Tag: paul gilbert

Have you tried outside picking yet?  No?  Now is the time…

 

Here's just one example of some creative shred guitar techniques or just try some outside picking instead
Example of some creative shred guitar techniques

As a renowned master of the six-string *ahem*, I’ve had my fair share of experience with the art of shredding. And let me tell you, there’s more to it than just furiously strumming away at your guitar like you’re trying to start a fire.  One of the most overlooked and important techniques to master if you want to truly master the art of shred is outside picking.

Outside Picking

This technique involves picking the lower of two strings with downstrokes and the higher string with upstrokes, resulting in a distinctive, fluid sound that will make your solos stand out.

But don’t just take my word for it – here’s a video of Paul Gilbert, the versatile virtuoso himself, playing with the technique and Troy Grady breaking it down for you:

 

Start by holding your pick between your thumb and index finger, with the tip pointing towards the floor. Then, pick the lower string with a downstroke and the higher string with an upstroke, using a fluid, circular motion. This will take some practice, but with time and patience you’ll be tearing up the fretboard like a pro.

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String Bending

Another essential technique for any shredder worth their salt is string bending. This involves using your fretting hand to bend the string up or down, creating a dramatic, expressive sound that will add depth and character to your solos.

 

To bend a string, simply place your fretting finger on the desired string and fret, and then use your other hand to push or pull the string in the desired direction. Be careful not to bend the string too far, as this can cause it to break – and trust me, there’s nothing less shred-tastic than a broken string in the middle of a solo.

I saw a great video years ago (which I can’t find now) from one of my personal favorite Shred Masters, Neoclassical Sweep Synthesist Dan Mumm, where he broke down a practice approach to string bending that was all about bending to specific notes and playing them together on adjacent strings to get the hang of bending perfectly in tune.  Basically, he had you bend up a half step on the 2nd string and then play that same note on the first string to compare them.  Then he did the same for a full step and one and a half steps.  I’ve personally been using that method ever since and I can tell you, it’s effective.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Don’t worry if you’re struggling to get the hang of these techniques – just remember that practice makes perfect! Keep at it, and before long you’ll be shredding like a true master of the six-string.

So there you have it – two essential techniques for any aspiring shredder. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, outside picking and string bending are sure to add some serious fire to your solos.

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

 

Shred guitar phrasing
A chimera working on its phrasing chops

Phrasing for Shred Guitar: Making Shred more conversational since 1892

“Give each phrase some breathing room so that the listener has time to soak in the melodies. Tell a story with your phrases or imagine a conversation by playing around with some call and response phrases…”

Anton at Shred Guitar Masters

SUBHEADING

Give a Voice to your Shred Solos

Phrasing is the art of giving a voice to your solos and, while it’s not talked about enough, you can and absolutely should utilize phrasing for Shred Guitar.

But how does one go about achieving this elusive art? Well, my friend, let me give you some tips.

First and foremost, you’ve got to feel the music. Don’t just play the notes on the page, feel them in your soul. Let the music move you, and let that movement guide your fingers as they dance across the fretboard.

Next, pay attention to the rhythm. A solo without a solid rhythm is like a boat without a paddle, adrift in a sea of mediocrity. Make sure each note lands where it’s supposed to, and that your phrasing follows the beat of the music.

 

Another thing to keep in mind is that a well phrased solo is the downright opposite of “noodling.”  Try singing a melody over the track you’re practicing with. Notice anything different? Well, your guitar doesn’t have to stop to take breaths but you do!

Give each phrase some breathing room so that the listener has time to soak in the melodies. Tell a story with your phrases or imagine a conversation by playing around with some call and response phrases.

And, while we’re on the subject, don’t be afraid to let the guitar sing. Use vibrato to add expression to your playing, and bend those strings to make the notes cry out. This will add character and emotion to your solos, and make them truly stand out.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “This all sounds well and good, but how do I put it all together?”

Well, the key is practice. Sit down with your guitar, crank up your amp, get to feeling that music and then let those fingers fly. Experiment with different phrasing techniques, and see what feels right. 

You can also get creative with it by incorporating techniques such as legato or sweep picking into your phrasing. It might take some time, but trust me, it’ll be worth it in the end.

So there you have it, folks. The art of shred guitar phrasing. It’s not quite as easy as the greats make it sound, but with a little practice and a lot of soul, you too can give a voice to your solos and take your guitar playing to the next level. 

Shred on!

-Anton