In today's lesson, we are going to learn how to master fluidity in your lead guitar playing. This is done with a technique called lagato. Lagato is a fundamental technique in shred guitar that allows for smooth and fluid transitions between notes, creating a seamless sound.
This technique is essential for achieving speed and precision in your playing. Let's dive into the basics of lagato and explore how to incorporate it into your guitar playing.
The Term Lagato
The term lagato comes from the Italian word for tied-together. In musical terms, it refers to a style of playing where notes are connected smoothly with minimal interruptions between them. On the guitar, this is often achieved by using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides rather than picking each note individually.
Basic Lagato Techniques
Hammer-ons:
A hammer-on involves striking a note by sharply bringing a finger down onto the fretboard after picking a previous note. This allows you to sound two notes but only pick the first one. More notes with minimal movement.
In this example, you pick the 5th fret and hammer-on to the 7th. You then do the same thing at the 8th fret to the 10th. All on the 3rd string. Work on this technique all over the fretboard on different strings.
Practice Tips:
- Pick a note that is held with your index finger as you normally would.
- With a swift motion, hammer your middle or ring finger onto a higher fret on the same string without picking the second note.
- Practice this motion slowly to ensure clarity in each note.
- Work on finger exercises to develop strength and dexterity in your fingers.
As time progresses and you get familiar with this technique, it will sound better, and you will be able to do it faster with more clarity in the notes.
Pull-offs
A pull-off is the opposite of a hammer-on. It involves holding two notes down and then picking the higher note and pulling the note off the fretboard to allow the note behind it to ring out. Once again, more notes with less movement.
In this example, you hold down two notes at the 8th and 10th frets, pick the 10th fret, and pull-off back to the 8th. You then do this again with the 7th and 5th frets. All on the 3rd string. As with the hammer-ons, work on different frets and different strings to master the technique.
Practice tips:
- Always press down on two notes at a time. Giving you a note to pick, and a note to pull-off to.
- Pick the first note, and pull-off back to the one behind it without picking it.
- Make sure the pulled-off note rings clearly and practice with different finger combinations.
Remember, pull-offs are the opposite of hammer-ons, and these two techniques are the most widely used in lead guitar playing. So, it is recommended that you work on them daily for the best results.
Slides
Slides create a seamless transition between notes by sliding your finger along the string from one fret to another. This can be done both ascending and descending the fretboard.
In this example, you use slides. You pick the 5th fret and slide up to the 7th fret. You then repeat the process by going in the opposite direction from the 7th fret back to the 5th. All on the 3rd string. Once again, try these out on different frets on different strings.
Practice Tips:
- Pick a note and slide your finger up or down the fretboard to another note.
- Maintain pressure on the string during the slide to ensure a smooth sound.
- Practice sliding at different speeds and distances to develop control and precision.
Sliding is not easy at first because you have to hold the string down while going over the fret wires. This will take some getting used to. But with time and practice, your fingers will get used to it, and you will be making some really cool sounds with your guitar.
Combining Techniques For Fluidity
To achieve the true essence of lagato, combine these three techniques in your practice routines. Start slowly, focusing on even timing and clear note articulation. Gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable with the techniques.
To effectively incorporate lagato into your playing, it is best to practice exercises that utilize this technique. As well as listening to players who use this in their music. This will help your ear recognize the technique when you hear it.
Exercise # 1: Hammer-on & pull-off sequence
This exercise uses a hammer-on & pull-off sequence across the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings. Start on the 3rd string, 4th fret, hammer-on to the 6th, pull-off back to the 4th, and then hammer back on to the 6th. Repeat this process on the other two strings.
Exercise #2: Ascending & descending slides
This exercise uses a sliding sequence on the same strings as the first exercise. Start at the 2nd fret, 3rd string, and ascend to the 5th fret, 7th fret, and 9th fret. All in a sequence. Repeat this process on the 2nd string, but in reverse. Start at the 9th fret and descend to the 7th, 4th, and 2nd frets. Then ascend back up on the 1st string, starting at the 2nd fret.
Exercise #3: All three techniques together.
This last exercise utilizes all three techniques on the 3rd string. Start at the 2nd fret and hammer-on to the 4th, slide up to the 7th, and pull-off to the 5th. Then, pull-off from the 5th to the 3rd, hammer-on to the 4th, and slide up to the 7th. Finish the sequence by sliding down to the 4th fret from the 7th, hammer-on to the 5th, and the 6th, and end with vibrato to add some flair.
Remember, concentrate on your fretboard hand. This is where the agic is in lagato. Playing all the notes without picking them. It creates a unique sound. But does require finger strength, so be sure to warm up with finger exercises.
As you continue to do these and others that you learn and create yourself, your fingers will get stronger and your notes will sound clearer. This is the mastery of lagato. Developing speed and fluidity in your shred guitar playing. Remember to be patient and persistent, as progress may take time. Enjoy the journey of honing your legato skills!
Tips For Lagato Mastery
- Use minimal finger movement: Keep your finger movements economical to maintain speed and precision.
- Develop finger strength: Regular practice will build the strength and dexterity necessary for effective legato playing.
- Focus on timing and rhythm: Use a metronome to ensure your legato passages are rhythmically sound.
- Listen to players who incorporate lagato: Study recordings of accomplished shred guitarists to understand how they incorporate legato into their playing.
- Practice, practice, practice: Practice daily to get down this unique technique. By doing so, you will enhance your guitar skills and produce sounds that will make people say. "Wow, how'd you do that?"
Dive Deeper
If you'd like to dive deeper into improving your lead guitar playing, I recommend you check out my book I authored, Learn To Play Lead Guitar.
This is a comprehensive training guide that will help you take your guitar playing to the next level. If you are versed in playing rhythm guitar and would like to explore the wonderful world of lead guitar playing, then this is the book for you. With this skill, you can add a unique voice to the music while increasing your mastery of the fretboard.
But for you to do that, you will need to master a few techniques, such as learning scales, phrasing, and knowing where to play a solo in a song. As this knowledge will allow you to stay in key and sound good with every note. Scales such as the pentatonic and blues scales will be recommended to start.
These are widely popular with many different styles of music. Daily practice of such techniques as hammer-ons, pull-offs, bends, slides, and vibrato will build finger dexterity and independence. It also allows you to add emotion to your playing and bring the scales to life.
Enhance Your Musicianship
So, if you feel you're ready to dive deeper into enhancing your musicianship, be sure to check out the training guide. Available in both physical and digital formats for your convenience, and available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for your time learning today.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Best of luck with your playing, and take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
