Time to smooth things out with some legato shred!
Folks, if you’re a shred guitarist, there’s one skill that you absolutely must master: the ability to create smooth, fluid legato passages. But what in tarnation is legato, you may be asking? Well, it’s the technique of playing smoothly and evenly, with no breaks or gaps between the notes and without the harsh attack of a pick stroke. It is most commonly achieved using hammer-ons and pull-offs on the guitar. It’ll make your solos sound fluid and effortless, like a stream of water flowing over rocks.
Now, how do you go about developing your legato skills? The first step, as with anything worth doing, is to study the masters. Listen to the solos of the great guitarists, and pay attention to how they use legato to create smooth, flowing passages. Take note of how they use their fingers and pick to play the notes evenly and without any gaps.
Once you’ve studied the masters, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Start by practicing simple legato passages, using a metronome to keep yourself on tempo. As you get more comfortable, try adding more notes to the passage, and experiment with different fingerings and picking patterns.
But don’t be afraid to experiment and be creative in your legato playing. Every guitarist is different, and what works for one player may not work for another. The key is to find your own style and approach to legato, and use it to express yourself as a musician. I’d personally recommend playing around with phrasing legato passages, using just a single pick stroke per phrase.
The ability to create smooth, fluid legato passages is an essential skill for any shred guitarist. By studying the masters, practicing regularly, and experimenting with new ideas, you can develop your legato skills and take your playing to the next level.
Shred on!
-Anton