United Stringdom w/Jacky Vincent - Sept 13 - Combining Sweeping, Legato and Tapping

The following content is related to the September 2013 issue of Guitar World. For the full range of interviews, features, tabs and more, pick up the new issue on newsstands now, or in our online store:http://www.guitarworld.com/sept2013

As a guitarist, I have always found it important to build and maintain an arsenal of soloing techniques so that I can play as fluidly as possible when inspiration strikes. To present a range of musical expression within a solo, I like to combine three of my favorite techniques: sweep picking, legato articulations (hammer-ons, pull-offs and finger slides) and fretboard tapping.

Some of my favorite guitarists utilize this approach in their solos, and I've been inspired by them to integrate these techniques into my own style. This month, I'd like to demonstrate how I can combine these techniques in the formulation of a guitar solo.

One of my favorite soloing strategies is to begin a phrase with some sweep picking and then transition into a fast legato line. To me, this approach has the potential to create flurries of notes that don't sound predictable because the run as a whole is not based upon just one technique.