Guitar Lingo

Listening to people talk about their jobs or crafts can sound like a foreign language at times.  Guitarists talking about their sets or prized ax are no exception.  With this post, we are going to examine the lighter side of learning to play guitar and shed some light on a handful of the common phrases commonly used.

Nut-This is not a snack food or your prized jewels, however it is the piece on your guitar that raises the strings above the neck closest to the tuning pegs.

Bending up the G-String: This means you are simply bending up the string located fourth from the top one half or one full step to create a different note for dramatic effect. 

Running a Lake: You have not developed a super human power, however you are simply just jamming like Jerry Garcia would have wanted you to.

Wah Wah- You are not reverting back to your two year old version of your younger self.  Instead you are stepping on an effects pedal that alters the tonal sound of your electric guitar.  Jimi Hendrix regularly used this effect on most of his recordings and performances.

Chops- No, these are not pork chops unfortunately (but right about now that sounds fantastic).  These are simply just riffs or a combo of notes and/or chords.

Licks-If your girlfriend now thinks your cheating on her because of playing licks with the G-String, tell her to read this article.  A lick is another word for a chop, riff, run, or lake.