If the word “tapping” only evokes six-string super-shredders or bass virtuosos like Billy Sheehan or Dream Theater’s John Myung, then this is the video for you! On bass, the strategy has applications far beyond “stunt guitar” and is a fantastic tool to create unique basslines. Used artistically, tapping can be utilized to mimic bubbling synth-bass […]

How does an injury 3rd compare to a plain 3rd in terms of tone? Can you tell the difference? Plain 3rd Clean Picked – 1:39 Plain 3rd Crunch Picked – 1:53 Plain 3rd Tidy Strummed – 2:07 Plain 3rd Crunch Strummed – 2:20 Wound 3rd Clean Selected – 3:05 Wound 3rd Crunch Chosen – 3:18 […]

In this fast acoustic guitar video lesson, Elixir Strings artist Shawn Persinger gives an intro to bluegrass picking by taking the melody to conventional Irish fiddle tune Red Haired Boy and breaking it down into A and B sections. Showing both “straight” and embellished approaches to the tune, Shawn provides some fantastic pointers regarding how […]

In this easy-to-follow electric guitar tutorial, composer, teacher and Elixir Strings artist Matt Wong reveals a much more useful method to technique scales and integrate them into improvised solos etc. Beginning out with an easy three-note-per-string C major scale highlighted the fretboard, Matt then explores playing different intervallic patterns, which actually helps to construct the […]

In this simple to follow bass tutorial, Elixir Strings artist Derek Jones breaks down a wonderful bass part that sees him use a pick with right-hand man muting, double stops and a cascading single-note go to excellent impact. Find out more about Derek’s go-tos: https://www.elixirstrings.com/products Moving between alternating picking (up and down strokes) and downstrokes […]

The unique feel of the jig rhythm is a vital part of Irish and other standard music. It’s a fantastic, fun groove to play on acoustic guitar and one you need to master for attending sessions with fiddle players, for sure! In this short acoustic guitar video lesson, Elixir Strings artist Flynn Cohen breaks down […]

In addition to being an unbelievable soloist, Jimi Hendrix is hailed as one of the very best rhythm guitar players ever. His right away recognizable ‘chords and fills’ approach works brilliantly in a power trio setting and has actually inspired rock, r ‘n’ b, blues and gospel guitar players for years. Grammy chose guitarist, singer, […]

The phrase ‘diatonic harshness’ may be frightening, but it’s a typical noise in 1970s progressive rock. Defined by a tension in between notes, dissonance sounds particularly ‘other worldly’ when played on a 12-string guitar, as Elixir Strings artist Shawn Persinger demonstrates here. Download tab: https://bit.ly/35yTuZZ Shawn plays Elixir Acoustic and Electric Strings for their long […]

In this bass guitar lesson, Elixir Strings artist Derek Jones shows how to use hammer-ons and pull-offs together for a driving, percussive feel. Following on from his hammer-ons video lesson, Derek shows the strategies utilizing a basic significant and small pentatonic lick utilizing 16th and 8th notes. As always, focus on the volume in between […]

In this brief video guitar lesson, Elixir Strings artist Allan Salmon reveals us some strategies for including expression to our playing. There are a number of licks to learn here– each with a step-by-step breakdown. There are also some intriguing conceptual ideas to deal with too. During the video, Allan also describes why he loves […]