Eric Bibb should need no introduction to blues guitar fans. The NYC-born singer-songwriter has established himself as one of the foremost acoustic guitarists on the planet with his soulful and meditative songs. Now he's sharing some of the inspiring techniques behind them with us, in partnership with Elixir® Strings.
The role of creating simultaneous basslines via alternate picking as you play melodies is crucial for creating layered compositions with fingerstyle guitar. In essence, you can become your own backing band. But it doesn't have to be intimidating to learn when broken down and built up in stages – and in time you can even stretch out and start mixing your picking patterns up, as Eric's lesson below with Elixir® Strings illustrates.
Eric uses his song Tulsa Town to showcase how he plucks two strings up simultaneously to enhance acoustic volume while using his thumb to play a powerful and clear bassline.
Things get really interesting by using implied chords to create an even fuller sound, with alternating picking patterns exploring beyond that foundation while maintaining a low-end groove. It's hugely effective, as you'll see above.
The warmth and depth of Elixir® Strings is really important to my overall sound
Eric's sublime technique is complemented by Elixir® Strings, a brand he's trusted for years in the studio and out on the road. "The warmth and depth of Elixir® Strings is really important to my overall sound," says Eric. "They feel great and their tone lasts an incredibly long time.”
- To find out more about the full range of acoustic, electric and bass guitar sets, visit Elixir® Strings