Speed Building Fundamentals by Sam Bell

Welcome to "Speed Building Fundamentals" by Sam Bell, an exceptional guitar lesson series designed to elevate your playing to new heights. This comprehensive course focuses on a variety of essential techniques that will enhance your speed, accuracy, and overall proficiency on the guitar. Let's dive into the specifics of each technique covered in this series and explore the benefits they offer.

Pentatonic Sequence One - Hammer Ons

In the first sequence, Sam Bell delves into the technique of hammer-ons within the pentatonic scale. Hammer-ons allow you to articulate notes smoothly and rapidly by striking the string with your fretting hand without the need to pick each note. This technique is fundamental for building speed and fluidity in your playing, enabling seamless transitions between notes and creating a more legato sound.

Pentatonic Sequence Two - Combination Picking

Combination picking involves using both alternate picking and fingerpicking to execute intricate note sequences. This technique provides greater control and versatility, allowing you to tackle more complex passages with ease. By mastering combination picking, you'll be able to navigate through scales and arpeggios more efficiently, resulting in a more dynamic and expressive performance.

Pentatonic Sequence Three - Alternate Picking

Alternate picking, the practice of alternating downstrokes and upstrokes, is a cornerstone technique for any guitarist aiming to increase speed and precision. This sequence emphasises alternate picking within the pentatonic scale, helping you develop consistency and accuracy. As you hone this skill, you'll notice a significant improvement in your ability to play fast, clean runs and complex patterns.

Pentatonic Sequence Four - Position Shifts

Position shifts involve moving your hand up and down the fretboard to access different notes and scales. This sequence focuses on executing position shifts within the pentatonic scale, enhancing your fretboard knowledge and enabling smoother transitions between positions. Mastering position shifts will allow you to play more fluidly across the entire neck of the guitar, expanding your improvisational capabilities.

3 Note Per String Ascending Run

The 3 note per string ascending run is a technique that involves playing three notes on each string in an ascending pattern. This method is crucial for developing speed and agility, as it requires precise finger placement and coordination. Practicing this run will improve your ability to execute fast, even note sequences and enhance your overall technical proficiency.

3 Note Per String 16th Note Phrase

This technique focuses on playing 3 notes per string in a 16th note rhythm. The emphasis on timing and synchronisation helps you develop a strong sense of rhythm and timing, essential for playing in sync with other musicians. By mastering this phrase, you'll be able to incorporate rapid, rhythmic passages into your playing, adding complexity and excitement to your solos.

Groups of 6 Descending Sequence

The groups of 6 descending sequence involves playing six-note patterns in a descending order. This technique enhances your ability to navigate the fretboard quickly and accurately, improving your descending runs and sequences. Practicing this sequence will bolster your overall dexterity and control, making your playing more precise and expressive.

3 Note Per String Satriani Legato

Inspired by the legendary Joe Satriani, this technique focuses on playing 3 note per string patterns using legato. Legato playing involves smooth transitions between notes using hammer-ons and pull-offs, creating a fluid, connected sound. Mastering this technique will allow you to play fast, seamless passages with minimal pick attack, adding a lyrical quality to your solos.

Ascending Combination Picking Run

This run combines alternate picking with fingerpicking to create a fluid, ascending sequence. The integration of both picking styles offers greater flexibility and control, enabling you to tackle intricate passages with ease. By practicing this run, you'll develop the ability to execute fast, complex patterns while maintaining clarity and precision.

Ascending Combination Picking Run Version 2

A variation of the previous technique, this run provides an alternative approach to ascending combination picking. The subtle differences in fingering and picking patterns will challenge your coordination and adaptability, further enhancing your technical skills. Mastering this version will expand your repertoire of picking techniques, making you a more versatile guitarist.

Neo Classical Sequence 1

Neo-classical sequences draw inspiration from classical music, incorporating fast, intricate patterns and arpeggios. This sequence focuses on executing neo-classical runs with precision and speed, challenging your technical abilities. By mastering this sequence, you'll be able to incorporate sophisticated, classical-inspired elements into your playing, adding a new dimension to your solos.

Neo Classical Sequence 2

Building on the previous sequence, this lesson delves deeper into neo-classical techniques, emphasising more complex patterns and arpeggios. The focus on precision and speed will push your technical boundaries, helping you achieve greater control and accuracy. By mastering this sequence, you'll be able to execute advanced, neo-classical runs with confidence and flair.

The Importance of Performance Context

In addition to the technical lessons, Sam Bell's "Speed Building Fundamentals" includes performance demonstrations. Seeing these techniques in a performance context is incredibly beneficial for several reasons. It allows you to understand how these techniques are applied in real musical situations, providing a practical framework for incorporating them into your own playing. Performance demonstrations also offer inspiration and insight into phrasing, dynamics, and expression, helping you to become a more well-rounded and expressive guitarist.

List of Guitar Techniques

Here is a list of guitar techniques covered in these lessons, with links to detailed explanations:

• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

By mastering the techniques and sequences in "Speed Building Fundamentals" by Sam Bell, you'll elevate your guitar playing to new levels of speed, precision, and musicality. Start your journey today and experience the transformative power of focused, structured practice.