Get ready to be amazed because you’re about to learn 10 guitar tricks that will make your jaw drop! Yes, you read that right—these are not your run-of-the-mill tips.
From playing with your teeth to mastering one-finger slides, these tricks will transform you into the rock god you were destined to be.
Natural Harmonics
ONE
Natural harmonics are the bread and butter of harmonic techniques. You produce a bell-like, ethereal sound when you lightly touch a string at specific points—usually the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets.
These frets aren’t just picked randomly; they divide the string into whole number ratios, creating pure tones.
You don’t need to press down on the fretboard; a gentle touch and a pluck will do the trick. Think of it as playing a ghost note but with more charm.
Mastering natural harmonics opens up a world of shimmering sounds you can sprinkle into your solos and riffs.
Pinch Harmonics
TWO
Pinch harmonics may sound like a cooking goof, but they’re magic. To do this trick, gently squeeze the string with your thumb and pick simultaneously.
What do you get? A screeching, wailing note that makes your guitar howl like a ghost.
Turn up the volume on your amp for the best sound to let the harmonics sparkle. Finding the “sweet spots” on the string takes some practice, but once you nail it, you’ll be throwing out harmonics like confetti at a rock show.
Tapped Harmonics
THREE
Tapped harmonics bring a futuristic twist to your playing. Instead of touching the string, tap it firmly at a fret, usually an octave above a fretted note. This produces a clear, chiming harmonic.
You can use both hands to create intricate patterns. Tapped harmonics are versatile, perfect for adding a touch of class to your tapping sequences or just showing off during a solo.
Remember, a little tap goes a long way. With these harmonic tricks, your guitar won’t just speak—it will sing.
Dive Bombs
FOUR
Dive bombs are an explosive way to impress your audience. Pushing the whammy bar down dramatically lowers the pitch, creating a sound like an airplane crash.
Performing a dive bomb necessitates firm control and timing. Be gentle yet assertive with the bar. Too much force, and you’ll end up tangling your strings into a knot that even a Boy Scout can’t unravel.
Whammy Squeals
FIVE
Whammy squeals are the rock guitar equivalent of a dog’s squeaky toy—attention-grabbing and slightly annoying, but in a good way.
You combine a harmonic note with a quick flick of the whammy bar to perform a squeal, resulting in a high-pitched squeak. Precision is key: position your finger gently on the string and use a firm pick hand.
Timing the flick with your harmonic pinch will make or break the squeal. Experiment with different harmonics and flick intensities.
Standard Tuning Slides
SIX
In standard tuning, mastering slide guitar involves precise finger placement. The slide should glide directly over the fret to ensure accurate pitch. This technique conjures that signature, mellow slide sound as if the guitar is singing.
Now, remember the importance of muting. Use your other fingers to keep unwanted string noise at bay. It’s like giving your guitar a soothing spa treatment!
Open Tuning Escapades
SEVEN
Switching to open tuning, like Open E or Open G, opens up a new world of slide guitar possibilities. Here, you can play entire chords with a single slide motion.
In open tunings, your slide positions gain new meaning. Each fret becomes a window to different chords, perfect for blues and folk flavors. You’ll feel like an instant virtuoso.
Don’t shy away from effects like reverb and delay. These can add a rich, resonant quality to your slide playing—like adding a sprinkle of fairy dust to your sound.
Single-String Tapping
EIGHT
Single-string tapping may seem simple, but it packs a punch. This trick involves tapping a single string with your picking hand while holding down a fret with your other hand. It’s a great way to add quick notes and fancy patterns.
Start by anchoring your tapping hand for stability. Rest your thumb on the fretboard, or use your other fingers for support. Begin with an easy pattern like hammering on and pulling off between the 5th and 7th frets.
Slowly build up speed, using a metronome to help. Don’t rush – precision is key. Your goal is a clean, crisp sound.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Gradually increase your tempo without sacrificing accuracy. Soon, you’ll be wowing crowds with lightning-fast runs.
Multi-Finger Tapping Technique
NINE
Multi-finger tapping takes your guitar prowess to the next level. This technique employs the index finger and the middle, ring, and even pinky of your tapping hand.
Think of it like a spider tiptoeing across the fretboard. Start simple. Use two fingers to tap a pattern, like the 12th and 15th frets on the high E string. Gradually incorporate more fingers and strings.
Coordination is key. Keep your tapping hand steady. Anchor it using your thumb if needed.
Practice rhythmic patterns slowly and increase speed as you get comfortable. Before long, your guitar will be singing with complex, cascading runs.
Reverb and Delay Magic
TEN
Reverb and delay pedals can turn a simple strum into an epic soundscape. Reverb adds a sense of space, making your guitar sound like it’s echoing in a grand hall.
Delayed notes repeat and fade, creating rhythmic patterns and lush soundscapes.
Reverb Types: You can choose from plate, spring, or hall reverb. Each offers distinct characteristics. The plate reverb is smooth, while the spring reverb gives a vintage vibe.
Delay Tips: Use a digital delay for crisp, clean repeats or an analog delay for warmer, more musical echoes. Chaining multiple delay pedals can create complex, layered textures.
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So, there you have it—10 guitar tricks that will blow your mind and possibly your neighbors’ eardrums. Trying out these techniques is a way to enrich your skill set and guarantees endless fun.
Whether playing with your teeth or mastering hammer-ons, each trick adds a new flavor to your playing.
Perfecting these tricks might be the ticket to becoming the rock star you were born to be. Remember, good things come to those who practice—except pizza, which comes to those who call.
Oh, so now we’re pretending that slapping a bit of reverb and delay onto anything instantly turns it into magic? Look, I get it, reverb and delay are like the peanut butter and jelly of guitar effects, but maybe we could also talk about how to use them without making every song sound like a washed-out dreamscape. Just a thought. And for those about to fire back, yes, I do know how to dial in effects tastefully. It’s about the nuance, people.
Excellent piece on the multi-finger tapping technique, Lewis . Your clarity in explaining such complex methods is commendable. It’s enlightened advice for anyone who’s trying to master the art.
got to say, dive bombs are where it’s at. nothing beats that feeling when the pitch drops and everything goes wild. used to think it was just for metal, but once you start mixing it up in other genres, it’s a game changer. always thought about combining it with some smooth reverb for a spacey vibe. anyone else tried mixing these techniques up?
Yeah, blending dive bombs with reverb can create some epic soundscapes. Threw it into a chill track once, and it was mind-blowing.
Hey Lewis Turner, cool overview on all these techniques! I’ve got a question about pinch harmonics – how do you consistently hit them without just getting the regular note sound? I’ve been trying but it’s hit or miss for me. Cheers!