Category Archives for "Guitar Techniques"

For uniqueness and an ability to really stretch yourself, would be great if we could all “invent” a new way of playing the guitar or employing a technique that no-one else has ever used. To be honest, this is probably quite unlikely, but here are some really cool techniques you may or may not have heard of, some of which you may like to research and learn for yourselves.Playing a harmonic by “splitting” the string.

This is a technique commonly used by Nils Lofgren, both in his solo work and whilst playing in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street band. Essentially, you place your fretting hand on a note and then, in unison, pluck your thumb and one other finger of your strumming hand between the fret you are holding down and the bridge. This will produce a harmonic note, although there will be an element of trial and error before you hear that note ring out.

Finger Vibrato - Picking hand bending

This is a really cool way to imitate a whammy bar; so if you do not have one, try giving this technique a go. You can also start by playing some easy guitar songs. So how does it work?

Well, first of all play any not (probably best using some overdrive) and then pinch the string below the note you have just fretted and shake it up and down. In terms of the bend and the note variation, you can exaggerate this as much or as little as you want; with a bit of experimentation, you will almost be able to replicate the effect of a whammy bar. In fact, I reckon you can make some even better sounds!!! Because you will be pinching the string below the note you are playing, it will still ring out when you wobble that note around. Even if you don’t use it much, it’s great fun to mess around with.

Quick pull-offs using the open E string

This is quite commonly used, but by playing the G note on the 15th fret of the high E string, pulling off, so the open E string sounds out and then repeating the same for the A on the 17th fret and B on the 19th fret and then repeating the sequence over and over again, you can create a fast riff that also incorporated melody. Similarly, you can experiment using other positions on the beck. A good warm up and great fun.

Bending a note “out of tune”

Commonly used by Hendrix, if you are playing a solo that uses bends, and, say, are needing a note up 2 steps, try bending it up 3 steps, so it sound “sort of” out of tune. The pure target note may deliberately have been missed, but , when it works, it created a sound of real attitude. Why not have a play around with it.

Pull-on/Pull-off (Artificial) HarmonicsThis is an excellent trick that you can keep up your sleeve, especially if you are improvising and starting to run out of ideas!!! And it’s mainly for the rock and metal guitarists out there. You will probably have to be a relatively advanced player to use this effectively, but, like all these things, there’s nothing wrong with messing around with it, as this will still help you improve.

An example of how to use this, is to hammer on and pull off as fast as you can on the 2nd fret of the D and open D string. Then very lightly “float” your pinky (or other finger if it works best for you) up and down the D string between the pick-ups. Once you have mastered this you will sound like a guitar master and sound impressive, especially if used in the right places of a song or solo.

Author Bio:

As a well respected player, teacher and coach, Andy Partridge is the lead instructor for Guitar Coach Magazine. Andy’s gentle step by step approach, and detailed note by note lessons, will give you the confidence, reassurance and motivation you need to really achieve your guitar playing goals sooner than you thought possible. His relaxed and engaging teaching style (complete with sometimes questionable jokes) make learning easier, faster, and so much more fun.

Musical aficionados already know a thing or two about transposing. But for those who are still new to this concept, I will be guiding you. In simple terms, the act of the changing the key of any musical piece is technically called as transposing. And learning how to transpose music is quite necessary, especially if you want to improve the quality of your crafts.

In any given circumstances, a particular major key is transposable to another major key. The same thing applies to minor keys. Of course, you can transpose a major to minor key or vice versa. But it would involve a lot of elements that it goes beyond the simple art of transposing.

Some people would want to avoid transposition. Let me tell you that it is not prohibited at all. However, you can always reap benefits if you study transposing. If you are aiming to be a top-tier arranger or composer , this particular skill is very imperative.

Learning how to find the key of a song is actually a necessary skill for any music players. This particular technicality will enable them to change or transpose the keys so that the song would fit your playstyle. Moreover, it also improves your versatility when it comes to song experimentations. If you are into making song covers, then this skill would benefit you.

In this article, we will feature some of the means of finding a song's keys, especially if they only come on its standard notation. It doesn't matter if you just know its chord progression. You will get things right as long as you follow the procedures we enumerated here. So what are you waiting for? Let's get started!

Learning how to play guitar is a remarkable thing to consider. Many people want to get familiar with this instrument because of its capability to exercise your dexterity and affinity to music. Of course, we all know that guitarists are cool folks. If you want to join the bandwagon of all string-lovers, then you should check out this article! This will be your comprehensive guide towards learning the guitar.

Musiety  - The Best Online Guitar Lessons

A music enthusiast would eventually enter the dilemma in choosing between a bass and guitar. Unfortunately, there are several factors that you have to consider first before you should pick which one to master. In the guitar vs. bass match, who would really win?

Such question is quite vague, as these instruments vary in their intended functions and use. Although they are both stringed tools and share a good physical semblance, the guitar and bass are still different.

This question tears even those that are in the middle of their journey. You might be already learning the ropes of guitar, and suddenly, some of your friends asked you to switch to bass. Of course, the opposite could happen. However, we all know that switching is not an easy thing to do. There are a lot of things that you have to weigh before you can actually decide.

Moreover, this involves money as well. Obviously, you will have to buy a new instrument if you will jump from one boat to another. Even for amateurs, this implication is still applicable. Therefore, you need to decide firmly which of these musical tools would benefit you. After all, we don't want the feeling of regret to strike us later on.

In this article, we will try to elaborate the difference between a guitar and bass. In this way, you will get some useful information that could help you decide. Read on!