Unlock the Secrets of Legato: A Comprehensive Guide for Guitarists
Welcome to the world of legato! This technique is a must-have in every guitarist’s toolkit.
It creates smooth, flowing lines with minimal picking, emphasizing the strength and dexterity of your fretting hand. In this masterclass by Karl Golden, you’ll discover the fundamentals of legato, explore practical exercises, and learn how to integrate it into your playing.
Watch the embedded video below for a full demonstration of these tips and techniques.
What is Legato?
Legato is all about achieving fluid, connected notes using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. Unlike alternate picking, legato minimizes right-hand picking, allowing for a seamless sound. As Karl demonstrates, it’s possible to play complex runs with only one initial pluck!
Why Should You Learn Legato?
Mastering legato offers several benefits:
- Enhanced Fluidity: Create smooth, lyrical lines that stand out in your solos.
- Fretboard Mastery: Explore new patterns and unlock the full potential of three-note-per-string scales.
- Improved Strength and Dexterity: Build power and accuracy in your fretting hand, making all aspects of your playing more dynamic.
Getting Started with Legato
Step 1: Focus on the Left Hand
Karl recommends beginning with three-note-per-string shapes. These provide an excellent foundation for legato technique. Start with the G major scale:
- Use triplets to practice this shape: one note per beat for a fluid and even tempo.
Step 2: Strengthening Your Fretting Hand
To build strength, avoid using your picking hand. Instead, hammer-on and pull-off each note:
- Play slowly at 80 BPM using a metronome.
- Gradually increase the speed as your hand becomes stronger and more fluid.
Adding the Picking Hand
Once your left hand is strong and confident, integrate the picking hand:
- Use downstrokes for ascending notes and upstrokes for descending ones.
- Experiment with hybrid picking, using your pick and middle finger for additional texture.
Tips for Effective Practice
- Use a Fret Wrap: Minimize unwanted noise while practicing.
- Practice Patterns: Introduce variation by ascending two strings, descending one, or creating unique combinations.
- Stay Patient: Progress comes with consistent effort. Take breaks if frustration sets in.
Advanced Techniques
Karl suggests exploring creative approaches:
- Experiment with shapes and patterns across different keys.
- Try muting with your left hand to control unwanted sounds—a subtle but essential skill.
A Final Note
Legato is as much about feel as it is about technique. Dedicate time to practice, and you’ll unlock a new level of expression in your playing.
GET RESULTS WITH A metronome
As with everything you practice make sure you use a metronome and start super slow to make sure you are playing the lick correctly with the right fingers, technique and attack (it's fine to not use a metronome at first while first learning it).
I recommend starting at 60pm and use 8ths notes until you can play the lick without mistakes three or four times in a row then speed up the metronome by 5bpm. If you are really struggling playing the whole lick break it down to a bar or two. CLICK HERE to get a metronome.
The best way to really get any licks under your fingers is to practice them over a backing track and this may help inspire your own lick ideas as well.
ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR Lead guitar
