. Stick with it, and don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow. The more you practice with purpose, the faster you’ll see improvement.

Conclusion

Speeding up your guitar playing isn’t an overnight achievement, but with these tips, you’ll be on the right track. Remember: slow, steady, and strategic practice is the key. Break down your exercises, stay relaxed, and challenge yourself with new techniques. Keep your goals realistic and track your progress. Most importantly, make it fun! Enjoy the journey, and before you know it, you’ll be playing faster than you ever thought possible.