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TRICKS
Treat 1st and Second fingers as one finger with 2 nails plucking 2 strings at a time when finger picking. Use your other fingers as normal but every time you come to pluck with your first finger pluck the string next to it with your second finger at the same time. X Listen to example
As you might have realised there are more than one way of playing any chords. A nice technique is to leave strings open when barring chords. I.e. leave the top E string open when playing a chord sequence in the key of E to leave an underlying theme to the sequence. Hammering on to the correct fret will also add depth. Especially nice when duetting with another guitar. There is not much point in two guitarists playing the same chords together. If guitar 1 plays a normal E chord then guitar 2 should play a 7th barre E for example to add depth. Inverse chords will add even further depth. I.e. Guitar 1 plays 7th barre E, guitar plays a normal E chord but with A flat (4th fret) on the bottom E string (E/G#). X Listen to example
Tapping is a technique which sounds amazing but is actually very simple. Use your right hand to hit the string against the fret board so that the string hits a fret to play that note while your left hand plays another. I.e. use your left hand to hammer on and play for example open then 4th fret, 5th fret, 7th fret then continue by tapping with your first finger on your right hand on the 12th fret. Hit the string onto the neck so that the note is played and then drag your finger off returning to your left hand still on the 7th fret and pull off down to the 5th then the 4th and then open again. Repeat at speed. X Listen to example
Steve Vai actually uses a Harmonizing Guitar effects processor that is responsible for most of the notes that you actually here on this song. I.e. He plays one note and the effect plays some extra notes in harmony. This effect can however be achieved without the harmonizer... Preparation: Electric guitar, Reverb and delay about 28ms with a short decay. Step 1: Hold down the chord that contains the major notes i.e. Bar D Major on the 10th fret. Step 2: Tap on the 12th fret on alternate strings Top E,G,B,D using your first and second fingers. Repeat this (It should flow and sound similar to ballerina 12:24) Step 3: Slide your bar around and keep tapping 2 frets above the bar. Step 4: Experiment. Using different chords will require different tapping shapes and produce a more interesting effect. X Listen to example
Harmonics are an interesting bell like sound produced by lightly touching the string above certain frets while plucking the string. Try touching the string right above the 12th fret (not behind the fret as you would normally play it but right over the fret) When you pluck the string it will either have a bell like harmonic or just sound dampened if you are incorrect in your aim. Move your finger slightly up and down until the desired effect is achieved. The are more harmonics above the 7th fret, 5th fret and 4th aswell as some harder to find ones at half way positions. You can play a harmonic for any note be trying the following. Hold down the note that you wish to produce a harmonic for. Now place your right hand first finger over the string 12 frets above this note. Then with your right hand thumb pluck the string. You will need to find somewhere to store your plectrum while you do this! X Listen to example
When using a distortion pedal the results can be too noisy if you do not mute the strings. Use the right side of your right hand against the strings right by the bridge as you strum to dampen the strings and produce that typical metal crunching rhythm. If you move too far away from the bridge then you will kill the notes. Don't push down, the touch should be light and leave enough movement in your hand to still be able to strum or pick the strings. X Listen to example Ý Top of Page |
