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How to Leave Space Between Guitar Notes

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Leaving space between your notes is not most guitarist's first instinct. The desire is to play a ton of notes, as fast as you can, to seem impressive and talented. But playing a rush of notes usually ends up in a indistinguishable muddle of notes. Silences and spaces, however, build tension and suspense in a solo. They open up space for smaller runs of fast notes and bends, changes, or flashy licks, making your play far more dynamic and exciting.


  1. 1
    Listen and mimic the phrasing of great singers to learn how to use space effectively. Singers cannot hit as many notes, as quickly, as guitarists. They also must pause to breathe. This has lead vocalists to develop innovative, melodic ways to put space into their vocals. You can even think of a good public speaker -- notice how they don't just talk and talk and talk -- they leave space before big points (or notes, riffs, solos, etc.) so that the audience has time to get ready for the dazzling next section.
  2. 2
    Leave space between repeated themes or motifs. Many guitarists use a repeated set of notes, often similar to the melody of the singers, to give their solos a a backbone or common set of notes. But you don't want to play the theme too frequently. Try your 3-5 note riff once, give a half-measure of space, then play it again, slightly changing the the last few notes to throw the audience off guard or launch into a different set of notes.
  3. 3
    Use a serious of silences to slowly build power. This is common in many blues solos, such as the work of B.B. King. The first few riffs are only 2-3 notes, then silence. Then 4-5 notes, followed by a shorter silence, until the silences get smaller and the notes get longer. By the end, you've risen the energy and mood into a screaming, killer solo with no silences.
  4. 4
    Use silences to highlight the backing track. Great guitarists do not play over the rest of the instruments, blocking them out, but with them. Leave space for a big bass lick or not, to let a drum fill sound out without being muffled, or give the backup singers a chance to shine. Furthermore, opening up these spaces lets your play off the other instruments when they're done, making you look extra professional.
  5. 5
    Think of the solo or lick as a story, using silences to give the audience a break. Even high-energy action movies don't go full-speed the whole time. Giving a chance for silence makes the fast parts more meaningful and easier for the listener to understand. These silences make the more exciting sections of your solo pop more in a listeners ear, just like calm moments in an action movie proceed the biggest explosions and fights.[1]

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  • Spacing is about personal preference, and the only way you'll get good at it is to practice.

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Categories: Guitar

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