When Guitarists Cross Their Hands for Lead Solos: An Unconventional Approach

Crossing hands is not a conventional move while playing guitar, yet some accomplished guitarists embrace this technique for its unique and stylish approach. This practice of inverting traditional playing positions can add a dynamic flair to lead guitar solos. This article will explore the importance of hand-crossing in lead guitar playing, how to perform it, and which famous guitarists have incorporated this technique into their performances.

Understanding the Technique

Typically, when playing a guitar, the left hand is responsible for fretting notes, while the right hand plays the strings (or uses a pick in the case of an acoustic or electric guitar). However, in the technique of hand-crossing or hand-stacking, the right hand frets while the left hand plucks the strings. This technique is decidedly unconventional but can introduce a fascinating new dimension to your playing.

Applications in Lead Solos

The most common application of hand-crossing in lead guitar playing involves hammer-ons or pull-offs performed by the left hand. The right hand then reaches over to add a tapping effect, producing a distinctive and impressive sound. This technique allows for complex patterns and riffs that are hard to achieve with a standard arrangement of hands.

The tapping technique is a crucial part of this move. The left hand hammer-ons or pull-offs are followed by the right hand plucking the note or strings, often requiring significant finger strength and dexterity. It is an advanced skill and not one suited for beginners, but once mastered, it can significantly enhance a guitarist's toolkit.

Famous Guitarists Using the Technique

While it might not be a mainstream technique, many notable guitarists have utilized hand-crossing in their performances. One prominent example is the Eric Johnson, a guitarist often regarded as one of the greatest of all time. In his solo work, Johnson incorporates this technique, adding a dynamic and melodic element to his solos. Another iconic guitarist is Joe Satriani. His intricate and complex solos frequently feature hand-crossing, allowing him to achieve a unique and staggering sound that is distinctive and mesmerizing. See him leading a chorus with hand-crossing:

Additionally, Tokio Hotel's Tom Schulz is known for his distinctive guitar playing, which includes using variations of hand-crossing in his performances. His ability to seamlessly blend classical and rock elements into his playing style has earned him a loyal fan base.

Learning and Practicing the Technique

Mastering the technique of hand-crossing is not easy. It requires a great deal of practice and perfecting the positioning of both hands. However, there are several steps and exercises you can follow to improve your skills. The first step is to practice the finger independence required for this technique, ensuring that each finger can move independently. Slowly work on the combination of hammer-ons and pull-offs with the left hand, while the right hand reaches over to play the corresponding notes. This can be a challenging task, but consistency and practice will yield results.

A useful exercise would be to start with simple scales or riffs and gradually move on to more complex passages. It's essential to start slow and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. As your skills improve, you can experiment with different rhythms and patterns.

Imitating the techniques of professional guitarists can also be a valuable step. Watching and analyzing their performance can provide valuable insights into how to approach the technique. However, it's important to remember that you should not simply mimic their exact movements but to learn from their approach and adapt it to your unique playing style.

Conclusion

In the world of lead guitar solos, the technique of hand-crossing stands out as a unique and impressive tool in a guitarist's arsenal. While not a common occurrence, it is a powerful method that can elevate the complexity and rhythm of a performance. With dedication and practice, this unconventional approach can add a new layer of creativity to your playing. Whether you're an aspiring guitarist or a seasoned professional, incorporating this technique into your repertoire can lead to a richer and more dynamic musical expression.