LEgato Guitar Technique

Legato, a musical term deriving from the Italian word for "smooth", refers to a style of playing where notes are executed seamlessly and fluidly. On the guitar, legato is achieved through the use of techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and trills, allowing for a smooth and cohesive line of sound. By relying primarily on fretting hand techniques, such as "hammer-ons from nowhere," the need for constant string-picking is reduced, resulting in a more streamlined and efficient performance. However, the key to successful legato playing lies in maintaining a consistent velocity and tone across each note, even when transitioning between strings. If you're interested in honing your legato technique, I highly recommend checking out the accompanying video link for exercises and insights.

In my video masterclass below, I delve into the intricacies of legato playing, providing you with comprehensive knowledge and understanding to take your guitar skills to the next level.

Best way to learn legato technique on guitar as a beginner?

Here are a few steps to help you learn legato technique on the electric guitar as a beginner: 

  • Practice alternate picking: Legato technique involves playing smoothly and seamlessly between notes without re-picking the string. Alternate picking is a great place to start, as it helps develop the right hand movement necessary for legato playing. 
  • Work on hammer-ons and pull-offs: These are the most basic legato techniques. Start by playing simple sequences of two or three notes, using your fretting hand to hammer onto the next note or pull off from it. 
  • Incorporate slides: Slides are another important aspect of legato technique. Start by playing simple slides between two frets, gradually increasing the distance as you become more comfortable. 
  • Practice finger independence: Legato playing requires finger independence in your fretting hand. Practice exercises to improve your finger dexterity, such as playing scales and arpeggios with different combinations of fingers. 
  • Study the playing of legato masters: Study the playing of guitarists known for their legato skills, such as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Eric Johnson. Pay attention to their right-hand techniques, finger movements, and phrasing. 

Remember, legato technique takes time and patience to master. Regular practice and repetition will help you develop the skills and muscle memory needed to become proficient in this technique. 

What is the best gauge of string to use for legato?

The best string gauge for legato technique on guitar depends on personal preference, playing style, and the type of guitar you use. 

Typically, lighter gauge strings (e.g. .009 - .011) are easier to play legato, as they require less force to press down on the frets and transition between notes. This makes it easier to play fast, fluid lines and arpeggios with a smooth, seamless sound. 

However, lighter gauge strings also have a tendency to be more prone to buzzing and have less overall volume and sustain. So, players who prefer a thicker tone and greater sustain may prefer heavier gauge strings (e.g. .013 - .016). 

Ultimately, the best string gauge for legato technique is one that allows you to play comfortably and with ease, while also producing the tone and sustain that you desire. It may take some experimentation to find the right gauge for you, but trying different gauges and experimenting with your playing style is the best way to determine which one is right for you.

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. I have a free backing track channel http://www.killerbackingtracks.com

ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR Lead Guitar

In terms of gear for getting a good lead guitar tone I recommend getting a healthy amount of gain on your amp (not too much maybe at 12 o'clock !) and add an overdrive pedal to really help boost the guitar signal going into the amp making the notes a lot clearer.

I use an Ibanez tube screamer.

🎛 CLICK HERE to get a TubeScreamer

FRET WRAPS & STRING DAMPENERS

Not essential but you can use fret wraps or string dampeners to keep any unwanted noise at bay. This can be frown upon by some players as they believe you should be able to control the noise without any extra help! I have to agree to some extent but if some of my favourite players such as Guthrie Govan and Greg Howe use them it's ok with me!!

I like to use the Gruvgear Fretwraps which I am using in this lesson. You can get these in lots of different fun colours! 

CLICK HERE to get a fretwrap.

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