Techniques
Latest about Techniques

Learning how to bend strings correctly is one of the quickest ways to make your playing sound better
By Stuart Ryan published
String bending is a core technique for lead playing. Here's how to take it from beginner to pro

This easy chord trick appears on classic songs by the Beatles, the Eagles, Paul Simon and Passenger
By Stuart Ryan published
Why the 7th fret is the magic position for your guitar capo

Marcin's percussive fingerstyle is dropping jaws. The warm-ups that fuel his virtuosity are guaranteed to boost your own playing
By Jon Bishop published
Acoustic phenom Marcin Patrzałek shows you his favorite warm-up exercises

Rasgueado is a game-changing flamenco strumming technique – and it will give your picking hand a huge turbo boost
By Declan Zapala published
Learn the strumming style that will give your playing bravado, fire and passion

The gallop is the most important metal rhythm of them all – learn the breakneck guitar technique behind Metallica, Slayer and Iron Maiden classics
By Jamie Humphries published
This rhythm found fame in heavy metal, but it's been used in all genres for decades – making it a must-learn for every guitarist

Rewire your lead playing with four soloing ideas inspired by contemporary blues maestros
By Richard Barrett published
Expand upon traditional blues approaches with this lesson in the style of Joe Bonamassa and Eric Johnson
How to palm mute on guitar – and take it from beginner to pro
By Jamie Humphries published
First used by ’50s legends Chet Atkins and Les Paul, it is rock, metal and punk that have made palm muting so popular today

Everyone from Metallica to jazz pros have made use of the ominous sound of the Locrian mode – here's how it could shake up your guitar playing
By Stuart Ryan published
The Locrian mode is the seventh and darkest mode derived from the major scale. Stuart Ryan takes you through the structure of the scale and gets creative with some rhythm and lead examples

Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour and Slash all love Aeolian – the minor mode that rules over them all. Here’s what makes this scale work
By Stuart Ryan published
Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour and Slash are just three of the countless fans of this staple minor mode. Here, Stuart Ryan takes you through the structure of the scale, plus a handful of chords, riffs and licks

An essential scale for classic blues and rock solos, the Mixolydian mode is loved by everyone from B.B. King to Guns N' Roses – here's how it works
By Stuart Ryan published
Used by countless blues guitarists and hard rockers from B.B. King and Guns N' Roses to Josh Smith and Joe Bonamassa, the Mixolydian mode is essential knowledge. Stuart Ryan explains all
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