Legato Technique

Here are some ideas using the legato technique.  Legato is an Italian word meaning smooth and connected.  The idea with these exercises is to only pick when you are switching strings.  In other words, only pick the first note you play on any string.  Once you become more advanced using this technique you may not need to pick at all.  Some great players that employ this technique are Allan Holdsworth, Bret Garsed, and Richie Kotzen.  The first few examples are hammer on, pull off exercises using only two fingers at a time.  When playing them use the same finger numbers as fret numbers in the tab (ex. 1st fret to 2nd fret hammer on in the tab - use your first finger and second finger to play it.).  For these examples play each one up to the twelfth fret and back down with a metronome.  Take your time and play it slow.  If you feel pain in any part of your body stop and take a break.  You can really hurt yourself by not stopping.  The examples that use more than two fingers should be played slowly at first.  When you have learned them - try to play them as fast as possible continuously for one minute.  This may be tough at first but with time you will be able to do it.  Again, if you feel pain - take a break.  To access the lesson click the link below.  Thanks and have fun!

http://www.ethangutzeit.com/Licks_and_Lessons.html