Legato - training/practice routines and songs

nickp

I'm an old blues/rock player.  I'd like to work on my legato which is pretty poor really.

I quite like learning songs - can anyone recommend an instrumental or solo/song with some legato passages which would act as good training - I'm very happy taking things back to 50% of the original speed and working it up but it would be nice if the end result was achievable and not some mad vai/satch thing

after all I'm doing this for fun and maybe to learn a new tune at the same time

ta v much

wddonalds

Shaun Baxter has a book of legato and tapping etudes which is really good. You can pick up the kindle version for about £6 or so. 

Barney

The way that really helped my legato is below 



----3-------5-------6---------5---------3-- ect
Strat on the 3rd fret with a pick using 1,3and 4 do it continuously so it's never ending just pick the first note ...apply it to all strings 


Then

--3-----4----6-----4-----3 ect ..as above using fingers 1,2 and 4 

Then 

--3----5----7----5----3 ect as above ...using fingers 1,2 and 4 


Probably easiest to start with the middle one ...but do them on all strings slowly at first getting everything even and the same volume then speed up later 

These are all you will need for most  3 notes per string scales to give the legato sound ....hope it makes sense ..iff not I don't mind doing a video to make it clearer 

Barney

I done a video anyways it will be easier 

Just all exercises but the last scale is A Dorian 

But it will definitely get you going doing they 

nickp

thanks @barney for taking the time to do that - as you say they are the three shapes of the 3nps.  I sturggle with noise control and keeping the left hand relaxed

Barney

nickp said:

thanks @barney for taking the time to do that - as you say they are the three shapes of the 3nps.  I sturggle with noise control and keeping the left hand relaxed

Yeah main thing is keeping relaxed and thumb right at the back of the neck and not over the top 

Noise control I think I use a combination of right and left hand but by working of the exercises specially with a fair bit of drive on to encourage open strings sounding you will find a way to stop it ... specially with you noticing it and being aware of it 

The other thing you could use a fret wrap but better to control it without one of possible 

Markusreidus

I used to struggle big time with legato and the fill in Crazy Train at super slow speeds definitely helped. 

I'm referring to the section that goes

----4----2----0
----4----2----0
----4----2----0

Also look up Ben Ellers video 'How to Improve Your Legato FAST'.... The lesson starts around 1:00 into the video.  Ben Eller has some good concepts, tips etc. 

grappagreen

I'd recommend Tom Quayle's lessons if you're prepared to spend a few quid.

https://www.tomquayle.co.uk/lessons/technique-essentials-modern-legato-part-1/

Si

finest1

ive had good results using a metronome too