Guitar Speed Lesson Using “Schisim” from Tool with Ryan Withrow

Guitar Speed: Unlocking Tool’s Efficient Playing Techniques

Hey there, guitar enthusiasts! Ryan Withrow here. Today we’re diving into one of my favorite topics—guitar speed—and specifically, how to master fast guitar playing effortlessly. If you’ve ever listened to Tool and thought, “Wow, Adam Jones is incredibly fast,” I have good news for you—he’s actually using smart techniques to sound faster than he really is.

In this lesson, I’m going to show you exactly how Adam achieves this speed illusion and how you can apply these techniques across your guitar playing.

Understanding Guitar Speed: The Illusion of Quickness

When most people hear the intro to “Schism” by Tool, they immediately think, “How does Adam pick so fast?” The truth is, he isn’t picking every note—he’s leveraging efficient guitar techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs. This technique reduces the number of pick strokes, making playing easier and faster.

Breaking Down “Schism” by Tool

Let’s take the iconic opening riff from “Schism” as an example. Here’s the simplified version of what’s happening:

  • Pick the open D string once.
  • Hammer-on the 3rd fret, then hammer-on the 5th fret. (No additional picking!)
  • Incorporate palm muting to get Adam’s distinct sound.

Here’s a slower breakdown of the notes:

Open D → Hammer-on 3 → Hammer-on 5
G string: 3rd fret → 2nd fret → 3rd fret → 5th fret (with open D string between each note)

Practicing slowly will help you internalize this efficient movement.

The Key to Efficiency: Hammer-ons & Pull-offs

Efficiency is crucial to building guitar speed. Hammer-ons and pull-offs minimize your picking effort and help you play faster and smoother.

To practice effectively:

  • Ensure your hammer-ons and pull-offs are clear and rhythmically precise.
  • Maintain consistent tempo to build muscle memory.

Applying the Technique: A Minor Pentatonic Scale

A fantastic way to integrate this efficiency technique into your practice routine is by using the A minor pentatonic scale, which naturally incorporates open strings:

E String: Open → Hammer-on 5 → Hammer-on 8
A String: Open → Hammer-on 5 → Hammer-on 7
D String: Open → Hammer-on 5 → Hammer-on 7
G String: Open → Hammer-on 5 → Hammer-on 7
B String: Open → Hammer-on 5 → Hammer-on 8
High E String: Open → Hammer-on 5 → Hammer-on 8

Practice this slowly and evenly in triplets (trip-el-let, trip-el-let) and repeat each sequence 10 times before increasing the speed. Consistent practice is the key to improvement.

Developing Speed Through Structured Practice

To effectively build your guitar speed:

  • Practice consistently with precision.
  • Gradually increase tempo only after mastering accuracy at slower speeds.
  • Use a metronome to track your progress and keep your rhythm tight.

Implementing these strategies will drastically improve your guitar speed and playing efficiency.

FAQs from Guitar Speed Lesson

  • Is Adam Jones really picking every note fast in “Schism”?
    • No, he’s primarily using hammer-ons to reduce picking.
  • How do I make my hammer-ons sound clear?
    • Ensure you’re firmly pressing your fingertip onto the fret to articulate the notes clearly.
  • What’s the best way to practice for guitar speed?
    • Practice slowly, consistently, and use hammer-ons and pull-offs to minimize effort and maximize efficiency.
  • How long should I practice each exercise?
    • Repeat each exercise at a slow tempo at least 10 times before increasing speed.

By using these straightforward and powerful techniques inspired by Tool, you’ll quickly enhance your guitar speed and performance. Happy playing!

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