String Instrument Techniques
In orchestras, the string family includes the violin, viola, cello, double-bass and harp. Outside the orchestral context, there are many more, diverse instruments including the banjo, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, bass guitar and dulcimer. In all cases, the strings resonate to create sound, but there are numerous ways you can make those strings resonate to create music. Techniques and playing styles have evolved to incorporate musical accessories, such as plectrums, bows, ebows and capos.
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Bowing
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The pressure of the bow on the strings determines the volume of the note. Bowing is one of two common ways to play a violin, viola, cello and, to a lesser extent, the double bass and electric guitar. Hold the bow in your right hand and move it across the string to create a prolonged attack. The attack is the point of contact when the string is initially touched. The speed of the bowing action determines the character of the sound. Long, smooth strokes create an elongated sound. Short bow strokes create a brief, staccato sound. Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin used a bow on his electric guitar to approximate the droning sound of a violin.
Plucking
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Banjo players use their thumb to pluck individual strings. Plucking is used by violin, viola and cello players to create a pizzicato sound. Rather than long, sweeping sounds this creates a contrasting brief, muted note. Plucked violin notes in ensemble are more defined than bowed notes. Plucking is also used on the banjo, bass guitar, double bass and guitar. To pluck a string, crook your first finger and gently pull the string before quickly releasing. Guitarists may use a plectrum or "pick" as a tool to pluck with more speed and accuracy.
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Strumming
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Using a plectrum enables a guitarist to switch from strumming to "picking". Acoustic and electric guitarists strum to strike all or almost all strings at the same time. It can be with the thumb, fingers or a plectrum. When string instruments are playing accompaniment chord parts, strumming is typically used. The effect is that a combination of notes are sounded from the same hand movement.
Tapping
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Eddie Van Halen is frequently credited with popularizing the tapping technique. Tapping is an innovative technique where the traditional method of striking the strings is discarded in favor of an aggressive tapping on the fret board. By tapping a fret, the guitarist or bassist makes the note at that fret sound. Combining a left hand fretting pattern with a right hand tap makes it possible to play a series of notes extremely quickly.
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