Mastering Long Notes on an Electric Guitar: Techniques and Equipment
Creating sustain on an electric guitar is a fundamental skill for many genres, from rock and metal to blues and jazz. Several techniques and equipment can help you achieve this, including various pedals, equipment modifications, and even acoustical considerations.
Techniques for Long Notes
Sustaining notes on an electric guitar can be achieved through different methods, each adding a unique flavor to your playing. For instance, using a compressor/sustainer pedal can provide a consistent sustain, making your notes sound almost continual. Additionally, an E-Bow or similar device can be used, as it introduces a steady vibration to the strings, extending the note's duration.
Electronics within the guitar itself can also contribute to sustained notes. For example, certain guitar brands like Fernandez offer built-in sustainer devices. Alternatively, the use of feedback from your amp can help achieve this effect, as demonstrated by artists like Adrian Belew and Santana.
Enhancing Sustain with Volume and Compression
The combination of volume and compression can significantly boost your guitar's sustain. A compressor pedal can be particularly effective in maintaining the tone of your notes, ensuring they don't fade away. By adjusting the volume subtly, you can create a tremolo effect, further enhancing the note's duration.
Positioning your guitar partially in front of the amp can also generate feedback, adding resonance to the sustained notes. Reverb and sustain effects can also be used to create a more atmospheric sound, often giving the impression of longer notes. The choice of strings, particularly wound third and plain strings, can also influence sustain, as can the acoustics of the venue in which you're playing.
Equipment and Pedals for Sustain
To truly master the art of sustaining long notes, consider using both a compressor/pedal and an E-Bow. This combination allows for modulation of the sustained note, akin to the incredible ability of classically trained singer Kathy Kirby, who demonstrated a stunning sustain in her live performances.
Other specialized pedals such as the Gamchanger Audio Sustain pedal can also be utilized to achieve extended sustain. If you prefer more traditional methods, adjusting your amp settings is crucial. Volume and FX settings can be fine-tuned to complement your playing style and achieve the desired sustain.
Conclusion
The key to mastering long notes on an electric guitar lies in a combination of technique, equipment, and experimentation. Whether you opt for a compressor/pedal, an E-Bow, feedback from your amp, or a blend of these methods, the result can be remarkable. The art of sustaining long notes is as much about the equipment you choose as it is about the way you play.