How to Play Guitar Like Osamuraisan

Osamuraisan is a name that resonates with anyone who's ever been entranced by the beauty of fingerstyle guitar. His playing isn't just about technical prowess; it's a blend of emotion, melody, and intricate technique that creates an unforgettable auditory experience. If you’ve ever dreamed of playing like him, you're in the right place. This post will walk you through the techniques and approaches that define his style, helping you to capture some of that magic in your own playing.

Getting Comfortable with Fingerstyle Basics

To play like Osamuraisan, you need to get comfortable with the basics of fingerstyle guitar. Unlike using a pick, fingerstyle involves using your fingers to pluck the strings, which allows for more complex and dynamic playing. You’ll want to focus on finger independence and accuracy.

Start by practicing simple fingerpicking patterns. A good exercise is the classic "PIMA," where:

• P stands for the thumb, which typically plays the bass notes.
• I for the index finger.
• M for the middle finger.
• A for the ring finger.

Try playing a simple chord progression using this pattern. For instance, the C-G-Am-F progression works well. Focus on getting each note to ring out clearly, and maintain a steady rhythm.

Interestingly enough, even as you develop your fingerstyle technique, it's helpful to incorporate tools like Riffhard for rhythm guitar techniques. While they focus on metal, the rhythm exercises can improve your timing and accuracy across all styles, including fingerstyle.

Nailing the Percussive Elements

One of Osamuraisan's signature techniques involves percussive elements that mimic a drum set, adding rhythm and groove to his playing. To achieve this, you’ll need to learn how to slap the strings with your thumb and tap the body of the guitar for a snare-like sound.

Start by practicing simple percussive slaps on open strings. Use your thumb to slap the lower strings, aiming to make a clear, percussive sound. Then, practice tapping the guitar’s body with your fingers to create a snare-like effect.

You can integrate these percussive hits into your fingerpicking patterns. For instance, try a pattern where you pluck a few notes and then add a percussive slap on the third beat. This creates a dynamic rhythm that can really make your playing stand out.

Remember, the goal is to blend melody and rhythm seamlessly. It might feel awkward at first, but keep practicing. Over time, you’ll find the right balance that works for you.

Understanding Harmonics and How to Use Them

Harmonics add a shimmering, ethereal quality to Osamuraisan's music. There are two main types of harmonics: natural and artificial. Natural harmonics are produced by lightly placing your finger on a string directly above a fret (typically the 5th, 7th, or 12th fret) and plucking it. Artificial harmonics involve fretting a note and using your picking hand to create the harmonic.

To practice natural harmonics, start with the 12th fret. Lightly touch the string and pluck it to produce a clear, bell-like tone. Experiment with different frets to familiarize yourself with the sound and feel.

For artificial harmonics, fret a note with your left hand, and with your right hand, lightly touch a point 12 frets above the fretted note while plucking the string. This requires some coordination but is well worth the effort.

Once comfortable, try incorporating harmonics into simple melodies. This adds a layer of complexity and beauty, elevating your playing to new heights.

Crafting Melodic Fingerstyle Arrangements

Osamuraisan's ability to craft melodic fingerstyle arrangements is nothing short of magical. He often takes inspiration from existing melodies and reimagines them with fingerstyle techniques. This approach involves breaking down a melody into its core elements and arranging it to be played across the strings.

Start by picking a simple melody you’re familiar with. Break it down into smaller segments and practice playing each one with your fingers. Focus on maintaining the melody’s integrity while adding your own flair.

As you become more comfortable, experiment with adding bass notes or percussive elements. This creates a fuller, more dynamic arrangement that captures the essence of Osamuraisan’s style.

If you’re looking for more ways to enhance your melodic fingerstyle playing, Riffhard has lessons that, while focused on metal, offer insights into techniques that can improve your overall guitar skills, including rhythm and timing.

Exploring Tuning Options

Osamuraisan often uses alternative tunings to expand his sonic palette. One of his favorites is DADGAD, which allows for rich, open chord voicings and melodic possibilities. To tune to DADGAD, adjust your strings as follows:

• Lower the 6th string from E to D.
• Keep the 5th string as A.
• Keep the 4th string as D.
• Lower the 3rd string from G to G.
• Lower the 2nd string from B to A.
• Lower the 1st string from E to D.

Once you’ve tuned your guitar, start by experimenting with simple chord shapes. You’ll find that many open strings ring out beautifully, creating a lush soundscape perfect for fingerstyle arrangements.

Try writing your own compositions in DADGAD. This tuning encourages creativity and can lead to unexpected musical discoveries. While it might be challenging at first, the new possibilities are worth exploring.

Developing a Light Touch

Osamuraisan’s playing is characterized by a light, delicate touch that brings out the subtleties of each note. Developing this touch requires practice and patience. Start by focusing on your picking hand technique, aiming for a relaxed, controlled movement.

Practice playing with varying dynamics, from soft to loud, and notice how your touch affects the tone. Try playing scales or simple melodies, focusing on producing a clear, even sound with minimal effort.

As you improve, you’ll find that a light touch allows for greater expressiveness and control. This is particularly important in fingerstyle playing, where dynamics play a crucial role in conveying emotion.

Incorporating Dynamics and Expression

Dynamics and expression are vital components of Osamuraisan’s style. He uses volume and tone to convey emotion, creating an engaging musical narrative. To incorporate this into your playing, practice using dynamics to shape your phrases.

Start by playing a simple melody, gradually increasing and decreasing the volume to create contrast. Experiment with different techniques, such as palm muting or playing near the bridge, to alter the tone and texture.

Pay attention to the emotional content of the music. Use dynamics to emphasize key moments, drawing the listener in and creating a more immersive experience. Over time, you’ll develop your own expressive voice, bringing your music to life.

Recording and Analyzing Your Playing

Recording yourself is an excellent way to evaluate your progress and identify areas for improvement. Use a smartphone or simple recording device to capture your practice sessions. Listen back to the recordings, paying attention to timing, tone, and dynamics.

Identify any areas where you can improve, such as uneven dynamics or sloppy technique. Make a note of these areas and focus on addressing them in your practice sessions.

Don’t be too critical of yourself, though. Use recordings as a tool for growth, celebrating your progress along the way. Over time, you’ll see significant improvements in your playing.

For those interested in getting feedback from top-tier guitarists, Riffhard offers opportunities to learn from and interact with some of the best in the business. While primarily metal-focused, the insights you gain can be invaluable for refining your technique across various genres.

Joining a Community of Guitar Enthusiasts

Finally, consider joining a community of guitar enthusiasts to share your journey and gain inspiration. Engaging with other musicians can provide support, motivation, and valuable feedback.

Look for online forums, social media groups, or local jam sessions to connect with like-minded individuals. Share your progress, ask questions, and learn from others’ experiences.

Being part of a community can also expose you to new styles and techniques, broadening your musical horizons. It’s a great way to stay motivated and continue growing as a musician.

Final Thoughts

Capturing the essence of Osamuraisan’s playing style takes practice and patience, but the journey is rewarding. By mastering fingerstyle basics, incorporating percussive elements, and exploring tunings, you’ll develop your own unique sound. Remember, progress takes time, so enjoy every step of the process. If you wish to deepen your guitar skills, Riffhard offers insights from some of the world's best metal guitarists, which can enhance your playing across styles. Happy playing!