When using constant picking to move from one note to another on two or more adjacent strings, the sweep picking technique is used. First, we should make some clarifications regarding the use of this technique.
Continuous picking is when the string immediately below is picked with the downstroke and the upper string with the upstroke, as in example 1.
Sweep picking usually uses larger intervals, similar to those of the chords, as in example 2, and can also be included in a phrasing (example 3).
The sweep picking technique, common with jazz guitarists, became very popular in all musical types in the 1980's and today is included in the technical vocabulary of every good guitarist, thanks to the harmonic possibilities and speed that it can create.
One of the most commonly used techniques, especially in the 70's and 80's, tapping is now one of the possibilities that the guitarist has to overcome large intervals between notes, usually at higher speed. Tapping is playing with one or more fingers of the right hand, alternating the notes played by the left hand, with everything usually in ligature. In the example below, you can play a sequence in tapping in G major.
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Trill is a rapid sequence of two notes, connected to each other by a hammer-on and pull-off series. Play the first of the two notes (D in the example), then perform a fast ascending and descending ligature with the E note. |
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This technique is related to bending. In this case two notes are played simultaneously, and the lowest is brought to the same sound as the highest through the use of bending. In the example, the 1st finger is placed on the second string (E note) while the 3rd finger (D note) raises the third string until it reaches the sound of the E note. |
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Vibrato is usually defined as the movement given to the string by the finger and wrist, a movement that makes the note vibrate with a microtonal alteration. The vibrato is identified with a wave-like symbol above the note. The classical vibrato is obtained using a right-left movement of the finger on the string, while the rock vibrato uses an up-down movement. Using the vibrato lever, we come across the term WB (Whammy Bar). |
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