Sustains are an essential part of any guitarist’s arsenal. They can add richness and depth to your sound, and they can also be used to create exciting and memorable solos. However, playing sustains can also be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not sure how to score points with them.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Use the right picking technique. The way you pick your guitar strings has a big impact on the sound of your sustains. For a more sustained sound, use a gentle, downward picking motion. Avoid picking too hard, as this can cause the string to snap back too quickly.
- Use the right amount of pressure. The amount of pressure you apply to the string also affects the sound of your sustains. For a longer sustain, apply more pressure to the string. However, be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause the string to break.
- Use the right fretting technique. The way you fret the strings also affects the sound of your sustains. For a more sustained sound, use a light touch and avoid pressing down too hard.
- Use vibrato. Vibrato is a technique that involves gently bending the string back and forth. This can add a lot of expression and depth to your sustains. To use vibrato, simply place your finger on the string and move it back and forth in a small, circular motion.
- Use effects. Effects can be a great way to enhance the sound of your sustains. For example, a reverb pedal can add a sense of space and depth to your sound, while a delay pedal can create a more ethereal and dreamy effect.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when playing sustains:
- Picking too hard. Picking too hard can cause the string to snap back too quickly, resulting in a shorter sustain.
- Applying too much pressure. Applying too much pressure to the string can cause the string to break.
- Fretting too hard. Fretting too hard can also cause the string to break.
- Not using vibrato. Vibrato is a great way to add expression and depth to your sustains.
- Using too many effects. Using too many effects can muddy the sound of your sustains.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your sustains:
- Use a good quality guitar. A good quality guitar will have a better sustain than a cheap guitar.
- Use new strings. New strings will have a brighter and more sustained sound than old strings.
- Tune your guitar regularly. A well-tuned guitar will have a better sustain than a guitar that is out of tune.
- Practice regularly. The more you practice playing sustains, the better you will get at it.
Sustains are a powerful tool that can add a lot of richness and depth to your sound. By following these tips and tricks, you can learn how to play sustains that will impress your friends and family.
Pros and Cons of Sustains
Here are some of the pros and cons of playing sustains:
Pros:
- Sustains can add richness and depth to your sound.
- Sustains can be used to create exciting and memorable solos.
- Sustains can be used to express a wide range of emotions.
Cons:
- Sustains can be difficult to play if you’re not sure how to do it.
- Sustains can be muddy if you use too many effects.
- Sustains can be too long if you don’t know how to control them.
Ultimately, whether or not you use sustains is a matter of personal preference. If you’re looking for a way to add a little something extra to your sound, then sustains are a great option. However, if you’re not sure how to play them, it’s best to practice a little bit before you start using them in a live setting.
Conclusion
Sustains are a powerful tool that can add a lot of richness and depth to your sound. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can learn how to play sustains that will impress your friends and family.
