Big Sur Moon by Buckethead

"Big Sur Moon" by Buckethead is a mesmerising instrumental that showcases the unique style and innovative approach of one of rock’s most enigmatic guitarists. Known for his exceptional technique, speed, and eclectic range of influences, Buckethead creates a soundscape in this track that blends intricate finger-work, melodic precision, and distinctive effects. In this comprehensive guitar lesson, we’ll dive into the techniques used in "Big Sur Moon," exploring the nuances of Buckethead’s approach, and giving guitarists the tools to add these techniques to their own playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic Buckethead track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Buckethead and His Influence

Buckethead, born Brian Carroll, is a versatile and highly prolific guitarist renowned for his incredible technical prowess, genre-spanning influences, and unique persona. Wearing a white mask and bucket on his head, Buckethead's image is as striking as his music. He’s inspired by a diverse array of artists, ranging from guitar virtuosos like Eddie Van Halen to avant-garde musicians such as John Zorn. His style is highly eclectic, incorporating elements of rock, funk, metal, jazz, and experimental music. "Big Sur Moon" is a great example of Buckethead's distinctive blend of atmospheric melodies with rapid-fire technical displays, making him one of the most unique voices in the guitar world.

Techniques Used in "Big Sur Moon"

Fingerpicking and Hybrid Picking

One of the defining features of "Big Sur Moon" is Buckethead’s use of fingerpicking and hybrid picking to create a rich, layered sound. In fingerpicking, the guitarist uses the fingers instead of a pick to pluck individual strings, allowing for greater control over the dynamics and tonal variations. Hybrid picking combines fingerpicking with the use of a pick, enabling fast string transitions and adding versatility. Mastering these techniques allows guitarists to play complex passages with fluidity and to add depth to their playing style.

Arpeggios

Buckethead’s use of arpeggios in this song contributes to its haunting, cascading sound. An arpeggio involves playing the notes of a chord individually in sequence rather than simultaneously, which adds a flowing, melodic quality to the music. Learning arpeggios is invaluable for guitarists, as it improves fretboard awareness, finger dexterity, and the ability to construct smooth melodic lines that accentuate the harmony.

Slides

Throughout "Big Sur Moon," Buckethead employs smooth slides to transition between notes, creating a flowing, connected feel. Sliding from one note to another without re-picking creates a legato effect, adding a vocal-like quality to the music. Slides are essential for creating a sense of movement and expression, helping guitarists build fluidity and control in their playing.

Harmonics

Harmonics play a crucial role in "Big Sur Moon," adding shimmering, bell-like tones that enhance the ethereal quality of the piece. Harmonics are produced by lightly touching the string at certain points to create higher-pitched sounds. Learning harmonics can expand a guitarist’s tonal range and add unique textures, bringing a new level of interest and dimension to their music.

Tremolo Picking

Buckethead incorporates tremolo picking to create a rapid-fire series of notes, adding intensity and drama to the piece. Tremolo picking involves repeatedly picking a single note very quickly, producing a high-speed, intense sound. This technique is ideal for building tension and enhancing a song’s dynamic range. Mastering tremolo picking improves a guitarist’s picking speed, precision, and stamina.

Vibrato

Vibrato is used by Buckethead to add expressiveness to the sustained notes in "Big Sur Moon." By slightly bending the pitch of a note back and forth, vibrato gives the music a sense of depth and emotion. It’s an essential technique for creating a personal, “singing” quality in one’s guitar playing. Developing a controlled vibrato will enhance a player’s phrasing and overall expressiveness.

String Bending

In "Big Sur Moon," Buckethead uses string bending to heighten the emotional intensity of his phrases. String bending involves pushing or pulling a string to change its pitch, usually to reach a specific target note. String bending adds a soulful, vocal quality to the guitar and is a cornerstone of many expressive guitar styles. Practicing bending improves control, ear training, and overall musicality.

Legato

Buckethead’s use of legato is integral to his smooth, flowing style in this piece. Legato involves playing notes in a connected manner using techniques such as hammer-ons and pull-offs without re-picking the string. Legato techniques are crucial for adding speed and fluidity to guitar lines, as they allow for smooth transitions and reduce picking noise. This technique helps guitarists play faster, cleaner, and with greater ease across the fretboard.

Tapped Harmonics

In "Big Sur Moon," Buckethead incorporates tapped harmonics, a technique that adds a bright, ethereal quality to the melody. Tapped harmonics involve using a finger from the picking hand to tap a harmonic note on the fretboard, creating a sharp, bell-like sound. This technique is beneficial for adding new textures and creating a unique sonic experience, ideal for advanced players looking to expand their repertoire.

Conclusion

The guitar lesson for "Big Sur Moon" provides guitarists with a well-rounded exploration of Buckethead’s techniques, allowing players to learn and incorporate these elements into their own style. From the smooth legato passages to the crisp harmonics, each technique contributes to the hauntingly beautiful sound that defines this track. By mastering these techniques, guitarists can elevate their playing to new heights, adding depth, expression, and versatility.

List of Techniques Used in "Big Sur Moon"

• Finger-picking
• Hybrid Picking
• Arpeggios
• Slides
• Harmonics
• Tremolo Picking
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics

Each technique offers its own set of benefits, enhancing finger strength, coordination, and stylistic versatility. Guitarists who work through this lesson will gain a richer understanding of Buckethead’s sound and improve their own technical abilities in the process.