The Latest Trend! A List of Amazing People Using the Slam Playing Method

Recently, the slam playing method of playing the acoustic guitar by strumming it has become popular. It's a very cool playing method, so I've gathered together some amazing people who are good at the slam playing method.

■ What is the Slam Playing Method?

Before I introduce you to this amazing person, I'd like to explain the slam playing method. The slam playing method is a technique for playing an acoustic guitar. The body of an acoustic guitar is usually made of wood (although there are some that are not made of wood), and it has a hole in the middle called a sound hole, so it can be said to be similar to a cajon.

When you hit the body of an acoustic guitar, it makes a fairly loud sound. The slam playing method makes use of this.

■ How to Play Acoustic Guitar Using the Slam Playing Method

○ Palm hit (bass drum)

Hit the sound hole slightly above the sound hole with the palm of your hand. The palm of your hand is the part of your hand below your knuckles, and it is also used for striking in Chinese martial arts, so even if you hit the guitar hard, your hand will be fine. If you hit the body of the guitar with the palm of your hand, pushing it forward quickly, you will get a low sound.

This is the role of the bass drum in drum set. In cajon terms, it is the “low” sound produced by hitting the bottom. This is the most basic way of playing, so it's a good idea to start practicing with this.

○ Hit the area near the sound hole on the fingerboard (snare drum)

If you strike the area of the fingerboard closest to the sound hole on the highest note of the guitar, you will get a sound that is reminiscent of the snare drum's snare. If you were to play the cajon, it would be the “high” sound you get by striking the top of the cajon with your fingertips. If you combine this with a palm hit, it will sound like the slam playing method.

○ Hit the fretboard with your left hand (hi-hat)

Tapping the fingerboard with your left hand will give you an image of the sound of hi-hats. Mute the strings with your left index finger, and tap with your middle and ring fingers. In terms of cajon, this is like a “touch” where you lightly tap the top.

○ Downstroke & Upstroke

You can use a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes with your fingers to strike the drum. You can use any method you like, so feel free to use any other method you can think of.

■ Introduction to an amazing person who uses the slam playing method!

Well, it's a complicated way of playing, but here are some people who have mastered it and are playing wonderfully.

○ Petteri Sariola, the guitarist who created the slam playing method

petterisariola / Petteri Sariola - San Francisco Drive (Solo Guitar)

The person who created the slam playing method was the Finnish guitarist Petteri Sariola. He could play the electric guitar, bass and drums, so he was able to create a slam playing method that combined these playing methods. If you watch this person play, you'll understand the correct slam playing method!

○ Top among the Japanese: Kotaro Oshio

Kotaro Oshio Official YouTube Channel / Kotaro Oshio “Cyborg” (Music Video / Short Version)

He may be too famous, but he's still the best if you're Japanese! Kotaro Oshio's playing style is a “beating” style, where he plays all the parts by himself. This sense of not knowing what he's doing is irresistible.

○ Super Guitarist “MIYAVI”

MIYAVI / MIYAVI vs KREVA - 「STRONG」（Acoustic Battle ver.）

Also known as the “Samurai Guitarist”, MIYAVI also plays using the slam playing method. As expected, he's good! He's cool.

○ Masafumi Ueno

Masafumi Ueno / "Lupin The Third theme 78" - Finger Style Guitar Solo Guitar

He is a YouTubewho has arranged Lupin III in a stylish slam playing method. He has also played other songs such as Detective Conan and YOASOBI's “Into The Night”, although not in the slam playing method. His flowing phrasing is wonderful.

○ Inoken

Inoken / Slam Playing Method

He plays with a very light touch using the slam playing method. As the video was shot from the neck of the acoustic guitar, you can clearly see the movement of his right hand. You can also clearly see how he uses his left hand to tap. You can watch it slowly to see how the slam playing method is done.

■ Acoustic Guitar Recommended for the Slam Playing Method

There are no guitars specifically designed for the slam playing method, but if possible, an electric-acoustic guitar is recommended, as the sound of hitting the body of an acoustic guitar is difficult to pick up with a microphone. The pickup should be inside the sound hole, as this makes it easier to pick up the vibrations of the body when it is hit.

Taylor Guitars / 314ce V-Class

The piezo pickup is installed behind the saddle, so it is easy to capture the sound even when you hit the side of the body. As this is a guitar made mainly for use as an electric acoustic guitar, it is also characterized by its ability to easily capture the sound of the body and produce a good sound.

Yamaha / CPX1200II VS

If you think the Taylor is a little expensive, this is a good choice: a standard Yamaha electric-acoustic guitar. The all-solid-wood body produces a good sound, with a well-balanced tone from high to low notes, and the Yamaha-like serious sound is attractive.

■ Let's Play the Acoustic Guitar in a Cool Way Using the Slam Playing Method!

If you want to play cool music, try the slam playing method. It looks great on stage, so please try incorporating it into your acoustic guitar playing.

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