The Bends

Bending a note on the Guitar is a true way to convey feeling and emotion and in this lesson I walk you through the different type of bending techniques, which I use.

The most common is bending up to a note by a semitone (1 fret) that I demonstrate in Nuages and Manoir Des Mes Reves. Take time to master this subtle device by practicing the bends on each string using the strength and control of your left hand 3rd finger. Bends are personal so don’t get too caught up worrying about if they are right or wrong. It’s better to give the music your own personality by bending a note to express the feelings you want to convey. This could range from a full on blues type bend to a subtle ½ or ¼ step bend. Bottom line is that the guitar is the perfect instrument for getting in the cracks of the harmony with bends so make the most of it!

Vibrato

This is something you can practice and understand in a technical way even though vibrato is kind of like a mirror to your soul.

Set your metronome to a slow tempo and play a note using a fast and powerful vibrato like you hear Django play on the first beat of every bar. Then do the same with a linear wide vibrato. This will train your left hand to develop the skill and strength it takes to use vibrato to the maximum effect.

The Sweet Spot

Simply by altering the position of where you pick the strings on the Guitar you can dramatically change the tone.

In Gypsy Jazz the best place for tone is somewhere between the sound hole and the bridge. If you play the other side of the sound hole closer to the neck the tone will sweeten and be much softer.

By using your thumb instead of a pick you also soften the sound and sweeten the tone. These two techniques are very powerful when used sparingly and by giving you a new sound can inspire some great Jazz.

Double Octaves

This technique can transform the most simple of melodies or phrases from cute to memorable.

Instead of the usual 1 octave we are now looking at 2 octaves between the notes. You need to use your thumb on the bottom E and 3rd finger on the top E whilst concealing the pick with the other fingers. The trick is to concentrate on your lead line with the top string like normal and the thumb simply mirrors that note on the same fret. Try it with a simple melody like Minor Swing.

The Whammy Bar Effect

This technique will raise eyebrows get smiles and generally make people giggle. I know ‘cause I’ve been using this forever in Gypsy Jazz and it never fails.

Try this – Fret a D note on the B string 3rd position. Pick the note then with your left hand ghost up the scale without picking. You will run out of steam after a few notes and this is the effect. I often use this when landing on a note that would usually be long making it fade away up to the heavens. The amazing guitarist Steve Vai is famous for using this technique but with a whammy bar. This is where I got the inspiration.

Double Intensity

Simply by playing every note twice you can create a lot more intensity and momentum in your playing. This works best on ballads. If you’re playing over a C Major chord then instead of playing up the scale C,D,E etc. play CC DD EE etc. with the accent on the second note. Be sure to explore nice intervals as well as linear patterns.

Campanella

This is an effect I learnt from my favorite Flamenco guitarists Paco De Lucia and Vicente Amigo. The overtones of the ringing chords create beautiful bell like soundscapes and though sound complex are simple to achieve. Often I use this when playing a minor 2-5-1 into E minor. You pick through the F#m7-5 chord with down strokes playing an upstroke on the open top E then down on the B string continuing to play the descending line off the up stroked top E.

Use Of Register

When you learn a melody or lick it’s a no brainer that you should explore the possibilities of playing the same notes higher up or lower down the register of the Guitar.

You can create completely different feelings by playing a melody at a different or perhaps ‘unusual’ register. For example try playing the opening phrase to Nuages, first up an octave from where you usually play it and then down an octave. This is a very simple concept that you can use to bring more colors and flavors to your playing.

Minor Ascending Ladder

I learnt this awesome trick from Dorado Schmidt who used it on one of his original compositions entitled ‘Phil’ Check it out on Dorado’s album entitled ‘Parisienne’

You can use this device anytime your playing over a minor chord.

The trick is to keep the note fretted by your pinky ringing whilst the first finger plays the two following notes thus creating the cool dissonance. This pattern is repeated across the fret board. Try it on a Minor Blues in Gm playing it at the 3rd position for Gm and 8th for Cm.