Elektrische gitaarles

Electric guitar lessons

Playing electric guitar offers a world of possibilities. Learn the unique techniques and styles that make the electric guitar so special.

What are the most important techniques to learn for electric guitar?

The electric guitar is a versatile instrument that requires different techniques to master its unique sounds and styles. Below I list the most important and common techniques for you. Be sure to also read guitar lessons for adults, guitar lessons for beginners, guitar lesson chords and guitar lessons for children

Basic and advanced techniques

  1. Alternating pick strokes: this is the technique in which you make alternating downward and upward pick movements, which ensures that you can produce a sequence of notes faster compared to, for example, just downward strokes.
  2. Bending: it is a basic technique that is very often used in rock, blues and country guitar. Pushing the string up or down while fretting a note changes the pitch and adds more emotion and power
  3. Vibrato: by quickly moving the pressed string up and down you subtly vary the pitch again, giving
    (longer) sustained notes a richer, fuller and more rounded character.
  4. Hammer-ons / pull-offs: playing two different notes using a single pick stroke and the rapid placement/retraction of an (extra) finger on or to another position. Hammer-ons are ascending intervals and pull-offs are descending intervals.
  5. Palm muting: is the act of lightly placing the side of the palm of the rhythm hand on the strings at the bridge as you continue playing. This creates a muted, percussive sound that is typical of rhythm parts in rock and metal.

Use of amplifiers and effects

An important part of playing an electric guitar is using amplifiers and effects. In the lesson I will show you how to use this equipment optimally to perfect your sound. Here I will give you an explanation about the different types of amplifiers and what effects you can place between your electric guitar and the amplifier to get the sound that you can completely immerse yourself in.

The most sought-after amplifiers today are still the tube amplifiers that amplify the sound using vacuum tubes. They are known for their warm, rich and dynamic sound. They respond sensitively to the guitarist's playing, providing a natural, organic music experience.

Transistor amplifiers use transistors and therefore provide a clear, tight tone. They are more reliable and require less maintenance than tube amplifiers.

Then you also have the modeling amplifiers. They are digital amplifiers that simulate the sound of well-known classic amplifiers. They therefore offer a very wide range of sound options with the advantage of enormous versatility

Hybrid amplifiers combine the properties of tube and transistor amplifiers, often with tubes in the preamplification and transistors in the power amplifier. The result is the warm sound of tubes with the reliability of transistors.

Acoustic amplifiers are specially designed to enhance the natural sound of the acoustic guitar without coloring the tone.

I also list the most popular effects for guitarists of all types below:

  • Distortion / overdrive: the natural signal of the guitar is transformed into a raw, powerful tone. The extent to which this signal is overdriven is greater and more aggressive with 'distortion'.
  • Reverb: this effect falls under the atmospheric or "ambient" effects and is actually indispensable for any guitarist who wants to take his sound to a higher level. The effect adds reverberation, making the sound sound as if it were being played in a larger room.
  • Delay: repeats the signal with a time delay, creating echo-like repeats. It is used to add depth and texture to guitar playing.
  • Chorus: Doubles the guitar sound and shifts the pitch slightly, making it sound like multiple guitars are playing the same thing at the same time. It provides a thick, rich and floating sound.
  • Phaser / Flanger: Modulation effects that change the signal by phasing, resulting in a floating or 'jet engine'-like sound. They are often used to create psychedelic or futuristic sounds.
  • Compressor: Makes the sound more even by reducing the difference between loud and soft tones. This makes everything sound more balanced and the music is generally more pleasant to listen to.
  • Wah-wah: Changes the frequency response of the signal, creating a “wah-wah” sound often used in funk and rock for greater expression.
  • Looper: Allows guitarists to record chunks of music and loop them in real time, giving them the ability to create complex layers or play a background setting over which they can practice a solo.

I also refer you to my article "Which 5 guitar effects are the best starters for the electric guitarist"

Playing different music styles

Whether you want to play rock, blues, jazz or metal, the electric guitar is suitable for various styles. Our lessons are flexible and adapt to your musical preferences. If desired, the student will be further assisted with the correct settings of his amplifier and effects to create his desired sound setup. Customized advice can also be given when purchasing the right new material that closely matches your personal music preference.

Electric guitar maintenance

Maintaining your electric guitar is essential for good tone and playability. In the guitar lessons we teach you, if desired, the correct techniques for responsible guitar maintenance.

  • Cleaning: keep your guitar clean by regularly wiping the strings and neck with a cloth. There are also products that ensure optimal maintenance of the guitar neck so that sweat and dirt cannot damage the guitar
  • Replacing strings: every so often it is necessary to install new strings. Old strings sound dull and can break more easily. This is also a good time to clean your fingerboard.
  • Neck Adjustment: Changes in temperature and humidity can cause the neck to warp, affecting playability and intonation.
  • Check electronics: by regularly checking and cleaning the potentiometers and switches you keep everything in good condition.
  • Storage and protection: By storing the guitar in a suitable place you ensure that it remains protected against dust, impacts and extreme weather conditions, which can have detrimental effects on the neck and body.

Improvisation and solos

Due to the easy accessibility of the higher tones near the bridge on the guitar neck, the electric guitar offers you the opportunity to improvise and play solos with the greatest comfort. In the 'Solo guitar and improvisation' course you will acquire the right knowledge and master the appropriate techniques associated with playing impressive solos.

Want to start with guitar lessons?

Would you like to come by for a meeting in which we can discuss how we can make the lessons ideal for you? Contact Us now for a free introduction! Would you like to start right away? Then immediately book a private guitar lesson or duo guitar lesson course.

Er is voldoende parkeergelegenheid in de straat (altijd gratis parkeren) en de locatie is ook gemakkelijk bereikbaar met het openbaar vervoer (bus 32 stopt achter de hoek, Prins Boudewijnlaan).”

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