Hello to all you guitar fanatics out there. It's Gary here from Guitar Tricks. Today, I want to unravel a potent pentatonic soloing trick that might add a sprinkle of soul to your playing. We're calling this one the "Double Stop Hammer on Backslide." Quite a mouthful, isn't it?
In this guide, we'll break down the hints and techniques intimately, as well as offer valuable insight into making this trick your own. Ready to get your fingers strumming? Let's dive in!
Before we immerse ourselves into the complexities of this soulful trick, let's ensure we understand what it is. The Double Stop Hammer on Backslide essentially involves these three steps:
-Grab a Double Stop, like this one right here for instance.
-Execute a hammer-on.
-Follow with a backslide.
The beauty is, the Pentatonic scale, with its broad note distribution, makes it ideal for this trick. As all the intervals in the pentatonic scale are either two or three frets apart, it leaves us ample room to slide around the neck. Expert tip: This contrasts with diatonic scales, where the intervals are more cramped.
Let's explore this upper extension, focusing on applying it to the first riff. Essentially, the process involves grabbing the double stop in the extension area and barring it with your index finger. Depending on your hand shape and finger flexibility, you can opt for the more conventional grip.
The trick lies in the simultaneous hammer-on action while ensuring the note closer to your toes rings. This creates the beautiful harmony that we all know and love. Follow this with a backslide, pull off, and a slide into the main pattern. Note that the transition should be seamless, ensuring the backslide commences the moment you hit the string.
The goal is to ensure similar vocabulary and techniques in various sections of the neck, improving accessibility of the technique regardless of your playing position or operation. Remember: you do not need to replicate this technique precisely as outlined. The idea is to develop your own style and inclination spontaneously, much like in the demo in the video.
In this riff, we incorporate the aspect of 'chicken picking,' offering the choice of how to handle the G and B strings. We follow this delicious sound with the signature double stop that we are already familiar with from the first riff. Ending this fluid motion involves transitioning from the fifth fret (G/string three) to the seventh fret (D/string four).
Guitar playing, especially lead guitar, is all about mastering a rich vocabulary of musical expressions. By discovering sounds that resonate with you and incorporating them into your own style, you can develop a unique and impressive playing style. Whether learning from your favorite players or using resources like YouTube or "Guitar Tricks", don't shy away from trying new things, modifying them, and making them your own.
So why not give the "Double Stop Hammer on Backslide" a whirl? Develop it, improvise, change timing or direction, and most importantly, enjoy the learning experience. After all, playing the guitar isn't just about technique; it's about expressing your creativity and passion through the language of music.
If you yearn to learn more about guitar playing, consider taking our step-by-step courses on guitar fundamentals, blues, country, rock, or exploring our library of high-quality song lessons at guitartricks.com.
