Guitar Case Studies & Practical Application 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A guitarist notices their pick is wearing down unevenly, creating a rough edge that affects tone. What is the best immediate solution?
- Flip the pick over and use the other side
- Sand or file the worn edge smooth, or replace the pick (Correct answer)
- Apply tape to the worn area
- Play with lighter pressure
Correct answer: Sand or file the worn edge smooth, or replace the pick
A rough pick edge creates inconsistent attack and unwanted string noise; smoothing or replacing it restores clean articulation.
Question 2: You are teaching a student the pentatonic scale for improvisation. They can play the scale but solos sound like 'running scales.' What should you focus on next?
- Teach them more scales immediately
- Develop phrasing: using rests, bends, and rhythmic variation within the scale (Correct answer)
- Have them memorize all five pentatonic positions
- Switch to a different scale entirely
Correct answer: Develop phrasing: using rests, bends, and rhythmic variation within the scale
Musical phrasing — incorporating space, dynamics, and expressive techniques — transforms scale patterns into musical statements.
Question 3: A guitarist is recording a part and hears a clicking sound in sync with the strumming. The click is not in the amp or pedals. What is the most likely source?
- Microphone clipping
- Pick hitting the pickguard or body on the upstroke (Correct answer)
- A loose strap button
- Electrical interference from lighting
Correct answer: Pick hitting the pickguard or body on the upstroke
A rhythmic click in sync with strumming that bypasses the signal chain usually comes from the pick physically striking the guitar body or pickguard.
Question 4: A guitarist needs to play a chord that requires four fingers, but an injury limits them to three. What is the best adaptive approach?
- Stop playing the song entirely
- Find an alternative voicing that omits the least harmonically critical note (Correct answer)
- Barre all six strings and adjust later
- Transpose the song to a different key
Correct answer: Find an alternative voicing that omits the least harmonically critical note
Omitting the 5th of a chord or a doubled note is often acceptable; finding a three-finger voicing retains the chord's harmonic identity.
Question 5: A guitarist is asked to play a country 'chicken picking' style. Which right-hand technique combination defines this sound?
- All downstrokes with a heavy pick
- Alternating between flatpick and middle/ring finger plucks (hybrid picking) for a snappy, percussive tone (Correct answer)
- Using only fingerpicks on all strings
- Strumming with the thumb only
Correct answer: Alternating between flatpick and middle/ring finger plucks (hybrid picking) for a snappy, percussive tone
Chicken picking uses hybrid picking — a combination of flatpick and fingers — to create a snappy, clucking attack characteristic of country guitar.
Question 6: A band is playing a song in the key of G major. The guitarist wants to use a pedal tone effect, sustaining a G note while playing a moving chord progression above it. On which string is this most practical?
- The 1st string (high E)
- The 6th string (low E) open — re-tuned or using a droning G (Correct answer)
- The 4th string (D) at the 5th fret
- The 2nd string (B)
Correct answer: The 6th string (low E) open — re-tuned or using a droning G
A low open G (achieved by drop G tuning or a drone pedal) provides a resonant pedal tone underneath chord changes in the key of G.
Question 7: You are preparing a setlist for a guitar recital that includes both fast technical pieces and slow lyrical pieces. What is the best strategic order?
- All fast pieces first, all slow pieces last
- Open with a moderately engaging piece, place the most technically demanding piece in the middle, and close with a memorable crowd-pleasing piece (Correct answer)
- Random order based on key signatures
- Shortest pieces first, longest pieces last
Correct answer: Open with a moderately engaging piece, place the most technically demanding piece in the middle, and close with a memorable crowd-pleasing piece
A well-paced recital warms up the audience, showcases technical ability at peak attention in the middle, and leaves a strong final impression.
Guitar Case Studies & Practical Application 4
A guitarist notices their pick is wearing down unevenly, creating a rough edge that affects tone.
What is the best immediate solution?