Exploring Steve Morse’s Techniques on “The Pledge”
Steve Morse showcased his impressive skills on Jason Sidwell’s track “The Pledge” by combining composed phrases and improvised elements to connect melodic hooks. He navigated through numerous chord changes and tonal shifts with ease, utilizing simple melodies based on chord tones. Instead of relying on a single scale, Morse’s blend of composed ideas and chord tone playing ensured a cohesive fit with the track.
An essential lesson from Morse’s solo is the importance of playing arpeggio notes as chords change. While some musicians do this by ear, establishing a fretboard roadmap to target tones as chords transition can be beneficial. Morse incorporated various techniques like trilling, string skipping, alternate picking, artificial harmonics, and legato, adjusting his pickup selector to match the tone needed for each section or phrase.
To simplify notation and highlight note choices clearly, an open key signature was used (although there is a reference to D major overall). Morse employed chromatic notes to connect arpeggios into long, vibrant lines, emphasizing the significance of ensuring diatonic notes land on strong beats for a seamless flow that aligns with the underlying harmony.
A notable aspect of Morse’s lead work in this solo is its high register placement, requiring precise control and practice. To execute big string bends in this range, Morse sometimes utilized his fourth finger to accommodate the closer frets. The solo incorporates various rhythmic subdivisions, predominantly utilizing 16th-note patterns but also incorporating triplets and sustained notes for variation.
Detailed notation in the transcription includes fingerings, articulations, and phrasing from Morse’s video performance. Observing his techniques closely, including unconventional picking and fretting methods along with the use of artificial harmonics for added color, is highly recommended. Morse demonstrates using the brighter bridge pickup for artificial harmonics, emphasizing the importance of proper hand positioning for optimal execution.
In order to achieve the desired sound for artificial harmonics, Morse suggests holding the pick with the thumb and second finger, allowing the first finger of the picking hand to touch the string directly 12 frets above the fretted note. This technique adds depth and character to the performance, highlighting Morse’s attention to detail and innovative approach to playing.
For more insights into Steve Morse’s techniques on “The Pledge,” you can read the full article [here] and delve deeper into his masterful guitar skills.