Top Takeaways...
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Challenging songs build advanced technique.
Learning tough songs like “Blue Mountain Rag” or “Modern Day Cowboy” helps develop essential guitar skills like speed picking, hammer-ons, pull-offs, bends, and finger independence. -
Pushing your limits improves endurance and speed.
These fast-paced tracks demand a lot from your fingers and picking hand, helping to build strength, precision, and stamina through repetition and effort. -
Each song targets specific techniques.
From the blues-rock mastery of “Crossroads” to the nonstop fingerwork in “Blue Mountain Rag,” each lesson offers unique value for improving different aspects of your lead and rhythm playing.
Playing really tough songs that might be a little bit out of your skill level can teach you valuable techniques on speed picking, fingering, and more.
If you're just learning how to play guitar, these songs might not be right for you.
These song lessons might just leave you with some blisters on your fingers.
Go ahead and tackle these lessons, if you so dare.
Black Mountain Rag - Doc Watson
It just keeps going and going and going and going.
When most people think of shredding on guitar, most people think of Stevie Ray Vaughan or Buckethead, etc.
But guitarists can definitely go a little nuts on acoustic as well, even if it is a different type of shredding.
“Black Mountain Rag” by Doc Watson features an extremely quick lead and rhythm section that just never seems to stop and if you want to build some finger and hand endurance, this is the one to study.
After practicing this one a few times, you’ll start to see improvement in your picking speed.
Give Me All Your Love - Whitesnake
If you want to learn how to hammer-on and pull-off at lightning speed, this is the song to learn from.
If you learn "Give Me All Your Love" by Whitesnake you'll be learning arena rock riffs and an incredible solo that takes it all the way up to 11.
If you can make it all the way to the bridge, then pat yourself on the back because that’s when the song actually slows down a bit so you can give your digits a moment to breathe.
All in all, this is a super fast song if you want to work on speeding up your hammer-ons and pull-offs.
Modern Day Cowboy - Tesla
The guitar solo is where you want to be if you’re hungry for some speed practice.
"Modern Day Cowboy" by Tesla features out-of-this-world bends, scale runs and other licks.
It jumps all over the neck and requires absolutely every finger, including your pinky!
There’s a section of the solo that features a string of hammer-ons you’ll probably want to use your pinky for, and it’s a great workout.
Crossroads - Eric Clapton with Cream
When people think of “Crossroads” they probably don’t think of the Robert Johnson version, they probably think of Eric Clapton with Cream.
Clapton’s guitar playing on the track was a string of blues riffs and lead work that stands up there as some of the best blues rock the world has ever seen.
For any student wanting to follow in the footsteps of “Slowhand,” this song has to be on their list of must-learns.
It’s full of classic blues forms as well as a plethora of solo techniques played at an incredibly quick pace.
Challenge yourself with this one if you’re a fan of Clapton, or just wanting to add a few more tools to the repertoire.
FAQ
What is fast guitar playing called?
Fast guitar playing is usually called "shredding." It’s a flashy style often packed with super quick scales, alternate picking, sweep picking, and tapping—basically a speed fest on the fretboard.
What is fast guitar playing?
Fast guitar playing means you're ripping through notes or riffs at a high speed, often using techniques like alternate picking, legato (hammer-ons and pull-offs), and tapping. It’s common in metal, rock, and even bluegrass!
How do guitarists play so fast?
Guitarists play fast by training their hands and brain through slow, consistent practice, using efficient techniques like alternate picking and minimizing movement. Over time, their muscle memory kicks in and the speed starts to build naturally.
Who is the best guitarist of all time?
That's a heated debate! Names like Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, and Eric Clapton often come up, but it really depends on your taste—some people lean toward shredders like Steve Vai, while others go for soulful players like B.B. King.
How to play faster and harder on guitar?
Start slow and clean, using a metronome, then gradually increase the speed while keeping everything accurate. Building finger strength, picking precision, and practicing tough riffs will help you play both faster and with more power.
Can some people just not play guitar fast?
Almost everyone can get faster with the right practice, but some folks might hit plateaus due to technique, physical limitations, or how they practice. That said, speed isn't everything—feel and tone matter just as much!
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