Nick Jennison's Guitar Essentials: Legato

Nick Jennison’s Guitar Essentials: Legato is a masterclass in one of the most expressive and fluid guitar techniques. Designed for players of all skill levels, this course offers a deep dive into the intricacies of legato, breaking down its mechanics, applications, and benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve your speed, fluidity, or musical expression, this course equips you with everything you need to master the art of seamless playing.

What is Legato?

Legato is a technique where notes are connected smoothly, creating a flowing and uninterrupted sound. Instead of picking every note, legato relies on techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to transition between notes. The result is a sound that’s fluid, expressive, and often described as “vocal-like.” Mastering legato can transform your solos and melodic lines, giving them a polished and professional feel.

Techniques Covered in the Course

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons are a fundamental aspect of legato playing. By striking a string with your fretting hand without picking, you can create a clean and sustained note. Nick’s lessons on hammer-ons focus on building finger strength and precision, enabling you to execute them effortlessly across different fretboard positions. Incorporating hammer-ons into your playing allows you to achieve faster, smoother runs with less effort.

Pull-Offs

Pull-offs are the counterpart to hammer-ons and are essential for achieving the cascading sound associated with legato. By pulling your finger off the string while maintaining pressure, you produce a resonant and clear note. Nick provides exercises to refine your pull-off technique, ensuring consistency and clarity in your playing. This skill is particularly useful for executing descending scales and arpeggios.

Slides

Slides are integral to legato phrasing, enabling you to transition between notes seamlessly. By sliding your finger along the string to a new fret, you can connect notes with a smooth, gliding motion. Nick demonstrates how to use slides effectively to add a lyrical quality to your playing, creating phrases that feel natural and musical.

Combining Legato Techniques

The real magic of legato lies in combining these individual techniques—hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides—into cohesive phrases. Nick breaks down how to integrate these elements, providing exercises and examples that help you achieve a fluid and expressive playing style. Through his guidance, you’ll learn to navigate the fretboard effortlessly, connecting notes in a way that feels intuitive and natural.

Benefits of Learning Legato

• Improved Speed and Efficiency: By reducing the reliance on picking, legato allows you to play faster passages with less physical effort.
• Enhanced Musical Expression: Legato playing mimics the smooth, connected quality of a singer’s voice, making your solos more emotive and engaging.
• Greater Finger Independence: Mastering legato requires precise control of your fretting hand, improving your overall technique and dexterity.
• Seamless Phrasing: With legato, you can connect notes in a way that feels effortless, resulting in solos and melodies that flow beautifully.

About Nick Jennison

Nick Jennison is an accomplished guitarist and educator known for his fluid technique and expressive playing style. Drawing inspiration from guitar legends like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, Nick combines technical mastery with a deep understanding of musicality. His teaching approach is clear, practical, and engaging, making complex techniques accessible to players of all levels.

Guitarists Who Exemplify Legato

Legato is a hallmark of many legendary guitarists, including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Allan Holdsworth. These players are known for their seamless phrasing and ability to craft intricate, melodic solos. Their influence is evident throughout the course, as Nick draws from their techniques to teach the principles of legato. By learning from these masters, you’ll gain insight into how legato can elevate your playing to new heights.

Techniques List

• Legato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides

Explore the world of legato with Nick Jennison’s Guitar Essentials and unlock the potential for smooth, expressive, and dynamic playing.