Left and Right hand techniques in fast passage solos

[worldsluckiestman]

Hi All,

I started off finger picking/strumming songs exclusively, recently I'm trying to try out playing some solos on an acoutic. I don't have an electric unfortunately, so I'll have to make do... I started practising scales and alternate picking.

But here's my question, there's no way I can play those fast passages of notes if I pick every single note (i think...) are there any special techniques either for left or right hand?

I know pull offs and hammer ons can save time, are there any other techniques you'd recommend?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[fenderrules]

Hey..

The fast passages you play with the pull offs and hammer ons is a technique called legato. It's where you use minimal picking with your right hand and a hell lot of hammering and pulling off with your left hand. That's one way of going fast and making it sound smooth. Wouldn't say it's about saving time, I just believe you'll get it right with practice.

And who says you can't pick fast when picking every single note? Every shredder has alternate picking for breakfast. You just need to start real slow at first. Start with a metronome and build your speed up. Relax both hands as you play. It will be nothing to you when properly practiced.

For other techniques would be stuff like...maybe tapping? They sound really fast as well when executed properly though.

Cheers

PS. I think an acoustic trains up your legato pretty good due to the higher action. Stick to it and you'll be playing smooth legato someday

 

[worldsluckiestman]

thanks!

It was interesting to know that combining two techniques together would be named as an additional technique! =P

But for the right hand then, during fast passages that lie on the same string, do you guys usually do alternate picking on the same string or use all down or up pickings?

 

[fenderrules]

It must definitely be either alternate picked or legato-ed properly to ensure that whatever you are playing doesn't sound sloppy.

What a coincidence, a few minutes ago I was watching some guitar tutorials. I think you will find this useful as you will get to see the difference between legato and alternate picking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQvL33Z6bTc&feature=related

One legato exercise is shown from ex-10. Notice the way he uses more of his left hand to make the notes sound out with hammer ons and pull offs.


Cheers

 

[Breen]

Always practice your alternate picking! learn it with every fingering you can, across all the strings on the guitar. Then you will realize those passages ain't anything anymore.

Of course you gotta invest the hours.

No metronome, use your leg. Tap tap tap tap tap.......

 

[lanko]

Some of the solos made for electric simply doesn't sound right or kind of off when you play it on an acoustic/classical.

Afew of the fastest solos I've heard on a hollow-body guitar is the end solo of sidewinder [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF8bVt51avM&feature=related short but you can check out his right hand technique ] and rodrigo y gabriela's rendition of stairway to heaven [ www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNc5o9TU0t0 i think you can check out his sweep picking in this video]