Guitar Techniques

You may also like:

Sponsored by Google

Guitar Techniques

There are several notation symbols appearing in tab notation. This is how the guitarist should play them.

The most usual guitar techniques:

Technique How to Tab
Bend Play the first note, then bend the string with the playing finger (helped eventually by the other fingers) until you hear the next note (in the tab example, a whole step bend, from E to F#). There are also 1/2, 1 1/2, 2 steps bends.
Bend/Release Bend then release back to the first note.
Hammer-on Pluck only the first note, then hammer the second at a higher fret.
Pull-off Pluck only the first note, then pull the second at a lower fret.
Slide Fret a note (or notes) and then move (slide) to another fret without taking the pressure off your finger (fingers) as you move.
Vibrato Repeatedly bend the pitch up slightly, and then let the note back down to the original pitch.
Tapping Tap with the index or midfinger at the written fret.
Natural Harmonic Touch the string lightly (don't press down) over the fret bar then pluck.
Pinch Harmonic Pick the string, then touch the edge of your right hand thumb.
Palm Mute Touch the string slightly with the palm of your right hand.