Ponteado (legato-sustain guitar solo)

http://www.jazz-guitar-talk.blogspot.com I have always been fascinated by that endless sustain plus legato some guitarists do, particularly Robert Fripp. I've often wondered how it's done. I am halfway there, it's all in the technique, trying to avoid picking as much as you can to do get the legato correctly. However, it's also hard to avoid noise from other strings, so the dampening is essential. I'll keep on trying. Played on the godin xtSA, straight, no synth.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• sustain guitar
• legato guitar
• robert fripp
• godin xtSA

[snowypetrel]

You've almost got the Fripp sound and the Fripp look :-)

[veplaini]

@snowypetrel Thanks, but not quite...

[HorridFroth]

Guitarists like Fripp use an eBow, normally...

[veplaini]

@HorridFroth

No, he did not. It's all in the technique.

[HorridFroth]

@veplaini - I researched this, and you're correct - my apologies. I actually stumbled on this video trying to find a tutorial on an infinite sustain technique that I saw Robert Cray do. He appeared to be 'silently' picking the string. I've not been able to identify how he did it though, and there's no-one on here that can.

Is your sustain just from really high gain, and a good guitar? Your pick hand doesn't seem to be responsible for it...?

[veplaini]

@HorridFroth

well it is a combination of things, overdrive (I have double overdrive there, a pedal + the amp drive), the guitar and attempts at lightly picking the string. I don't use a plectrum, and I tried to use finger flesh, very lightly and seldom. It needs work. Another very important thing is dampen all other strings, in fact that's a crucial part, otherwise it's a mess.

[snowypetrel]

@veplaini I really like this dark, singing distortion. I'm also searching for it, just ordered a Behringer BOD400 Bass Overdrive, to use with electric guitar, perhaps a mistake, perhaps a wise choice. I also play bass in a band so it will certainly be fun there.

[veplaini]

That is a Godin xtSA. I love it.

[Carlomox]

What kind of guitar is that?

[veplaini]

Thanks. I am still working on it. I think the string dampening is the key, otherwise it's a mess.