Switching strings while staying at the same fret

[Alixir]

Hi everyone!

I was wondering how you people on this forum handle going from one string to the next while remaining at the same fret. For example, if you would want to go from C on the A string to F on the D string, would you lift the (third) finger up from the C fret and then land the F fret (causing a staccato sound) or would you bend the finger (holding it flat over both frets) and then pick the string? Both of these methods seem very incomplete: the first one because it doesn´t give the legato sound, and the second one because it halts the 'flow' of the playing plus it´s impossible to do it from a higher string to a lower string. My question is therefore, dear guitar players, how do you solve this little technical dilemma?

[bluesking]

I was wondering how you people on this forum handle going from one string to the next while remaining at the same fret. For example, if you would want to go from C on the A string to F on the D string, would you lift the (third) finger up from the C fret and then land the F fret (causing a staccato sound) or would you bend the finger (holding it flat over both frets) and then pick the string?


Depending on the desired sound, both are completely legitimate methods.


Both of these methods seem very incomplete: the first one because it doesn´t give the legato sound, and the second one because it halts the 'flow' of the playing plus it´s impossible to do it from a higher string to a lower string.


They surely would be incomplete independantly. Thankfully both exist!

Its not at all impossible, it simply requires some planning. This is usually subconcious planning at a certain level of proficiency, you don't actually need to think "crickey, in 16 bars time, I better remember to bar my finger". It just seems to happen when you want it to!

Now, there are some situations in which you are forced to do one or the other. But even then, it is usually possible to find an alternate fingering which removes the issue.

Also, in certain situation you can use right-hand muting to stop both strings ringing when you do the bar version.

[Darkman]

Barring is a blessing and a curse.

For legato and general HO & PO work it's the sensible option. But if you're aiming for clean alternate picking, it has drawbacks. It all depends on how effective your muting is, not just right hand, but rolling your finger to kill unwanted sound. Try an Am (1st inversion?) sweep at the fifth fret on the highest 3 strings. You bar and roll the finger to mute unwanted notes. It takes some practice to avoid a chordal/legato sound.
would you lift the (third) finger up from the C fret and then land the F fret No I would never do that, unless I wanted a real staccato sound. Doing it at speed would be a bit silly though?

[jsepguitar]

Here's a video of the rolling technique....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_7Rf2wqPy8

[fingerpikingood]

idk, it depends what's the sound i want and what else i'm doing. sometimes i bar sometimes i just use another finger, sometimes i just lift and move the finger over.

[Alixir]

Thanks a lot for some great replies! I watched the video. It was really a great explanation, very clarifying indeed. And yes, it is possible to do the rolling technique from a higher to a lower string, never thought that you could place the finger flat on the fret and then roll backwards down.