Paul Gilbert - Tech Session by Sam Bell

Overview

Welcome to the Paul Gilbert - Tech Session by Sam Bell, a comprehensive series of guitar lessons designed to take your playing to the next level. This session offers in-depth tutorials on various advanced techniques and a performance by Sam Bell, showcasing the techniques in a musical context. Whether you're an aspiring guitarist looking to refine your skills or a seasoned player wanting to learn from one of the best, this tech session is tailored to meet your needs.

Lesson Breakdown

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a fundamental technique for any serious guitarist. In this session, Sam Bell meticulously breaks down Paul Gilbert's approach to alternate picking, emphasising the importance of precision and speed. You'll learn how to execute clean, fast runs with ease, a hallmark of Gilbert's style. Mastering this technique will significantly improve your overall picking efficiency and speed, enabling you to tackle complex riffs and solos with confidence.

Legato

Legato playing involves smooth transitions between notes, primarily using hammer-ons and pull-offs. Sam Bell demonstrates how Paul Gilbert incorporates legato into his playing to create fluid, expressive lines. This technique allows for a seamless flow of notes, adding a lyrical quality to your solos. Practicing legato will enhance your finger strength and dexterity, making your playing sound more polished and professional.

Tapped Harmonics

Tapped harmonics add a unique, bell-like quality to your playing. In this lesson, Sam Bell shows you how to execute these harmonics with precision, just like Paul Gilbert. Tapping at specific fret positions, you'll produce clear, ringing tones that can be used to add texture and interest to your solos. This technique is particularly effective in creating dynamic and engaging performances.

String Bending

String bending is a technique that adds expressiveness to your playing. Sam Bell covers various bending techniques used by Paul Gilbert, including bluesy bends and unison bends. You'll learn how to bend notes accurately to achieve the desired pitch and emotional impact. Mastering string bending will allow you to add a vocal-like quality to your solos, making your playing more emotive and compelling.

Sweep Picking

Sweep picking is a technique used to play arpeggios quickly and smoothly. Sam Bell breaks down Paul Gilbert's approach to sweep picking, explaining the mechanics and timing required to execute this technique flawlessly. Learning sweep picking will enable you to play intricate arpeggio patterns at high speeds, adding a new dimension to your lead playing.

Performance Insight

In addition to the detailed lessons, this session includes a performance by Sam Bell, where he demonstrates the techniques in a musical context. Watching these techniques applied in real-time is invaluable for several reasons:

1. Contextual Learning: Seeing how techniques are used within a song helps you understand their practical applications.
2. Inspiration: Observing a skilled guitarist perform can be incredibly inspiring, motivating you to practice and improve.
3. Musicality: Learning techniques in isolation is beneficial, but seeing them in a performance showcases their musicality and how they contribute to the overall sound of a piece.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Learning the techniques covered in the Paul Gilbert - Tech Session will provide numerous benefits:

• Improved Technical Proficiency: You'll develop greater control over your instrument, allowing you to play more complex pieces with ease.
• Enhanced Musical Expression: Techniques like string bending and tapped harmonics add expressiveness to your playing, enabling you to convey emotions more effectively.
• Versatility: Mastering a range of techniques will make you a more versatile player, capable of tackling various musical styles and challenges.
• Confidence: As you become more proficient with these techniques, your confidence as a guitarist will grow, encouraging you to take on more ambitious musical projects.

Guitar Techniques Used in These Lessons

• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• String Bending
• Sweep Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Unison Bends
• Bluesy Bends

Embark on your journey to mastering these advanced guitar techniques with the Paul Gilbert - Tech Session by Sam Bell. Transform your playing and unlock your full potential as a guitarist.