What Are Some Alternative Playing Techniques Using An Ebow With A Guitar?
Ebows are best known for providing infinite sustain and simulating feedback at any volume. For standard Ebow techniques, see the instructions and demo tape that are included with it, as well as Ebow’s website: www.ebow.com. Many volume effects are available. To fade in a note, start the tone with the Ebow contacting the string a short distance away from the pickup, and gradually slide it closer; fadeouts can be accomplished by sliding the Ebow further away from the pickup. Increasing or decreasing the pressure of the Ebow on the string can also control volume changes. Use the Ebow with a slide for an ethereal, Theremin-like effect. Steel guitar legend Buddy Emmons uses an Ebow on his pedal steel. Finger a chord and arpeggiate by moving the Ebow rapidly over different strings. Use two Ebows at once – one for a drone, one for melodic lines. Experiment with different Ebow attacks. For example, slapping the Ebow lightly on the strings creates a sound similar to hitting the strings with a v
