Tag: shred guitar

Guitar Tapping Technique: An Introduction

guitar tapping technique finger tapping

Ahoy, fellow Shred enthusiast! If you’re looking to add some pizazz to your playing, I’ve got just the thing for you: guitar tapping technique. From EVH to modern Shred masters, guitar tapping technique has cemented itself as a staple of the Shred style. It can be used to play fast and fluid legato runs, create numerous different types of speed effects in your playing and even expand the range of shred runs and sweep arpeggios.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that this technique can be a bit of a challenge to master. But with a little bit of practice and some helpful tips from yours truly, you’ll be tapping out intricate melodies in no time. So let’s get started!

guitar tapping technique finger tapping technique overcomplicated finger twister
you don’t need to get your fingers tangled to master tapping

What is guitar tapping technique?

First off, let’s define exactly what we mean by “tapping.” Guitar tapping technique is where you use your fretting hand to tap out notes on the neck of the guitar, rather than plucking the strings with a pick or your fingers. In other words, you’re using your fretting hand to basically hammer-on notes on the strings.

It’s a popular technique in rock and metal music, and it’s another form of legato technique but one that allows you to extend the range of anything you’re playing and even play at faster speeds than you could without it. It can also add energy and excitement to your playing.

Tapping is a powerful tool in the arsenal of any self-respecting shredder, and with a bit of practice and dedication, you too can unleash some lightning fast and buttery smooth licks on your unsuspecting audience.

Where do I start?

First things first – get your tapping hand in shape. Guitar tapping technique requires precise finger control and quick reflexes, so it’s important to spend some time building up your hand muscles and coordination. 

The best way to get started is to work on some basic exercises designed purely for the first finger (pointer finger) on your tapping hand (the hand you normally use for picking), while using only open strings. Since you’ve already developed your finger muscles and coordination for fretting with your fretting hand, you can start by putting all your attention on your tapping hand before putting them together. Trust me, this is the way to get started.

And don’t forget to work with a metronome! 
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Tapping exercise #1

This practice pattern simply alternates between tapping fret 12 of the 1st string and pulling off to the open 1st string. Focus on getting clean notes and playing in time by starting very slowly and practicing with a metronome. You’ll use the first finger on your tapping hand to tap the 12th fret. Also, don’t forget that your fretting hand is doing nothing in this practice pattern.

 

guitar tapping technique exercise 1
Remember it should sound clean and fluid

Tapping exercise #2

For the 2nd practice pattern, you’ll see that you’re working with the same idea as the first, only now you’ll be switching strings from the 1st string to the 2nd string, 3rd string and back again. As with all of these practice patterns, use only the first finger of your tapping hand for every tapped note and work slowly with a metronome until it becomes easy for you. Then you can start to gradually increase the speed.

guitar tapping technique 2

Tapping exercise #3

For practice pattern 3, you’re back to playing only on the 1st string but now you are going to change what fret your first finger is tapping each time. Use the duration of the open string ringing out after pulling off to change the position of your tapping hand to prepare yourself for tapping the next fret. While this will seem pretty difficult at first, if you take it slow enough with the metronome, it will be a breeze!

guitar tapping technique 3

Combining the Tapping Hand and Fretting Hand

 

guitar tapping technique tapping device

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to start incorporating tapping into your playing. Start by learning some simple tapping licks and working your way up to more complex patterns. It’s important to start slow and gradually build up your speed and accuracy – otherwise, you risk turning into a gibbering mess of tangled fingers.


 

  Beginner tapping exercises from Matt Zerkovich

guitar tapping technique 4 finger tapping

As you progress, don’t be afraid to experiment with different tapping techniques and styles. Whether you’re a fan of Eddie Van Halen’s frenetic tapping runs or Joe Satriani’s smooth legato style, there’s a tapping technique out there for every guitarist. 

So there you have it, fellow shredders – the essential exercises and techniques for mastering the guitar tapping technique. Now go forth and tap your way to glory!

 

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

Alternate Picking vs. Legato

Alternate picking vs legato
A Chimera smoothly alternating between alternate picking and legato

Greetings, fellow guitar enthusiasts! Today, we’ll be discussing a topic that has plagued the minds of guitar players everywhere: Alternate Picking vs. Legato.

Alternate Picking

First of all, let’s define our terms. Alternate Picking, also known as “AP,” is a guitar technique that involves using an up and down motion to pick individual strings. This method is often used when playing fast, complex passages on the guitar.

It is a key component of any Shred guitarist’s arsenal. In shred guitar, alternate picking is used to play rapid, complex passages that may include rapid string changes, wide intervals, and rapid shifts between different positions on the guitar neck.

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Alternate picking is particularly useful in this context because it allows the player to maintain a consistent picking motion and keep the pick close to the strings, which can help to increase speed and accuracy. Alternate picking has been used to great effect by pretty much any Shred guitarist you can think of, from Mythical Tapping Maestro Eddie Van Halen to Legendary Shred Wizard Steve Vai.

 

Robert Baker showing you some Alternate Picked Shred Licks!

Legato

alternate picking vs. legato
this guy’s got the right idea

On the other hand, Legato (pronounced “le-gah-toe”) is a technique that involves using the fingers to smoothly transition between notes, rather than picking each one. 

In shred guitar, legato can be used to great effect for playing rapid, fluid lines that may also include wide intervals and rapid shifts between different positions on the guitar neck. Legato is achieved by using techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and even finger tapping, which allow the player to seamlessly transition between notes without the need for additional picking motion.

 

Clint Tustin showing you some epic legato shred exercises and patterns!
 

 

What’s the difference? alternate picking vs. legato

So, what’s the difference between these two techniques? Well, it all comes down to speed and control. Alternate Picking is generally considered to be faster, as it allows the player to quickly alternate between strings. However, Legato can be more controlled, as it allows the player to smoothly transition between notes without any extra picking motion.

While alternate picking is often the go-to technique for fast playing in shred guitar, legato can be used to add a sense of fluidity and expressiveness to the playing.

But let’s not get too caught up in the technicalities. At the end of the day, it’s all about what works best for you as a player. Some guitarists swear by Alternate Picking, while others prefer Legato. Ultimately, it’s all about finding the technique that allows you to express yourself the best on the guitar. 

If you put the practice in, you’ll be able to use a combination of alternate picking and legato to achieve maximum speed while maintaining expressiveness and musicality.

So don’t stress too much about it. Just pick up your guitar (no pun achieved) and get to it!

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

 

The Modes: essential Shred Guitar Theory

shred guitar theory scales and modes
this is your brain on modes

My fellow Shredders, there comes a point in any Shred Guitarist’s life when it becomes necessary to start working on some Shred Guitar Theory.  There’s been a debate about the value of music theory in the world of Shred guitar that should have been settled long ago.  Any information relating to what you’re learning on the guitar is music theory in some way or another, so it’s time to move past that debate.

For Shred Guitar theory, two of the most fundamental areas are scales and modes. But what in the world are modes, you might ask?

shred guitar theory
standard example of a shred guitar theorist

The Modes

Well, modes are just scales with a different starting note. For instance, the C major scale is made up of the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. If we start on the second note, D, and play the same sequence of notes, we get the D dorian mode. By starting on different notes and playing the same sequence of notes, we can create seven different modes: ionian, dorian, phrygian, lydian, mixolydian, aeolian, and locrian.

These modes have their own unique sounds and characteristics, and can add some depth and flavor to your solos. Take the phrygian mode, for example. It’s got a dark, exotic sound that can add some tension and suspense to your playing. On the other hand, the lydian mode has a bright, uplifting sound that can add a sense of expansion and openness to your solos.

How modes relate to scales

Modes, of course, are built from scales which, are just the group of notes that are found in a key or in a special context.  The most commonly used scale in western music is the major scale, which is made up of seven notes and has a bright, happy sound. This is usually where the modes are derived from.  But there are plenty of other scales to explore, such as the minor scale, the pentatonic scale, and the blues scale.

The minor scale is just a mode of the Major scale.  Remember when I mentioned the “aeolian mode”? Well that is just a fancy name for the minor scale.

In a very real sense, you can think of the modes as being other scales you can use or change to in order to change the feeling of your solo while staying in the same key. 

Using different scales and modes in your solos can help you create a wider range of sounds and emotions. For instance, the minor scale has a melancholy sound that can add some sadness and depth to your playing, while the pentatonic scale has a simple, catchy sound that can make your solos more memorable and hook-like.

 

The modes are a lot simpler than they sound

If the modes seem way too complicated for you, let me tell you that I felt exactly the same way for years. But what changed that for me was Dan Mumm’s course “The Infinite Shred Method”. This course utilizes Dan Mumm’s unique and powerful method of internalizing the modes across the fretboard. It starts out very simply and slowly builds out a method that simplifies the entire subject based on just a few repeating patters of 3 notes that can be found across the fretboard.

I highly recommend looking into it as building an intuitive comprehension of the modes is an essential part of mastering Shred Guitar. For me, getting the modes down is what opened up the entire fretboard for my solos. It felt like jumping up several skill levels in a very short period of time.

So, to wrap things up, while mastering all of the key shred techniques like alternate picking, legato, sweep picking, economy picking and so on, it’s only in combination with the modes and interesting scales that you can become a skilled and versatile shred guitarist like the Shred Masters. By experimenting with different modes and scales, you can add depth, emotion, and originality to your solos and take your playing to the next level.

Shred on!

-Anton Anton

 

Practicing for Neoclassical Shred Guitar

neoclassical shred guitar

Greetings fellow Shredder! No doubt you’re eager to improve your skills and take your playing to the next level. If you’re a fan of neoclassical shred guitar, you’re in luck – this exciting and challenging style of guitar playing can provide endless opportunities for growth and development. But to truly master the art of neoclassical shred guitar, you need to have a solid practice routine in place.

Listen to the Masters

It should go without saying that a key part of taking on any style of guitar playing is to listen to and study the masters of that style.  In the case of Neoclassical Shred Guitar, there are a number of top players that can give you the inspiration and motivation you need to tackle the style, but it’s best to start with the father of Neoclassical, the great, Yngwie Malmsteen.

 

Gear

First and foremost, make sure you have the right equipment. A high-quality electric guitar with a fast neck and low action is essential for neoclassical shred guitar, as is a good amplifier and a distortion pedal to create the characteristic crunchy, overdriven sound. Investing in quality gear will make a big difference in your ability to play fast and accurately.

Fundamentals

Next, focus on the fundamentals. Neoclassical shred guitar is all about speed, precision, and complex melodies, so it’s important to have a solid foundation in the basics of music theory and technique. Practice your scales, arpeggios, and alternate picking to build up your finger strength and dexterity, and work on developing a smooth and effortless legato playing style.

Advanced Techniques

Once you have the basics down, it’s time to start incorporating more advanced techniques into your practice routine. Take your alternate picking to the next level by increasing the speed using a metronome and bring in some more advanced techniques such as sweep picking and outside picking. Experiment with different time signatures, and try playing in keys that are outside of your comfort zone. Practice improvising and creating your own melodies, and don’t be afraid to push yourself to play faster and more complex pieces. 

 

Classical Licks

Dan Mumm Neoclassical Shred Guitar
Dan Mumm playing some Neoclassical Shred

If you aspire to play like Yngwie and you want to take your technique to the master level, the next step is to go straight to the source.  It’s time to start playing around with excerpts of the Classical music that inspired Neoclassical Shred that has been transcribed for electric guitar.

There are lot’s of options to choose from, but for the largest selection and most accurate transcriptions to the original compositions, I highly recommend going with Dan Mumm. If you’re not too familiar with Dan Mumm, you’ve probably at least seen or heard his rendition of J.S. Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in Dm.

 

 

Classical music transcribed for electric guitar is a lot more difficult to play than it seems and that’s because it isn’t designed with shred techniques in mind. It’s simply the notes that the composer decided to write based on what would sound best, not on what would be most efficient to play. So learning some of these pieces, or excerpts from these pieces, is one of the most effective methods of refining your neoclassical chops.


 

But it will also help you get a better understanding of how to make your solos sound more classical, which will give you an edge on other players.

Finally, be consistent in your practice. Set aside dedicated time each day to work on your Neoclassical Shred Guitar skills, and stick to a regular routine. This will help you make steady progress and avoid burnout. With dedication and hard work, you’ll soon be playing like a neoclassical shred guitar master.

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

Time to smooth things out with some legato shred!

 

legato shred hammer-on and pull-off
keep it smooth or the giant robot hobo will get you

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!

-AntonAnton

 

Sweep Picking for Shred solos

 

sweep picking for shred

Greetings, fellow Shredder!

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a fan of the shred guitar style, and you’re always looking for ways to improve your playing and take your skills to the next level. Well, my friend, I have just the thing for you: sweep picking!

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Sweep picking? Isn’t that just for fancy pants neoclassical guitarists and jazz fusion players?” Well, I’m here to tell you that sweep picking is not just for the snooty guitar crowd – it’s a versatile and powerful technique that can help you add speed, precision, and sophistication to your shred guitar playing.

But what exactly is sweep picking, you ask? Simply put, sweep picking is a technique that allows you to play multiple stringssweep picking in a single picking motion. This allows you to play fast arpeggios and complex chords with ease and fluidity, giving your solos a smooth, cascading sound.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Anton, how do I learn to sweep pick?” Well, my friend, learning to sweep pick is not as difficult as you might think. With a bit of practice and dedication, you too can master this technique and add it to your shred guitar arsenal.

First, let’s start with the basics. To sweep pick, you’ll need to use a picking motion that starts at the lowest string and moves upwards or downwards, depending on the direction of the arpeggio. This means that you’ll need to use your wrist to control the pick, rather than your elbow or shoulder, which can make the motion more awkward and less precise.

Next, it’s important to focus on the timing of your picking. In order to make the sweep picking motion fluid and seamless, you’ll need to pick each string one at a time in smooth succession instead of playing them together like a chord. This can take some practice, but with a metronome and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to get the hang of it in no time.

beginner guitar shredding or shred guitar for beginnersOnce you’ve mastered the basics of sweep picking, it’s time to start incorporating it into your playing. Start with simple, two-string arpeggios and work your way up to more complex chords and patterns. As you practice, pay attention to your picking hand and make sure that you’re using a smooth, fluid motion.

When you’re ready, sweep arpeggios can be extended, connected and expanded upon by using various legato techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs and finger tapping.

One helpful tip for improving your sweep picking is to use alternate picking in combination with the technique. Alternate picking involves alternating between upstrokes and downstrokes, which can help you maintain a steady picking motion and add precision to your playing. Alternate picking is perfect for creating hybrid patterns with sweep picked arpeggios or as part of sweeping through sequences.

In addition to practicing with a metronome, it can also be helpful to practice with backing tracks or jam with other musicians. This will not only help you improve your timing and accuracy, but it will also give you a chance to experiment with different rhythms and melodies and incorporate sweep picking into your solos and compositions.

Sweep picking is a valuable technique that can add speed, precision, and sophistication to your shred guitar playing. With practice and dedication, you too can master this technique and take your playing to the next level. So why not give it a try and see what it can do for your guitar skills?

Shred on!

-Anton                                                                 Anton

 

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