Tag: MAB

String Dampener for guitar: why should you use one?

string dampener spirit in the old days
spirit of a string dampener behind the scenes

Greetings, fellow Shred fans! You may have noticed that a lot of today’s top guitarists use some kind of string dampener to improve clarity and enhance the sound of their instrument. These devices work by reducing the amount of vibration and noise that is produced by the strings, which can help to reduce or eliminate unwanted string noise and give the guitar a more focused and precise sound.

They are especially useful when using advanced techniques such as sweep picking and two hand tapping.

Benefits of using a string dampener

string dampener attempts of the ancient world
People have tried everything to dampen their strings over the years

 

 

If you’re working on some of these advanced techniques, you’ve probably wondered how your favorite players are able to get such a clean sound. While the Shred Masters have usually developed habits of muting unused strings with parts of either of their hands, a string dampener or fret wrap is often used in addition to this type of muting.

It gives a shredder a lot more control over their sound and helps ensure that their lightning fast licks can be heard distinctly without being drowned out in a mess of string vibrations and noise.

There are several options available on the market for dampening the strings, even an amazing invention by one of my top favorite shredders of all time, the legendary Michael Angelo Batio! 

If we’re talking about sheer popularity, however, the clear winner goes to the Fretwrap. Let’s take a quick look at both of these amazing inventions that have helped bring clarity to thousands of shred guitarists advanced techniques.

 

 

Fretwrap String Dampener

 

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The Fretwrap by Gruvgear is a professional string dampener and muting accessory that is ideal for use in recording studios, live performances, and other creative situations where you want to eliminate overtones and sympathetic resonance.

It is an adjustable strap made of thick fabric and hook and loop material that fits over the headstock of the guitar and can be fine-tuned to provide the desired level of pressure and dampening on the strings.

The Fretwrap is quick and easy to use, and does not require any special modification, installation, or tools for your guitar. It is effective at cutting unwanted string noise and ringing, and is especially useful for two-hand tapping techniques. It’s easy to slide behind the nut of the guitar when you need to go back to using your open strings and then slide it back over the 1st or 2nd fret when you’re going back to a section using extreme finger tapping or sweep picking techniques.

The Fretwrap comes in a variety of color schemes and four different sizes to fit a range of guitar and bass guitar types. It is a must-have accessory for any studio, session player, or tapping aficionado.

Demo of the Fretwrap by Brandon Baker

 

Michael Angelo Batio’s Chromacast

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string dampener 3rd hand
The envisioned “3rd hand.” Don’t try this at home, kids.

This sleek and stylish string dampener was designed by the legendary shredder himself and is perfect for those who want to add a touch of rockstar flair to their setup. 

 

It’s easy to apply and helps to reduce excess vibrations, giving you a more controlled and focused sound.

MAB describes his Chromacast string dampener as being designed to function as a “third hand” when playing the guitar, eliminating extraneous or unwanted string noise and feedback, and helping to “clean up” the sound of the instrument. It is completely adjustable and can be moved out of the way when not in use. Overall, the Chromacast string dampener is an innovative and effective tool that is easy to use and looks great.

The man himself, demonstrating some face melting alternate picking using the Chromacast

A demo video of the Chromacast by a very young GuitarMAX in his early days

So there you have it, folks – the top 2 options for string dampening and fret wrapping. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or just starting out, these tools can help you take your sound to the next level and help you achieve the same clarity with advanced techniques that you’ve come to expect from your favorite players.

Shred on!

-AntonAnton

 

 

 

 

Alternate Picking tips for the aspiring Guitar-Shredding Machine

alternate picking tips - shred machine
A Shred Machine

Greetings, aspiring Shred masters! If you’re reading this, you’re probably interested in becoming a guitar-shredding machine. Well, you’re in luck because I’m here to impart some wisdom on the subject with some AAA grade alternate picking tips.

First things first, let’s define what alternate picking is. Basically, it’s the act of using an up-and-down motion with your pick to play melodies, shred runs or arpeggios. This technique allows you to play faster and more accurately, and it’s a crucial aspect of any Shred guitar solo worth its salt.

Now, before you go running off to practice “No Boundaries” at breakneck speed, there are a few things you’ll need to know. First and foremost, make sure you have a solid foundation. This means having a good grasp on the basics of guitar playing, such as chord progressions, scales, and proper finger placement. Without these building blocks, you’ll be stumbling around like a newborn colt trying to walk on ice.

Check out the legendary shred pioneer in action with this essential MAB collection:

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Alternate Picking TIps

So let’s take a look at some alternate picking tips that are going to set you on the path to Shred legend status:

  1. Start slowly: When practicing alternate picking, it’s important to start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable and accurate. Trying to play too fast too soon can lead to sloppy playing and bad habits. Be patient from the beginning and you’ll save a lot of time and headaches in the long run.
  2. Use a metronome: A metronome is an essential tool for practicing alternate picking because it helps you keep a steady tempo and ensures that you’re playing in time. Start by setting the metronome to a slow tempo and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable.
  3. Practice with a pick: While some guitarists prefer to use their fingers to pick, alternate picking is pretty much impossible without a pick. In all seriousness though, make sure to use a pick that you are comfortable with and use the correct grip and angle when holding your pick to ensure a clean and precise sound.
  4. Focus on accuracy: It’s important to focus on accuracy rather than speed when practicing alternate picking. You’ll never impress MAB with muffled notes and sloppy playing. Watch where your fingers land on the frets to ensure a clear, articulated sound from each note and never try to play faster than you’re current skill level will allow. Sloppy practice leads to sloppy playing and that is not real Shred.
  5. Mix it up: You’re going to need to get comfortable with switching techniques, so make sure to mix up your practice routine by using some legato and other Shred techniques such as finger tapping or sweep picking. This will help keep your playing interesting and keep you from getting bored or frustrated.
  6. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own voice on the guitar. While it’s important to learn from and be inspired by other players, the best shredders are the ones who have a unique style and sound. So go out there, grab your guitar, and start shredding like there’s no tomorrow! Just make sure to keep it within the realm of good taste, folks – nobody likes a noodler.

 

alternate picking tips custom shred guitar with skull and sweep picking

Finally, if you want to take your alternate picking to the ultimate level, you need to learn from the best. Check out Michael Angelo Batio’s indispensable video course series from Doug Marks’ Metal Method.

So there you have it, some pro alternate picking tips. With some dedication and practice, you’ll be tearing up the fretboard in no time.

Just remember to have fun while practicing to avoid burnout and always keep learning. There’s always more to discover on the guitar.

Shred on!

-Anton Anton