I've been playing for a little over 2 years now and I'm working on refining all my techniques: sweeping, alternate picking, legato, tapping, and combinations, etc.
I'm getting lessons off a serious shredder from a Sydney band (Dungeon).
Most of the stuff I play and write goes under metal...
Aussie - Dungeon, Infernal Method, Sakkuth, Astriaal.
International - At the Gates, Death, Testament, Slayer, In Flames (old), Dark Tranquillity, etc.
Most metal :D