Guitar Nine Columns: Guitar Technique

Topics as guitar players we tend to forget, but that are very important as far as making music.

Technique is very important, but worthless if you don`t know how to make your guitar groove.

The first step in improving your playing is to understand the concept of phrasing.

Ysrafel`s here to focus on the different types of sweep picking available to the modern guitar player.

Great exercises to keep your hands in shape from Mike Campese.

You don`t always have to fret every note to achieve flashy results.

Taking a much closer look at the `diminished` sound and its theoretical sources.

Paul Kleff shows you how to create interesting phrases using basic arpeggio shapes.

How to use a metronome for maximum effectiveness.

Neo-classical guitarist Tom Hess talkes about two components that you must balance in order to enjoy the process of practicing and see consistent progress.

Dave Issacs is here to help you get back to the basics and improve your playing.

Exploring a less common approach to two-handed tapping.

Virtuoso classical guitarist and instructor Jamie Andreas believes it`s easy to memorize pieces, and has even more tips to help the uninitiated.

How to approach the chromatic scale on the guitar.

Virtuoso classical guitarist and instructor Jamie Andreas believes it`s easy to memorize pieces, and has some tips to help the uninitiated.

Even the simplest idea can be rekindled with the help of little embellishments.

Can you sound musical, creative and original using the same scales as everyone else? Michael Shouse says yes.

You can make your own scales with these tips from Mike Campese.

Here`s a second look at playing 3 note per string scales as 16th notes.

Part four of Scott Allen`s exploration into the wonderful world of arpeggios.

Nick Kellie helps you to improvise through this standard chord progression.

Develop both dexterity and versatility with these fretboard exercises.

Here`s a closer look at playing 3 note per string scales as 16th notes.

Part three of Scott Allen`s exploration into the wonderful world of arpeggios.

Here`s how you can go about creating a whole host of chords quickly and effectively.

Use the entire neck of your axe with these three octave ideas.

Part two of Scott Allen`s exploration into the wonderful world of arpeggios.

Mike`s ideas will help you move up the neck very quickly.

Kevin Buck tackles the most technically challenging piece ever written.

Simple knowledge of pentatonics is all you need to utilize the modes in your lead guitar playing.

If you`re sitting there with a pick in your hand, throw it away, you won`t need it.

The Mad Scotsman is here with the first in a series of lessons featuring cliche busting musical ideas.

Exploring the best use of swept arpeggios in a rock guitar player`s bag of tricks.

What does it mean for one`s playing to be considered original? Let`s find out.

Here are seven common problems guitarists encounter when learning to sweep pick, and what you can do about them.

Enlist those underutilized picking hand fingers to facilitate string skipping and wider intervals.

Before you come down for one technique or another, check out Philippov`s discussion on the issue.

Examples and tips intended to help everybody who seeks ways to improve on their instrument.

Give your picking a boost with German`s crazy ideas.

Here`s some ideas to help you reach the front gate of shredhood.

An inside look at how one key can affect the sound of another.

Think in terms of five, as you work on these 3+2 ideas.