Guitar Tactics
Technique

Using Legato for Smooth Articulation and Speed

reduces picking work while maintaining speed and articulation

Key Takeaways

  • Legato reduces picking work while maintaining speed and articulation
  • Use fewer picks per string (one pick, then hammer-ons/pull-offs)
  • Trade right-hand picking for left-hand intensity
  • Great for playing lead lines at faster tempos comfortably

Transcription

I'm going to show you how I use legato to give smoother articulation to lead lines and also play comfortable at faster speeds.

Here's a 7 flat 9 lick with the legato style. And faster.

Notice I'm not doing a lot of picking with my right hand. The first string I'm just playing one pick and then two picks. And then one pick, one pick, two picks.

Less work with the right hand, a little more intensity with the left hand.

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