How to Supercharge Your Guitar Speed

You want to play faster.

When you listen to the best guitarists in the world, you’re impressed by how fast they can play.

It seems intimidating.

Can you ever play that fast?

The good news is that most of the beautiful music in the world does not require you to be the fastest guitarist ever.

But improving your ability to play fast passages is worthwhile.

Here are three of the best approaches:

1. Gradual Tempo Increase with Metronome

This is the most obvious approach to speed development. But it’s also one of the best.

While this is a simple approach, there’s a nuance that should not be missed.

When you reach a sticking point where you lose accuracy and control, reduce the tempo just below that point.

Repeat the passage with accuracy several times.

Then increase the tempo again and see if you can play faster with accuracy. If so, great!

If not, continue to play correct repetitions below the sticking point. These correct repetitions are key to improving your ability to play faster.

2. Speed Bursts

A speed burst is a group of fast notes after a series of slower notes.

For example, play three beats of eighth notes followed by one beat of sixteenth notes.

This allows you to compare whether the sixteenth notes have the same clarity and control as the eighth notes.

When this is achieved, you can increase the tempo with metronome or gradually lengthen the burst as seen below.

3. Let it Happen

One drawback of the first two approaches is that they can lead to tension.

If you’re becoming stressed by trying to play fast, it may be time to approach speed development organically.

Practice for a few days without thinking about speed. If you’re practicing accurately and effectively, you will usually increase your ability to play faster without even thinking about it.

You can rotate among these different approaches, depending on which one is working best for you at the current time.

Keep making music!