The acoustic guitar

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The acoustic guitar has always been the favorite, and the most commonly used guitar for accompanying the classic "sing along". This is because it is often used by singer-songwriters as a base for their songs. The acoustic guitar is also used in many musical forms, such as pop and folk.
In this section, we will talk about the "popular" part of the instrument, which is related to the term given before regarding the "sing along".
At the beginning, the guitar is often used to accompany well known songs and music. But professionals can also be found doing this, both for pleasure (the classics are sung even after 30 years of playing...and its always enjoyable), and for work (in the recording studio and live). Without a doubt, its useful to also be prepared from this point of view.
Remember that you need to know the principle ideas of rhythm and harmony before confronting this section.

Strumming

By definition strumming is the movement of the pick on the strings while playing a chord of the acoustic guitar. Many times the classical picking of a chord of accompaniment is seen with respect to the sound that results from the acustic guitar. In reality, strumming is nothing more than the picking of full chords (four, five or six strings), whether using an electic or acustic guitar.
All guitarists, good and bad, start to play thanks to strumming. For those who are just beginning, we offer the following advice:

  • The touch. This term indicates the pressure of the pick on the strings. In many cases, the optimal sound is obtained by correctly regulating this pressure while strumming. For example, a large amount of pressure of the pick on the strings could cause the strings to hit against the keys, greatly overemphasizing the interference between string and key, which is normally very slight in the overall sound. Viceversa, a delicate pressure has such a low volume that the public won't be able to hear it. Each guitarist has to evaluate the various sounds derived from a strong and soft touch, and to determine a medium level in which to play. This touch will continuously change due to the technical evolution of the instrument and should always be "updated" to your specifications.
  • Dynamics. This term, in regards to strumming, is in part related to the touch. Dynamics, in fact, allows you to recreate variations in the overall execution volume, usually controlled by the personal sensitivity of the guitarist. Its worthwhile to mention that the dynamics can also influence the execution time. The excursion of the sound scale of the instrument can therefore be controlled and varied, reaching the extreme limits (from 0 to 100, considering an average of 50-60 with normal strumming). Also in this case, practice and experience are important.
  • The fingerings. The choice of one fingering over another is fundamental for the sound of the chord. For example, the use of open chords instead of barrč chords have different sounds. Or a fingering in the first position has a different sound with respect to a higher position.
  • The pick. Fundamental in the sound yield. The pick is evaluated by its thickness and by the material its made of. For example, a thin pick (0.50 - 0.70 mm) is very useful for strumming, because it has a more clear sound. A thicker pick (from 1.00 mm and above) is better for arpeggios and melodic lines. Finally, the sound from a plastic pick (inexpensive) is different than the sound from a pick made of carbon fiber, for example. As always, you need to satisfy your own tastes...
  • The strings. Without getting into costs, just remember 2 important things: the thickness and the action.
    The thickness of the string is important for the body of the sound. Small diameter strings (010) have a lighter, more clear sound. Larger diameter strings (012-013) have a bigger sound with more volume. On the other hand, the thin strings are easier to play, while the thicker ones last longer.
    The action identifies the height of the string on the keys. The higher they are (in millimeters) the greater the overall volume of the instrument. The fact remains, also in this case, that the easiest setting (the lowest) is the least gratifying. Note: this reasoning is based on the search for the "optimal" sound, which varies according to your personal habits and musical tastes.

    • At this point we can see some musical examples which will help you better learn these topics.


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