5 Secret Guitar Techniques That Will Blow Your Mind

Alright, guitar fans, get ready to have your mind blown! Whether you’re a intermediate player or just starting out, there’s always room to up your game with some fresh, mind-bending guitar techniques.

In this article, we’re diving deep into five secret guitar techniques that can completely transform the way you play. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill guitar tricks—they’re the kind of moves that will leave your audience speechless and make your fellow guitarists wonder what kind of magic you’ve got going on.

And here’s the kicker: they’re not as hard to learn as you might think!

So grab your guitar, tune up, and let’s get started on this journey to guitar techniques.

1. Harmonic Tapping

Harmonic tapping is one of those guitar techniques that can make your guitar sound almost otherworldly, like it’s singing in a whole different voice. But what exactly is harmonic tapping, and how does it differ from regular tapping?

Well, unlike regular tapping, where you use your fingers to press down on the frets, harmonic tapping involves lightly tapping the strings directly over specific frets to produce harmonic tones. This technique allows you to create sounds that are clear, bell-like, and incredibly unique.

To get started with harmonic tapping, you need to know where the harmonic “hot spots” are on your fretboard. These are usually found at the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets. The key is to lightly tap the string directly above the fret, without pressing down, to create a harmonic note. It might take some practice to get the right pressure and timing, but once you do, the results are stunning.

Incorporating harmonic tapping into your solos can add an ethereal quality that stands out in any performance. For example, you might use harmonic tapping to create a haunting melody during a slow ballad or to add a shimmering effect to your lead lines.

If you listen to players like Eddie Van Halen, you’ll hear how effective harmonic tapping can be in creating those goosebump-inducing moments.

2. Hybrid Picking

If you’ve ever struggled with picking speed or wanted to play more complex passages with greater precision, hybrid picking might just be the technique you need. Hybrid picking combines the traditional flatpick with your fingers, allowing you to pick some strings while plucking others simultaneously.

This technique offers a level of speed and control that’s hard to achieve with standard picking alone.

To get started with hybrid picking, you’ll need to position your pick between your thumb and index finger as usual, but you’ll also use your middle and ring fingers to pluck other strings. This might feel a bit awkward at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature.

Start with simple exercises, like picking a bass note with your pick and then plucking the higher strings with your fingers. Gradually increase the complexity as you get more comfortable.

One of the great things about hybrid picking is its versatility. It’s a technique that works across genres, from country to metal. Guitarists like Brent Mason and John Petrucci are known for their hybrid picking prowess, and you can hear how this technique allows them to achieve both speed and a nuanced touch in their playing.

Hybrid picking is particularly useful for intricate solos and riffs where you need to jump between strings quickly without losing clarity.

Related: How To Read Guitar Chord Chart For Beginners

3. Sweep Picking

Sweep picking is like the holy grail of guitar techniques if you’re into fast, fluid arpeggios. It’s a technique that, when done right, can make your playing sound impossibly smooth and rapid, as if the notes are cascading out of your guitar. But sweep picking isn’t just about speed—it’s about precision and timing, too.

So, what is sweep picking? Essentially, sweep picking involves using a single, continuous motion of the pick to play a series of notes across adjacent strings. Instead of individually picking each note, you “sweep” the pick across the strings in a single fluid motion while your fretting hand plays the corresponding notes.

This technique is particularly effective for arpeggios because it allows you to play them quickly and cleanly.

To practice sweep picking, start slow and focus on accuracy. Begin with a simple three-string arpeggio and use a metronome to ensure your timing is spot-on. As you get comfortable, you can increase the speed and complexity of the arpeggios.

One common mistake is to rush the technique, which can lead to sloppy playing, so take your time and build up gradually.

Sweep picking is a staple in genres like metal and neoclassical guitar, where players like Yngwie Malmsteen and Jason Becker have made it famous. But it’s not limited to just those styles—you can incorporate sweep picking into jazz, blues, or even rock to add a new dimension to your solos.

4. Double-Stop Bends

Double-stop bends are a go-to technique if you want to inject some serious emotion and depth into your playing. They’re a hallmark of blues guitar but can be used in rock, country, and even jazz to add a rich, expressive quality to your solos and riffs.

Related: How To Read Guitar Tabs.

So, what exactly are double-stop bends? A double-stop is when you play two notes simultaneously, and bending them involves raising one or both notes by pushing the strings upwards or downwards.

This technique creates a tension and release effect that’s incredibly powerful. It’s especially effective in creating that soulful, vocal-like quality that’s so beloved in blues music.

To execute a double-stop bend, you’ll need to press down on two strings at once, usually adjacent ones, and then bend them either together or individually.

The key is to control the pitch of the bend so that both notes rise in harmony. It’s easy to go out of tune with double-stop bends, so practice is essential to getting it just right.

Incorporating double-stop bends into your playing can transform a simple solo into something that resonates emotionally with the listener. Think of iconic players like B.B. King or Stevie Ray Vaughan—those guys could say more with a single double-stop bend than most players could with a whole flurry of notes.

Double-stop bends are perfect for creating those memorable, singable licks that stick in people’s minds long after the song is over.

5. Harmonic Overtones

Harmonic overtones might sound like something you’d need a degree in physics to understand, but in reality, they’re a beautiful, simple technique that can add a lush, bell-like quality to your playing.

Harmonic overtones are the extra pitches that resonate when you play a note, and with the right technique, you can bring these out to create a richer, fuller sound.

To generate harmonic overtones, you need to lightly touch a string at a certain point—usually above the 5th, 7th, or 12th fret—without pressing down. Then, pluck the string with your picking hand.

This creates a harmonic note that’s an octave or more above the fundamental note. It’s a delicate technique that requires a soft touch and precise timing, but the payoff is a gorgeous, chime-like tone.

Harmonic overtones can be used in both rhythm and lead playing to add a shimmering, ethereal quality to your sound. For example, you might use them in an arpeggio to make it sound more lush and full or add them to a lead line to create a mystical, otherworldly effect.

Many classic rock and metal players, like Brian May and Steve Vai, use harmonic overtones to add depth and complexity to their solos.

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that harmonic overtones can be an incredibly versatile tool in your guitar-playing arsenal. They’re perfect for adding a unique texture to your sound that will make your playing stand out from the crowd.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—five secret guitar techniques that are sure to blow your mind and elevate your playing in ways you never imagined. These techniques might take a bit of practice to master, but once you do, the payoff is incredible.

Whether you’re aiming to impress at your next gig or just want to push your skills to the next level, incorporating these tricks into your repertoire will make you stand out as a truly versatile and dynamic guitarist.

So, what are you waiting for? Start practicing these techniques today, and get ready to wow your audience like never before!

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