Being one of the most widely used instruments in the world, the acoustic guitar has become synonymous with music. From the beginning, its simple design has made it easy to learn and use for any kind of music, even for those who are just starting out. However, there have been individuals who have taken guitar playing to a whole new level, creating unique sounds and techniques that have made them stand out from the rest. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most unique ways the acoustic guitar has been played, and how it has changed the way people think about this musical instrument.
Body Percussion and Strumming
One of the most unique ways to play the acoustic guitar is to use it as a percussive instrument. This method is called body percussion and strumming, where players use their hands to create a percussive rhythm while strumming at the same time. This technique creates a unique sound that adds a sense of rhythm and depth to the music, and is often used in styles such as flamenco and gypsy jazz.
Fingerstyle
Guitarists who use fingerstyle technique have developed a unique way of playing the guitar. This style of playing involves the use of all five fingers and provides a unique sound that is different from the traditional strumming method. Players often use their thumb to play the bass notes while their fingers pluck the strings to create melody, harmonies or rhythms.
Slap Guitar
Slap guitar is a unique method of playing the guitar, where the strings are slapped with the thumb and plucked with the fingers to create a percussive sound. This technique creates a unique sound that is often associated with funk music, and has been used by some of the biggest names in guitar playing, such as Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.
Alternate Tunings
Another unique way of playing the acoustic guitar is by using alternate tunings. Standard guitar tuning involves tuning the guitar to EADGBE. However, alternative tuning involves tuning the guitar to a different note, resulting in a unique sound. One of the most popular alternate tunings is DADGAD, which is often used in Celtic music.
Tapping
Tapping is the process of playing the guitar by tapping the fretboard with the fingers instead of plucking the strings. This technique creates a unique sound that is often associated with progressive rock music, and is often used by guitarists like Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai.
Extended Techniques
The acoustic guitar has been around for centuries and has gone through many transformations over time. In recent years, guitarists have started to incorporate extended techniques into their playing. Extended techniques include using percussive effects such as tapping, slapping, and body percussion, as well as playing with objects such as bow, slide, and harmonica. This has resulted in a unique sound that is often used in experimental music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the acoustic guitar is an instrument that has been played in many different ways throughout its history. From the simple strumming to the complex extended techniques, the acoustic guitar has proven to be a versatile instrument that can be used in a variety of musical styles. While this is by no means an exhaustive list of all the unique ways the acoustic guitar has been played, it is a good starting point for guitar enthusiasts who want to explore the wide range of ways that the acoustic guitar can be used to create unique sounds.
Image Credit: Pexels