Michael Schenker - Tech Session by Jamie Humphries

Discover the intricate guitar techniques of Michael Schenker with our exclusive "Michael Schenker - Tech Session" taught by the skilled Jamie Humphries. This comprehensive lesson series is meticulously crafted to help you emulate the iconic playing style of the legendary guitarist. The session is divided into three essential parts: Lesson Part 1, Lesson Part 2, and a Performance segment. Whether you're an aspiring guitarist looking to enhance your skills or an experienced player aiming to broaden your musical horizons, this tech session offers invaluable insights into Schenker's unique style.

Lesson Part 1

In Lesson Part 1, Jamie Humphries introduces the core techniques that form the foundation of Michael Schenker's playing style. This section focuses on several key aspects:

Vibrato: Mastering vibrato is essential for adding expression and emotional depth to your playing. Jamie demonstrates how to achieve Schenker's signature vibrato, which enhances the sustain and richness of your notes, making your solos more captivating and soulful.

Alternate Picking: Speed and precision are hallmarks of Schenker's solos, and alternate picking is a crucial technique for achieving this. Jamie breaks down the mechanics of alternate picking, helping you develop the dexterity and timing needed to navigate complex passages with ease and accuracy.

Legato: Schenker's fluid legato runs are integral to his style. Jamie provides step-by-step instructions on executing smooth, connected notes, significantly improving your phrasing and speed. Learning legato enhances your ability to play seamless, flowing lines.

Tapped Harmonics: Adding a touch of harmonic flair, tapped harmonics create high-pitched, bell-like tones. Jamie demonstrates how to execute tapped harmonics accurately, enriching your solos with a unique, ethereal quality.

By the end of Lesson Part 1, you'll have a solid grasp of these fundamental techniques, establishing a strong foundation for more advanced concepts explored in the next section.

Lesson Part 2

Lesson Part 2 builds on the techniques covered in the first lesson, introducing more complex elements of Schenker's style:

Double-Stop Bends: Double-stop bends involve bending two strings simultaneously to create rich, harmonic textures. Jamie shows you how to perform these bends accurately, adding depth and complexity to your solos and enhancing your harmonic vocabulary.

Unison Bends: Unison bends add intensity and drama to your playing. Jamie teaches you how to execute these bends, ensuring your notes stay in tune and resonate powerfully. Mastering unison bends will give your solos a more dynamic and expressive quality.

Pinched Harmonics: Schenker's use of pinched harmonics gives his playing an aggressive edge. Jamie instructs you on how to produce these squealing harmonics, adding a new dimension to your sound and making your solos stand out.

Trills: Trills are rapid alternations between two notes, adding speed and flair to your solos. Jamie breaks down the mechanics of trilling, helping you incorporate this flashy technique into your playing. Trills are perfect for creating tension and excitement in your solos.

Tremolo Picking: Tremolo picking is essential for creating fast, sustained notes. Jamie's guidance helps you develop the stamina and control needed for this high-speed technique, allowing you to play rapid, repetitive notes with precision and consistency.

Performance

Seeing the techniques in a performance context is incredibly beneficial. Jamie Humphries performs a piece inspired by Michael Schenker's work, showcasing all the techniques covered in the lessons. This performance allows you to see how each technique is applied in a real musical context, providing a practical reference for your own playing.

The performance not only highlights Schenker's technical prowess but also his musicality and expressive playing style. Watching Jamie apply these techniques in a performance setting helps you understand their musical applications and inspires you to incorporate them creatively into your own playing.

Guitar Techniques Covered

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking