Exploring Legato Playing Techniques

Okay, then let's take a look at another technique, or perhaps I should say series of techniques. We're going to look at legato playing now.

What is Legato?

If you ever hear the term legato, it refers to a smooth way of playing. For guitar players, it means using hammer-ons and pull-offs to play a phrase instead of picking all the notes. This technique allows us to achieve a really smooth sound.

Exercise Overview

The exercise I'm going to show you focuses on one string. It's a great way to build not only a good legato technique but also strength and independence in your left hand.

This exercise is inspired by a lick from Paul Gilbert. Though he is more known for his alternate picking techniques, he is phenomenal at legato as well. This lick is one that he uses often, so we really have him to thank for it.

Starting Position

• Key: A minor
• String: E string
• Fret: 8th fret with your little finger

How to Play the Lick

1. Pick the C note (starting point).
2. Pull off to the first finger on A (5th fret).
3. Hammer on to B (7th fret).
4. Return to the original note.
5. Pull off down through those three notes.

Watch my right hand:

• It only picks the C note to start; it doesn't do anything else during the lick.
• Use your legato technique for the rest.

Technique Notes

• The accuracy of a hammer-on and the "elastic band" effect of a pull-off are crucial.
• For example, between my little finger and my third finger, I pull off down the side to release the fretted B note.
• This lick can help you build speed quickly.

Tips for Practice

• Loop the Exercise: You will start to feel your fingers working, especially between your little finger and your third finger.
• If you're new to legato playing, you might initially exert a lot of energy into the strings. Focus on relaxing your left hand as you speed up.

Practicing the Lick

1. Start gradually and increase speed as you go.
2. Keep the lower strings quiet with the palm of your right hand.
3. With enough practice, you can create impressive speed without picking again after the first note.

Advanced Application

• Change the order of the notes:
  • For variety, you may want to work your second finger by replacing with B flat or alternating between the two.

This lick is a great practice piece, and you can integrate it into your phrases for a flashy yet manageable technique.

Incorporating Legato into Scales

After mastering the lick, you can apply legato techniques to scales:

• For example, practice the major scale legato:
  • Technique: Pick the notes on string crossings, "Pick, Hammer on. Pick, Hammer on."
  • This creates a completely different tone.
• You can apply this in reverse when coming back down the scale.

Summary

Legato is one of the most essential techniques on guitar, often symbolized by a little bracket between two notes in tablature:

• If the numbers are ascending: that's a hammer-on.
• If the numbers are descending: that's a pull-off.

Final Thoughts

Have a go at that practice lick. It's a fantastic exercise to boost your legato skills. Now, let's have a look at the next technique!