Posted on 18 November 2009
A volume swell is a musical crescendo commonly associated with the electric guitar. Crescendo, in standard musical notation, refers to a passage of music during which the volume gradually increases.
The technique is often executed by the little finger of the guitarist which is wrapped around the volume pot/knob of the guitar. When the note is struck the volume is increased from zero by a rolling motion of the little finger. Alternatively, the effect is achieved with a volume pedal, by moving the pedal forward to increase volume and backwards to reduce vilume. It is sometimes called violinning, because the sound is similar to a bowed violin. Allan Holdsworth pioneered the technique of the pedal swelling along with a delay unit to create a thicker sound that’s more associated with chellos.
Guitar players who can do volume swells with the volume knob, often change them to round roller knobs to give your pinkie more traction and accuracy. Personally I use the stock Stratocaster knobs and find them very adequate. That is how I was trained, although it is more popular with younger guitarists to use a volume pedal.
To visualize and actually see an example of how to perform a volume swell, most of the video sites have some great tutorials. Make sure to check them out.
Adding volume swells to your repertoire will take some time in terms of practice and patience. It is considered one of the most beautiful flowing sounds an electric guitar can be manipulated into performing. Take a few minutes out of every practice session to develop your technique. In time, you will become a master and more viable player.
Roy Buchanan was famous for his emotive volume swells, often in combination with note bending and vibrato. Roy really hits my soul, a guitar player worthy of listening to. Jan Akkerman used the technique with Focus and precision.
Another early use of swells is found in the Beatles recording of Eight Days a Week.
To watch a guitarist perform a volume swell is better than a thousand words, again, find a video lesson online for free at most video sites or communities.
Volume swells fall into the same category as pinch harmonics, false harmonics or squealies. As far as the people at Guitar Players Center are concrned, small effective guitar tricks such as the ones described in this article and the article on pinch harmonics are wonderful additions that add distinction and flavor to your guitar vibe. Anybody out there good at volume swells? What technique do you use? Do you have any tricks to share? Comment on them please. Enjoy.
Popularity: 2%
Posted on 17 November 2009
- ISBN13: 9780876390696
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
This money-saving value pack includes Volume 1 of this practical, comprehensive method book (the basic text for the guitar program at the world-famous Berklee College of Music) PLUS a matching DVD-ROM featuring 14 complete lessons with Larry Baione, chair of Berklee’s guitar department. Owning this pack is like having access to a year’s worth of private guitar lessons at Berklee for only $34.95!
A Modern Method for Guitar – Volume 1: Book/DVD-ROM Pack
Popularity: 1%
Posted on 15 November 2009
Product Description
One of the world’s most popular beginning classical guitar methods by South American guitar virtuoso Julio Sagreras and translated by Bernard Moore. Features carefully sequenced studies covering technique and theory through music etudes and pieces.
Second Lesson for Guitar – Volume 2 :
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Posted on 15 November 2009
Product Description
One of the world’s most popular beginning classical guitar methods by South American guitar virtuoso Julio Sagreras and translated by Bernard Moore. Features carefully sequenced studies covering technique and theory through music etudes and pieces.
First Lesson for Guitar – Volume 1: Guitar Technique
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Posted on 14 November 2009
Product Description
If you love playing blues guitar, then these books are for you. Anyone with a basic knowledge of guitar can jump right in and start learning with Volume 1. Volumes 2 and 3 will take you as far down the blues road as any book can. Loaded with great tunes to play, each lesson is geared towards playing a part in a blues band. Learn how to play the rhythm part, the melody, a 2nd guitar part and improvise a solo. Each volume includes easy-to-understand theory lessons that unlock the mysteries of the blues. The attractive design, thoughtful teaching and easy-to-read musical examples will make these lessons the most fun you’ve ever had learning blues guitar.
Blues Guitar Lessons Volume 3
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Posted on 14 November 2009
Product Description
This premier method for the beginning classical guitarist, by one of the world’s pre-eminent virtuosos and the recognized heir to the legacy of Andres Segovia, is now completely revised and updated! Guitarists will learn basic classical technique by playing over 50 beautiful classical pieces, 26 exercises and 14 duets, and through numerous photos and illustrations. The method covers: rudiments of classical technique, note reading and music theory, selection and care of guitars, strategies for effective practicing, and much more!
The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method – Volume 1: Guitar Technique
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Posted on 13 November 2009
Product Description
Since its first printing in 1968, Frederick Noad’s Solo Guitar Playing has been used by countless students and teachers of classical guitar. The fourth edition features revised and updated exercises and an expanded selection of solo guitar repertoire gleaned from the best-selling Frederick Noad Guitar Anthology.
This is the well anticipated FOURTH Edition of this book!
Solo Guitar Playing Volume 1
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