Dansm's Guitar Techniques
Welcome to Dansm's Guitar Techniques! My name is Dan Smith, I'm a first-year grad student at Harvard, and I've been playing guitar for 5 years. The main purpose of this page is to instruct beginners on the basic techniques required to play the guitar, like strumming, hammer-ons, slides, and bends. I have received many e-mails on this subject so I hope the page is helpful. If you are having problems with these techniques, please consult a guitar teacher because he will be able to help you more than I can. Also, you may want to check out my beginner's page, because it will give you some more information on playing. Good luck, have fun, and keep playin!
Musician's Friend Homepage

Tuning Your Guitar
if you aren't in tune, you won't sound good

Beginner's Guide to Chords
chords are the basis of guitar, and this page will tell you how to form them

Strumming Patterns
if you are having trouble coming up with an appropriate strumming pattern, this page should help!

The Slide
the slide is one of the most basic techniques in guitar

The Hammer-On
a widely used technique in all types of guitar

The Pull-Off
also widely used, this is the opposite of the hammer-on

The Bend
one of the best techniques available to guitarists, and one of the most fun

Harmonics
a really cool-sounding technique which can be used in any application

Vibrato
a way to add interest to held notes in solos

Muting Techniques
a widely used way to expand your sound; this page details palm nuting and fret-hand muting

Fingerpicking
one of the most versatile techniques available, especially for acoustic guitar


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© 1998 Daniel E. Smith. Last updated 6-7-99