Sustain (from the English sustain - to support, delay, continue) - the duration of the oscillation of the sound wave, the third of the four phases of sound formation (attack, decay, sustain, extinction). Sustain has a significant impact on the formation of the timbre of the instrument. Although this phenomenon is inherent in almost all instruments, guitarists pay special attention to it.
It is necessary
- - guitar;
- - amplifier;
- - effect processors.
Instructions
Step 1
Sustain appears when an oscillating body (a string, for example) does not stop moving immediately, but vibrates for a few seconds or longer. For example, if you put a towel on the strings and tug at them, the sound will go out almost immediately. If there is almost no delay in the sound, check the distance between the strings and other elements of the guitar. The sounding body should not come into contact with anything
Step 2
This is especially true for electric guitars equipped with magnetic elements, i.e. sounds. Coming into contact with their field, the string loses momentum and quickly stops. Therefore, lower them lower to increase the sustain. The strings can be lifted, but do not overuse: too high a position will complicate the game, you will have to apply too much force.
Step 3
The extra sustain gives the string support, that is, the saddles and bridge. The softer these elements are, the shorter the sound is. Pay attention to what material they are made of. Consider replacing with harder products if necessary.
Step 4
Tremolo systems also affect the duration of the sound. Most of them reduce the sustain (in particular, Floyde Rose and Tune-o-matic). Fender provides a fairly long sustain, but playing without tremolo is ideal.
Step 5
The duration of the sound also depends on the material of the body, that is, the type of wood. For example, hard mahogany, due to its high density, absorbs the minimum amount of string vibration. As a result, the sustain is increased.
