17 More Notes & Extended Techniques
INTRODUCTION
In this unit you will learn more fretted notes on the first string and a few common extended techniques. Generally speaking, extended techniques produce distinctive pitches, noises and colors. They broaden the guitar’s range of expression.
NOTATIONS
Notes
The Notes ‘C♯’ and ‘D♭’
‘C♯’ and ‘D♭’ are enharmonics. To play ‘C♯’ or ‘D♭’, fret the ninth fret on the first string.
The Note ‘D’
‘D’ sits on top of the second leger line above the staff. To play ‘D’ fret the tenth fret on the first string.
The Notes ‘D♯’ and ‘E♭’
‘D♯’ and ‘E♭’ are enharmonics. To play ‘D♯’ or ‘E♭’, fret the eleventh fret on the first string.
Extended Techniques
Mute
The mute is typically notated with an “x” in place of a notehead, suggesting a slightly pitched, mostly noisy, sound. The mute sound is produced when the fretting-finger applies less pressure on the string than normal.
Pizzicato (AKA Palm Muting)
The pizzicato is notated with the abbreviation, pizz. It is often used along with succession of dashes to indicate an entire pizzicato phrase or section. Typically, a pizzicato is produced by resting the exterior side of the plucking-hand on the string near the bridge. Many guitarists refer to this technique as palm muting.
Snap (AKA Bartok Pizzicato)
The snap is notated by writing the word snap into the score. The same technique can also be referred to as the Bartok pizzicato which is represented with a circle pierced by a vertical line. The effect is produced by gripping the string, lifting it away from the guitar face and releasing it to snap against the fretboard.
Tambora (AKA Tambour)
The tambora (AKA tambour) is typically notated with the abbreviation, tamb.. A tambora is produced by hitting the strings near the bridge, usually with the thumb of the plucking-hand.
Golpe
The term golpe originated in flamenco but is also employed in non-flamenco styles to indicate any type of percussive sound resulting from striking the guitar. Often, composers will specify distinct places on the guitar body where golpes should occur. In these cases, ‘x’ noteheads are positioned at different pitch levels on the staff. Most likely, the composer will write a statement to correspond with the score. The statement will include a description of where each x-pitched golpe is to be played on the guitar’s body.
Harmonic
The harmonic shown above can be played at string VI, fret 5.
The harmonic shown above can be played at string V, fret 5
The harmonic shown above can be played at string IV, fret 5
The harmonic is usually represented by a diamond-shaped notehead. The notehead is placed at the harmonic’s sounding pitch, not at the location of its production. The examples above show the sounding pitch and the production location of a few fifth fret harmonics. I suggest you memorize the sounding pitch and production location of these, and other, guitar harmonics. Link to a description of natural harmonics forthcoming.
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Sight-Reading Tip
Pe