Playing Techniques

Playing Techniques

1. Legato

   • Hammer ons
   • Pull offs
   • Slide
   • Tapping
     • The picking hand does a hammer on whilst fast note runs are performed by the fretting hand.

2. Shredding

   • Speed picking
     • Constantly picking the same string during fast note changes.
   • Sweep picking
     • Similar to strumming but the string's muted as the next one plays.

3. Strumming/plucking

   • Plucking - each individual string's played.
     • Normally done with bare fingers to produce a darker tone.
     • Fingernails can be used.
   • Strumming - when several strings are played at once.
     • Normally with a plectrum to produce a distinct attack.
     • Can be done with fingerpicks attached to fingers.

4. Slide

   • Produces a sound similar to vocals.
   • A bottle neck is used to slide on the strings.
   • Alters the pitch of the notes.
   • Extends the guitar's range.

5. Violining

   • Note is played with the volume down and then it's raised to produce a swell effect.
   • Can be done using a volume pedal.

6. Harmonics

   • Produced when gently touching a string at a specific fret.
     • E.g: 12th, 7th, 4th fret.
     • Produces a clear, pure sound.
     • Artificial harmonics can be created by the picking hand but it doesn't sound as pure.

7. Palm muting

   • When you place your strumming hand over the string.
   • Muffles the sound.
   • Creates a "chugging" sound to contribute to the rhythm.