How to Wail on the Guitar

Ever wondered how to make your guitar cry, scream, or sing? That’s what wailing on the guitar is all about. It’s an art form that combines technique, emotion, and a bit of showmanship to create a sound that’s larger than life. This isn’t just about playing notes; it’s about making them resonate with power and emotion. Think of guitarists like Eddie Van Halen or Dimebag Darrell and how their solos could send shivers down your spine. Let’s break down the steps to help you channel your inner guitar hero and bring that same energy to your playing.

The Power of Vibrato

Vibrato is one of those magical techniques that can transform a single note into something truly special. It’s all about adding a touch of human emotion to your playing. By varying the pitch of a note up and down, you can make it sound like it’s alive, almost as if it’s breathing.

To start, hold a note on any string and gently move the string up and down. It’s crucial to keep the movement smooth and controlled. Imagine you’re gently shaking someone’s hand, not jerking it. The key is to practice slowly and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. A slow, wide vibrato can add a soulful touch, while a fast, narrow vibrato can create tension and excitement.

Experiment with different speeds and widths to find your signature sound. Vibrato is highly personal, and the way you execute it can define your style as a guitarist. You’ll often hear guitarists like Steve Vai employ a wide vibrato that makes their notes sound explosive. You can develop your unique vibrato style by experimenting with these variations.

Mastering the Bend

Bending is another fundamental technique that adds expressiveness to your playing. It’s like bending your voice to hit those high notes, only with your guitar. The aim is to reach a specific pitch, usually a half or whole step higher than the original note. This is where your ear becomes essential.

Start by playing a note and then bending the string until it matches the pitch of a higher note on the same string. Listen carefully to the pitch change, and practice until you can hit it accurately every time. It’s okay to start with small bends and gradually work your way up to the bigger ones as your finger strength improves.

Don’t forget about the release. A smooth release back to the original pitch is just as important as the bend itself. It creates a natural flow in your playing and prevents awkward, abrupt note endings.

For added flair, try combining bends with vibrato. This can create an effect where the note seems to soar and shimmer, adding a whole new dimension to your solos. Guitar legends like David Gilmour are known for their expressive bends that can tug at your heartstrings. Combining these two techniques can set your playing apart.

Pinch Harmonics: Adding Squeals and Screams

Pinch harmonics are those high-pitched squeals that can make your solos stand out. Achieving them requires a delicate touch and precise picking technique. The secret is to allow the edge of your thumb to lightly graze the string right after the pick strikes it.

To practice, use the bridge pickup on your guitar and find the sweet spot on the string with your picking hand. It’s usually around the neck pickup area, but it varies depending on your hand position and guitar setup. Experiment with different spots until you find the one that produces the clearest harmonic.

It’s all about timing and feel, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen right away. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to add those ear-piercing squeals to your solos effortlessly.

Pinch harmonics are a staple in genres like metal and rock, where guitarists use them to add an aggressive edge to their playing. Zakk Wylde is famous for his mastery of this technique, using it to create intense, screaming lines that cut through the mix. With practice, you can achieve this same effect in your playing.

Whammy Bar Tricks

The whammy bar, or tremolo arm, is a fantastic tool for adding drama to your solos. It allows you to manipulate the pitch of your notes in various ways, from subtle vibrato effects to wild dive bombs.

Start by using the whammy bar to create gentle pitch fluctuations, similar to vibrato. This can add a subtle, shimmering quality to sustained notes. As you become more comfortable, try experimenting with more extreme effects, like dive bombs, where you press the bar down to lower the pitch drastically.

Another cool trick is to use the whammy bar in combination with harmonics. Strike a natural harmonic and then manipulate the bar to create eerie, otherworldly sounds. This technique is often used in metal and rock to create dramatic, tension-filled moments.

Remember, the whammy bar is an expressive tool, so use it creatively to enhance your playing. Guitarists like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai are known for their innovative use of the whammy bar, creating sounds that seem to defy the limits of the guitar. By experimenting with this tool, you can add a new level of expressiveness to your solos.

Getting the Right Tone

Tone is everything when it comes to wailing on the guitar. Having the right sound can make all the difference in how your playing is perceived. It’s not just about having a high-end amp or guitar; it’s about finding a tone that complements your playing style and enhances your expressiveness.

Start by adjusting your amp settings. A good starting point is to set the gain and distortion levels to a point where your notes sustain well without losing clarity. Experiment with the EQ settings to find a balance that works for you. A mid-heavy tone can help your solos cut through the mix, while a scooped-mid tone can give your sound a more aggressive edge.

Pedals can also play a significant role in shaping your tone. Overdrive, delay, and reverb pedals can add depth and dimension to your sound. Use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming your tone and losing focus on your playing.

Ultimately, finding the right tone is a personal journey. It’s about experimenting with different gear and settings until you find the combination that makes your playing sound its best. Guitarists like Eric Johnson are known for their meticulous attention to tone, spending countless hours tweaking their setup to achieve the perfect sound. By following their example, you can develop a tone that enhances your wailing on the guitar.

Emotion and Feel: The Heart of Wailing

Technique is important, but it’s emotion and feel that truly make your playing stand out. Wailing on the guitar is about conveying emotion through your instrument, making your audience feel what you’re feeling.

To tap into this, focus on the dynamics of your playing. Use softer picking for more tender, emotional passages, and dig in for more aggressive, powerful moments. This contrast can create a dynamic range that keeps your audience engaged.

Think about the story you’re telling with your solos. Every phrase should have a purpose, whether it’s building tension, releasing it, or taking the listener on an emotional journey. Let your emotions guide your playing, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques to convey the feeling you want to express.

Guitarists like B.B. King are masters of using emotion to captivate their audience. By focusing on the feel of your playing, you can create solos that resonate with your listeners and leave a lasting impression.

Practice with a Purpose

To become proficient at wailing on the guitar, it’s essential to practice with intention. This means setting specific goals for each practice session and focusing on the areas where you need improvement.

Start by identifying the techniques you want to work on, whether it’s vibrato, bending, or pinch harmonics. Break them down into smaller exercises and practice them slowly and deliberately. Use a metronome to keep your timing consistent and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.

Record yourself playing and listen back to identify areas where you can improve. This can be a valuable tool for tracking your progress and pinpointing areas that need more attention.

At Riffhard, we offer a variety of lessons specifically designed to help you develop these techniques. Our instructors, some of the best modern metal guitarists, provide step-by-step guidance to help you achieve your goals faster and more efficiently.

Learning from the Greats

One of the best ways to improve your wailing skills is to study the legends of guitar. Listen to their solos, watch their performances, and analyze their techniques. Pay attention to how they use vibrato, bends, and other techniques to create expressive, memorable solos.

Try learning some of their solos note-for-note, then incorporate those techniques into your own playing. This can help you develop your style and expand your vocabulary of techniques.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, like Dean Lamb of Archspire and Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society. You can learn directly from the masters and gain insights into their approach to playing the guitar.

Finding Your Own Voice

While it’s important to learn from others, it’s equally important to develop your unique voice on the guitar. This means experimenting with different techniques, tones, and styles to find what resonates with you.

Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. You might discover a new technique or sound that becomes a defining part of your style. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to play the guitar. The goal is to express yourself and connect with your audience.

At Riffhard, we encourage our students to explore their creativity and develop their unique sound. With our vast library of lessons and resources, you have the tools to find your voice and make it heard.

Final Thoughts

Wailing on the guitar is about combining technique, emotion, and creativity to create something truly special. Whether you’re mastering vibrato, experimenting with tone, or finding your unique voice, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. At Riffhard, we’re here to support you every step of the way with lessons from some of the best metal guitarists in the world. Embrace the challenge, keep practicing, and let your guitar sing.