Right hand
- Play with a consistent, satisfying, clear sound across a large range of dynamics:
- plucking strings with free right-hand and arm movements at a variety of tempi
- using the plectrum as appropriate, including ‘pinched harmonics’
Teach learners exercises and pieces using a larger range of notes, incorporating wider string crossings.
With learners, listen to a recorded guitar solo demonstrating the ‘pinched harmonic’ effect, e.g. solos from ZZ Top. Ask them to experiment, using a plectrum.
Demonstrate holding the plectrum between two fingers to allow the right hand to play finger-style, then bring the plectrum into the playing position.
Refined by Martin Taylor, this technique is particularly useful for jazz standards in changing from the ‘head’ to the improvised solo.
Show learners how to hold the plectrum and use the right-hand second and third fingers to create a finger-picking style.
This technique is used extensively in country music and examples can be found in the playing of Albert Lee, James Burton and Jerry Donahue.
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