Sven's Open your mind article

[emilan]

First of all, I just wanna say: absolutely amazing article! It really did open my mind.

But now onto my question:
The new lick 1 has the "T" symbol below the notation, which I assumed was right-hand tapping, since left hand tapping is usually called hammer-on like in the lick before. But how am I supposed to play it then? I can't really pick every second note and tap the others? or have I misunderstood?

I'd be very grateful for clarification. Thanks!

[Strum]

Open your mind :)

Ok well, i'll let Sven clear that up for you...but I just checked the lick out, and I play it as indicated, but then again i've gotten used to tapping close to the fretted note since I used to do that a lot when practicing legato.

[emilan]

right. Does that mean I'm supposed to hammer-on the notes that don't have the "T" with my left hand? In that case, how am I supposed to bend the notes? I find it extremely hard bending the notes a whole step with my right-hand index finger...

[EricV]

I would have to check it out, and right now I am in a hurry, but you can bend tapped notes with both hands... if you fret a note with the left hand, and tap another one, while holding the tapped note, you can bend the string with the left hand...

[phantom]

Hey emilan,

good to hear that the article was helpful for you!

To your question:
Right, all the "T" notes are right hand taps - all others, those in between, are left hand hammer ons! I use the left hands middlefinger for the g-string and the ringfinger for the b-string. Muting is an issue there, so keep the left hand close to the fretboard to mute adjacent strings. :)
I really should have pointed that out - sorry bout that.
If you have any other troubles let me know ok!? ;)

Have a nice day,
Sven

[emilan]

Thanks!
Just wondering about the bends though... Do you use only the middle and ring finger to bend or do you add on the index finger aswell? and do you bend upwards or downwards on the D-string?

[phantom]

Hey,

i only use the right hand for the bends and i always bend upwards with it - pulling the string towards me.
I know that lick feels a little awkward and sound like that as well, but it somehow nice. :)

[emilan]

Thanks again!
Guess I better start practising bending with my right hand :-)
I agree, the lick sounds kinda awkward at first but then you realise it's actually awsome!
Nice job!

[phantom]

Yeah, try bendings with the right hand first. If you feel you don't have enough power then you simply could take 2 fingers to pull the string. Just add enough pressure and press it on the fretboard so that the note doesn't die.
When you can do that, you could start tapping different notes with the right hand, maybe include some bend on the high e-string as well! :)

[emilan]

Thanks for all the help! I will practice till I bleed.... :)

[Strum]

Also if you run into trouble tapping with the right hand, you could always tap (hammer) the note with your left hand (I would use my ring finger) and bend up...

[emilan]

Strum: yeah, that's how I played it initially, but the tapping sounded better :)

Though, Sven, I have trouble muting the d-string after having done that bend on the 13th fret. Do I use my right hand palm for that?

[phantom]

I tap the 10th fret b-string with my ring finger, the 9th fret g-string with my middle finger, the spare first finger does the muting by laying across the strings (no fretting just touching) at around the 8th/9th fret.
Try that, if you make that 13th fret bend and let the string go, the left first finger will keep it from ringing.
:)

Maybe i could do a little video on that as well. ;)

[emilan]

Right, I get it! Thanks! :)

[Strum]

Strum: yeah, that's how I played it initially, but the tapping sounded better :)
Not to mention looks better too :p