5 Simple Steps To Better Legato Technique - Rick Graham

[@mostresticator5]

the muting technique comes naturally from playing a long time, but actually practicing it and being aware of it will help a lot of people play cleaner in a short amount of time....and that dotted rhythm technique without the picking hand is a game changer, thanks rick

[@MorelloZzT7]

My favorite part of all of the 5 tips for legato is......ALL OF THEM. I WANT MORE.

[@jakemf1]

Mike G put watch some videos you will hear even good players with a tone of noise

[@giantessmaria]

was going to say essentially the same thing. It's funny, its just something you find yourself doing rather than consciously thinking about doing it. I think with time and experience, we tend to solve problems in largely an unconscious state and it becomes habit before we even realize what we were doinhg.

[@chopsguitarist]

I don't think most people know how much of a game changer the dotted rhythm practice technique is. it's everything!

[@StevenMartinGuitar]

"Firstly, did you notice how clean that was? That's because I'm an absolute demon!"

[@tonymark2709]

Hahaha, true!

[@PiratZar]

Jak grać szybkie solówki na gitarze ćwiczenia

[@hectorgonzalez9170]

Flawless.... Damn Daniel!!!!!

[@bishalgiri7487]

He is not a demon. He sold his soul to a demon

[@mandanglelow1442]

@@bishalgiri7487 or he just practiced a lot and started off having a little bit of talent.

[@dorianponcela9680]

The videos are worth it not only for the great lesson, but because of Rick being funny and entertaining. One of the best guitar players I've heard in my life.

[@fk9277]

With a last name like Dickinson, i would prefer not to be Bruce Dickinson's son

[@Avedis-G]

By far the best legato practice explanation I’ve seen yet. Thanks for not playing endless fills and getting down to what matters. So appreciated!

[@christian98]

That "some final points" thing is actually the most important part of the whole lesson cause it applies to everything not only legato since it focuses on the "how" to practice instead of "what" to practice.. Now that's what I call teaching.

[@darrenlivingstone]

Your immature laugh at 1:44 made me laugh, too! Great instructional video as always, Rick. I've always been a bedroom guitarist hindered by my own "noodling" and procrastination when it comes to picking up the guitar. I always used to tell myself that I'd peaked but it was because I was too lazy to learn anything. Watching your instructional videos helps keep it simple and they're easy to follow, and most importantly they've inspired me to pick up the axe again and just persevere. It's crazy how much progress you can make in a night and sometimes you're left wondering "are these really my hands?" ha! Keep them coming; I - along with the rest of the guitarist community, I'm sure - really appreciate the time you take to put these videos together as they make for great learning, and also great entertainment. Keep them coming, cheers!

[@ajlsoundwave]

Rick - during the "tension" section, you said something "key" for me that has unlocked or unblocked my playing. Thank you for taking the time to share your skill / knowledge. I really dig your "sound" and feel of how you approach legato playing. Thanks!

[@drinkspecials]

rick...you are such a great teacher! you come across authentic and sincere. of course youre super talented. thanks for sharing!

[@gregryanguitar]

These tips have helped me in huge ways! After playing legato with the same habits for years, this video forced me to reevaluate things. I tried out lining my thumb up with my second finger (I've always had it lined up with the first) and that alone has made me more relaxed and controlled. Not to mention the 'hammer-on-from-nowhere' is a super useful and fun exercise. I'm going to pass some of this wisdom on to my own students in the future! Thank you Rick Graham.

[@lollipophugo]

I come back to this video every month or so just to watch number 3 and really ingrain that mentality of controlling tension and pressure. When you start to be able to play faster it's easy to let it get on top of you as you up the old metronome, and I think dialling it back and really being aware of the point where that control slips is crucial.

[@DaveMuller]

Very helpful, thanks. I've spent all my time working on alt picking and I discovered my legato is terrible. Time to relearn!

[@1251wire]

first of all thank you, I've been playing 30 odd years and always relied on my ear and maybe 30% sheet music, still I deem myself not learned nearly enough, I'm considered a shredder but what people don't really know is I rely on my God given ear and fast thinking improvisational experience. It inspires me to find cats like you who take the time to explain and not try to dazzle, you are correct, your great advice has to be patiently taken in and understood, which in this "I want it now in seconds" generation is tough to keep a hold of attention, I believe you're spreading your knowledge correctly. I will be a regular watcher, thank you. By the way I have several LTDs and I own a 213 and a 203, great instruments.

[@AmpsforBuddha]

I've been playing for over 20 years (holy crap!); and you sir, are one of the best teachers I've ever come across. Video and dialog alone is simply great. …Many techniques learnt or relearned. Thank you!

[@Portalofsanity]

This guy knows exactly what he is taking about. Great lesson, thanks!!!

[@blackie75]

I taught my gf how to move closer to the D and give her left and right hands a nice solid workout. Couldn't have done it without you, cheers Rick!

[@unfetteredaxes1032]

This exactly what I needed to understand. I wish all teachers were as prolific as you Rick. This is the old adage, feed a man a fish.....or teach a man TO fish. Thanks Rick!

[@Corey_G]

I really really have to say...... I love that Natural wood look on that LTD guitar. Nice Guitar!

[@dogarnruatdika4155]

what a beauty...

[@KVMetalGod]

You mean ESP

[@retrorewind6042]

Kshitiz Verma it says ltd lmao

[@KVMetalGod]

YellowCharizar d check my videos bro, I too use an ESP that has LTD written on it.

[@retrorewind6042]

Kshitiz Verma esp makes ltd

[@coltonkynaston4384]

his voice is so soothing...like i could meditate while listening to him explain guitar stuff.

[@gustavopereirasantos8307]

I just can't say how much better I ve been playing with ligato since I ve started applying these tips that you brought to us through this video, God bless you man, improved a lot my ligato technique.

[@thewalrusdragon9579]

Your video format reminds me of the videos we used to watch in elementary schools in the 90's, and I love it. *video of instructor being master of technique being taught* "Oh, hey there, you wanna do this? I can do it because I'm great, and you can be great too" *shows "how" to do it* "See, I told you it was easy"

[@TheBladepolisher]

Great vibe to his lessons and teaching technique. Soft spoken, focused, and thorough. Great job Rick.

[@malmstrethai]

This is a really useful video; as a guitarist who's always looking to improve my technique I find it incredibly useful seeing techniques like this from somebody else's perspective just to see if there are any small points I can use to my advantage. Great lesson, Rick.

[@jacktheriffer1523]

Mr Rick got one of the smoothest picking mechanic in the biz,I grew up with a lot of Steve Morse's stuff and I gravitated towards staccato,but I love seeing yall that can burn that legato... chill bumps

[@gianz73]

Wow, extremely clear and effective! Immediately subscribed to your channel, Rick.

[@thorndog100]

Watched this vid soooooooooo many times and this is so helpful because like Rick says theres no " heres lick number one, play that and we will move onto lick number two". Too many of those vids..this is the nuts and bolts to a better technique and it is awesome.. Cheers Rick you are one cool dude...

[@jaytyler5741]

Keeping the fingers close to the fret board is awesome advise! I so too many guitar players NOT doing that and it is poisoning their skills! Less movement equals more efficiency! Trust me, I know it works better!

[@johnmcelhaney8490]

Excellent lesson. Just really looking at legato after 40 years of playing lol. This is so helpful, I feel like I am bypassing some bad habits and getting a great start. Thank so much!

[@guitar6schoolofmusic415]

Thanks, I love your videos, I just discovered your channel. I hope I'm not too old to learn this technique and I definitely want to incorporate legato into my playing. This video is a great place for me to start. Thanks so much 🙏

[@dymonbak]

thank you Mr.Graham you are a genorous man

[@mutantkoffee]

Thanks Rock Graham, im using all your videos as lessons and im not feeling, but seeing the improvements in my playing. Thanks.

[@jordanfry5962]

You’re a great teacher. Thank you for not throwing any tabs up there to make it harder. I really appreciate how you broke this down for us. Would you please do one about sweep picking and break that down to the littlest of details. Thank you so much.

[@anthony777-7]

I want to thank you for sharing this valuable information with the musician community. This is a great work you are doing here. Now time to implement these techniques. Thank you. You Rock Rick!!!!

[@JeanDo]

Great lesson Rick,thank you so much for this!

[@RickGraham]

A pleasure mate, cheers!

[@minjoe1575]

wow that was one honest teaching, enjoyed every bit of it.

[@guitarmemoir]

These videos that parse out the micro techniques are great imo. Just like lessons that teach concepts instead of licks. Good job kind sir. I shall subscribe.

[@christianboutot1316]

reeeaaally good informations...there are no démonstration of licks in legato playing but the BASICS explainations for developping legato tecnic in a effective way and not wasting time by working in a wrong way which brings on a lengh end tecnical errors that will take you on the wrong path. .. Thanks Rick...very good, rich pedagogy and informations. ..

[@ryandeleon4657]

I've been struggling with legatos and i practice atleast 5 hours/day. Hoping this video will help me in the future!! Thank you so much Rick!

[@flipperdale51]

The advice on controlling the tension (among the other 4) is priceless. My control, particularly with hammering, is far more accurate and less laborious. Thank you.

[@lkkhi]

Your lesson is aweful ! It went step by step, reminding where to pay attn to and what to avoid. Thx! I came to the right place.

[@mikesinaro]

+kk Luk I think you meant to say awesome, lol! Awful means you didn't like it at all.

[@abmbarry]

Thank you so much Rick for an in depth diagnostic tutorial. What you say and more importantly; ... "do" is very clear. I will work on these techniques as an on-going process, .... leading to good habits. Thank you for taking your precious time to help others. Barry Manclark, ... Australia

[@seanlheeger]

This is realistic and factual. I like this guys stuff.

[@nathankomer8699]

I build in your advice into my practice routine and it's really helping! Esxpecially, not only my legato is getting somwhere (finally), but also my Sweep Picking is improving since my left hand technique improves overall. Thanks a Lot!

[@danielconnolly8461]

Nathan Komer fuck your sweep picking and tapping play it like a man

[@quinetastic]

WOW! *IMPRESSIVE* LESSON, MR. GRAHAM 👍...

[@musicmanatlanta3637]

“Common sense approach is to play faster. Which does work.” :) Great vid, loved that gem. Great subtle sense of humor.

[@RobGuitarBackingTracks]

Wicked lesson, im gonna do the lesson this weekend. Need to build the left hand strength again

[@eweeparker]

So glad to see another video from you!

[@seanmccall7277]

Rick, hey there! Thanks so much for your help with my legato. Because of your teaching, I'm finally reaching the promised land of flowing, ripping legato. Kickass. You Rrrock.

[@Camcuat]

One of my favorite videos of yours. Your techniques have inspired me and improved my playing so much

[@conartist267]

Best legato lesson I’ve seen. Thank you 🙏

[@TheWolvesCurse]

everything you've explained here i've alraedy read in Troy Stetina's books, but it's very helpful to see it in a video to get a better understanding.

[@Avenger849]

Plenty thanks, I enjoyed your lesson! Very very nice explained.

[@EpicurusWasRight]

You're a great teacher. No nonsense, thank you!

[@adamwuksta3255]

Thanks for sharing your techniques and advice Rick.

[@AleksandrsKarimovs]

Thank you Rick for this comprehensive and well organised video! I have a question! Would highly appreciate if you find time answering! Some details behind it... The most challenging spot for me is descending legato, when you simply play a note-by-note linear line (or scale). And the problem is - the second note on each successive string (starting with B-string). It's very hard to make the note sound as loud and clean as the all the rest, so usually it just 'pales' in comparison with all other notes. And I believe I'm not the only one struggling with it. I understand there are 3 options how one can produce that second note: a) using a 'hammer from nowhere' right after the pinky (very difficult to handle, especially with your ring finger) b) using a 'pure' pull-off - means you have to place or rather hammer TWO fingers at once, (the 4th + whichever comes next) as you 'land' on a next string. Then you just literally pull-off your pinky to make a good and clear note. c) something in between of A and B. You do place your adjacent finger beforehand, but just right after the pinky, not simultaneously with it. In result, you still have a clear pull-off. This one sounds a perfect option, but requires lots of control and fluency on high tempo (which is a normal situation when using legato). Which version is most natural for you?

[@godwinbssdd]

you should try holding all your fingers down on 1 string and just hammer and pull with your pinky "moving only your pinky, keep the other 3 on the fret board" until you cant any more and move down a finger... it really builds independence and strength

[@jeffreymonroe153]

brandon godwin ty! great exercise

[@powerbylightfutureisnow1579]

Great video, my problem is i forget tecnic sometimes . you reminded me of the basic when i first started play / good. one thing i want to ad is..... when all the tecnic kicks in it gets really easy... i was always over trying. When i am on it, its like magic. it feels super~natural. i think you agree... there is a reward when you get it right. Its getting to that magic spot is goal. Sometimed i practic hours and hours then it happens. Then sometimes it takes forever.... so i do something else. but you know it feels when you get it. Wonderful... please consider a video explaining the satisfaction.of all this hard work getting there. Peace to you. brother 🏛

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Great lesson. I've been playing for fun a long time, but just started taking guitar seriously after years of playing the blues basically by ear and pentatonic scale mostly. Now, I'm wanting to build my speed with legato and other techniques, but I've always had too much tension, and this helped a lot. I just need more practice and I really appreciate what you taught here. Thank you so much.

[@samnorris7693]

Thanks for the concise, nuts and bolts lesson. John Wooden, a famous college basketball coach, used to start each year of practice by showing his players how to put their socks and shoes on. It's the little pieces put together that make the whole in any endeavor.

[@billwilenski]

You are one of the most inspiring people ever not just with Guitar Keep it up the great work

[@myworstenemy680]

The muting technique and controlling tension parts have helped my playing a lot. Another excellent video.

[@samwilcock2853]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge in such a clear way Rick

[@GRATE31]

Thanks Rick, this 5 steps will help me a lot to build a good Legato Technique !!!

[@arnefreymann313]

This is what I need to increase my playing. Thank you very much!

[@kingsammyc]

Great video Rick. Wise words indeed.

[@arjundhannyify]

always come back to watch this to reiterate my technique. love this one!

[@icegalaxy2268]

I just found your video and I think it's really, really educational. For newbies like me, I think this is the basic elements I need to understand. Thank you very much!!!

[@rodriantoniak6158]

What excellent harmonics you did in the intro.

[@zainb.9416]

just started to learn guitar. Subscribed. ! Thank you

[@Gregorypeckory]

The steps were clear, but what I find most amazing is your technique for moving your head suddenly from one position to another instantly, with no apparent motion through space to get there. Any plans for revealing how you managed that?

[@lemmehollaratya9443]

He cut the video

[@joltedlozengek4708]

Steven McKnight that’s the joke you idiot

[@raumatifenton630]

Greg Vinson that was the coolest part of the vid lol

[@jimjambananaslam3596]

Note that he's wearing all black. Clearly a student of Ninjutsu.

[@leemason666]

Great video Rick and you now have a new subscriber. Been playing guitar for years and always thought my legato was pretty decent until now. I do suffer from RSI due to playing and my job involves typing all day so by following your approach should really help me. Thank you and have a great weekend 👍🎸

[@jonathanyoe1925]

Very efficient and to the point.

[@juanrdz2516]

You're right on the money Rick; it's true what you're saying. Well explained. 😁👍

[@Jimbolina1]

Great exercises, I have added these to my daily routine. I am all for these focused lessons. Keep em coming please!

[@rjdom]

Rick your lessons are top notch mate! Good tips for this technique.

[@RockItBaby100]

Rick is just quicking ass ! The emotion he put in his music is great. Love his style.

[@thepiperofsimms9974]

Very nice presentation Rick. So helpful. Thank you and Happy New Year !

[@masterbeernuts9344]

great lesson from a great bloke. cheers rick.

[@SilverXIIVI]

You gave us a good video, and used my favourite font while doing so. Much love

[@nickmccormick850]

Thank you Rick, your lessons and tips are much appreciated.

[@rooguitar]

Just passing by Rick. What an awesome lesson, congrats! :)

[@chocomalk]

Much better than a lick video, this is good stuff.

[@benjammin9923]

awesome playing man thanx 4 sharing ur talent

[@ScorpWriter]

Good video. Another important thing to consider is picking dynamics...you don't want your picked notes volume louder than your hammer ons and pull offs (for those of you who use pull offs anyways).

[@josephmiller7356]

THANKS RICK, EXCELLENTLY WELL FORMATTED IN PLAIN CLEAR ENGLISH 👍. I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE SEEN YOU PERFORM A ROUTINE/DEMO 👌. BEING A COMPLETE NOVICE 😯, THIS IS WAY BEYOND MY CAPABILITIES BUT, WHO KNOWS 🤞 MAYBE IN 5-10yrs TIME I MIGHT BE ABLE TO DO THIS LEGATO TECHNIQUE ⏳.

[@cainm8808]

I see that splawn amp behind you Rick.I own one too such an incredible tone from that amp.

[@allancrow134]

Like his guitar. Wide radius rosewood neck, thin high stainless frets. I put a similar high quality custom neck on my old 70's Strat and just transformed the thing. :)

[@gdjahmal9829]

step 5 was a revelation for me, tnx!

[@IamBrianDickson]

A very clear and well structured lesson Rick..... thanks :)

[@FrankSteffenMueller]

Great overview over legato technique. But I miss the detailed description of your hammer on/pull of technique. Anyway thanks for the great vid :)

[@RickGraham]

Will do a vid on that soon, thanks man.

[@DanielG0LD]

Rick Graham Hey dude, haven't watched it yet but I'm gonna... haha, its paused till I give you a "fuck I love your feel in whatever you play, it's always an eye and ear gaze... doesn't have to be quick but I always love the story any great guitarist tells through the feel put into each note, as you do" now I'll watch! \m/(-_-)\m/

[@fernandomiranda8125]

Thanks for sharing Rick. Starting now!

[@dpwsworldoffunstuff6901]

if it helps, for me my legato picking started to improve alot when i scalloped my neck because i had to work on my tension habits or the notes would be too sharp lol

[@josh747]

Thanks Rick. Great pointers.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

Hammers and pull offs have a different sound. True Legato utilities hammers and picked notes using turn arounds frequently so you get the piano sound of legato. Legato is not just playing hammers and pull offs. It is a very specific sound that has the overlapping sound when you play piano notes not releasing the last note until you sound the next or slightly overlapping notes so as to eliminate any separation in sound. Marshal Harrison did a video about this which described what I mean better than I can do with just text. I have been playing for many yrs and love the sound of staccato or slightly muted notes with heavily picked notes using alternate picking. These days I am developing legato but for me it feels quite difficult to get the sound I want. Practice does indeed make perfect so I practice this technique very often always playing what I find the most difficult.

[@abdelouery4114]

Best teacher on KZbin.

[@guitarmemoir]

Thx for the breakdown. Very helpful...boy it sure looks a lot easier than it is to 'tame the gain'.

[@menamgamg]

Such a good lesson rick :) Really honest and humble! Good tip about the tumb, never really gave much thought to my thumb!

[@quincy2916]

The final points is my favorite part :)such a very good teacher!!

[@nickcharles7972]

Rick is the MAN!!! WHOOHOOO!

[@mathewreichardt3832]

Great video Rick ....I hope you keep making more of these and I love the editing.,...

[@trigmachine]

Fine technique. Question though were you classically trained before you played electric?