While some metal chords may seem like easy guitar chords, executing them properly with metronome precision rhythm and timing, is an art that takes daily guitar practice and dedication to the metal style. Often times, the chord fretboard patterns used, may be some form of a guitar power chord, whether b5, +5,(diminished or augmented) straight power 5 or other types of chords. A common technique used when playing these chords on the guitar is palm muting which can be added on and off to create a different tone while playing the same chord, at the same speed, in the same song. The type of distortion and the quality of your guitar technique will create a heavy, percussive rhythm sound which must be able to be maintained throughout the length of a standard song.

You will find that as you practice some of these metal guitar rhythms whether with consistent down strokes or alternating up and down pick strokes, you will have to have your hand and forearm relaxed because if you get too tense, your picking hand will start to lock up on you and you will not be able to maintain your speed or accuracy.