Steve Lukather - Tech Session by Sam Bell

Lesson Overview

Welcome to the "Steve Lukather - Tech Session" by Sam Bell, an in-depth guitar lesson series meticulously designed to bring you closer to the legendary playing style of Steve Lukather. This course is ideal for guitarists looking to expand their technique repertoire and master some of the most intricate and expressive elements of guitar playing. The lessons cover a range of techniques and are complemented by a performance that showcases these techniques in a musical context, making it easier to understand their practical application.

Lesson Breakdown

Vibrato

Vibrato is one of the essential techniques for adding expressiveness to your playing. In this session, you will learn how to control the pitch oscillation smoothly and musically. Mastering vibrato enhances your ability to convey emotion through your playing, making each note more dynamic and soulful.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a fundamental technique that involves alternating down and up strokes with the pick. This method is crucial for speed and accuracy in your playing. By practicing alternate picking, you will develop better control and precision, which is essential for fast and complex passages.

Legato

Legato playing involves a smooth, flowing connection between notes, often using hammer-ons and pull-offs. This technique allows for a fluid, seamless sound that can add a lyrical quality to your solos. It is particularly useful for creating fast, flowing lines without the harsh attack of picking each note.

Tapped Harmonics

Tapped harmonics are an advanced technique that involves tapping the string at specific fret locations to produce bell-like, ethereal tones. Learning this technique will expand your tonal palette and allow you to add unique textures to your playing.

Double-Stop Bends

Double-stop bends involve bending two strings simultaneously, creating a rich, harmonised sound. This technique is great for adding depth and complexity to your solos. It requires precise control to ensure both notes bend accurately to pitch.

Unison Bends

Unison bends are a powerful technique where two notes are bent to the same pitch, creating a strong, unified sound. This technique can add intensity and drama to your solos, making them more impactful.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics are produced by lightly touching the string with the thumb or finger after picking, creating a high-pitched, squealing sound. This technique adds a sharp, aggressive edge to your playing, perfect for emphasising certain notes or phrases.

Trills

Trills are rapid alternations between two notes, typically using hammer-ons and pull-offs. This technique adds a burst of energy and excitement to your solos, making them more lively and dynamic.

Tremolo Picking

Tremolo picking involves rapidly picking a single note or chord, creating a sustained, tremulous effect. This technique is useful for adding tension and excitement to your playing, especially in fast passages.

Performance Context

One of the highlights of the "Steve Lukather - Tech Session" is the inclusion of performance segments by Sam Bell. These performances are not just showcases of technical prowess but also illustrate how the techniques taught in the lessons are applied in real musical situations. Seeing these techniques in a performance context helps students understand their practical use and integration into musical pieces, making the learning process more comprehensive and engaging. It also demonstrates the expressive potential of each technique, inspiring students to incorporate them into their own playing.

Guitar Techniques Covered

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking

This comprehensive lesson series not only teaches you how to execute these techniques but also shows you how to apply them musically, giving you the tools to enhance your guitar playing significantly. Dive into the "Steve Lukather - Tech Session" by Sam Bell and take your guitar skills to the next level!