AIR MUSICIANSHIP

So you want to be the next Hendrix or Van Halen, but you haven’t the time or the patients to actually learn the ins and outs of an instrument? Then you may want to quickly read through…

THE FARRALL GUIDE TO AIR MUSICIANSHIP

 

It might just be what you’re looking for!

 

The art of the playing and manipulating an Air Instrument is a sure fire way of bring you than one step close to become the rock legend you always dreamt of being. Through the unlimited power of imagination, you’ll be shredding solos and chugging out riffs in no time. Here’s an example of just how cool you could be:

 

(Notice his intriguing use of the finger tapping technique and sign of the devil. He’s REALLY metal!)

 

Step 1 – Knowing your instrument.

 

There’s an endless variety of instruments that you can play depending on your preferred style. The obvious choice is of course the Air Guitar (which we will be primarily focusing on throughout this guide), yet you may wish to mix things up. Ever thought about becoming an Air Drummer? An Air Saxophonist? Perhaps even an Air Violinist!? The possibilities are indeed endless, but you’ll ultimately wish to choose an instrument that suits you best.

 

For this guide, we’ll use the Air Guitar. An Air Guitar is basically the same as your run-of-the-mill regular guitar, it’s just invisible. You hold it and play it in exactly the same way you would a physical guitar, using your left hand for manipulating the frets while your right hand either strums (using your air plectrum) or finger picks. This, of course, is reversed for left handed players. It can be played either sitting down resting on your knee, or standing up using an Air Guitar Strap.

 

Step 2 – Song choice, making the right decisions.

 

You overall performance will be determined by your choice of song. The Air Guitar can usually be used to its fullest potential through the rock/metal genres; however it can be used in whichever context you desire, you just won’t look as cool. Songs laden in lead guitar and solos usually proved popular with many professionals and experts. To get you going I have picked out a song which I feel meets the criteria for a perfect Air Guitar song. Clicky

 

Step 3 – Posing, Posture and Showboating.

 

For this section, I refer you back to the first video I posted. This man has it down to a T. Power stance, headbanging, the sign of the devil and stuck out tongues are all classic examples of posing, posture and showboating. The song he performs to compliments these techniques perfectly and is to be noted. For example: Playing to a Simon and Garfunkel song isn’t particularly going to allow you to utilize your PPS techniques to their fullest. Your face is also a crucial tool in conveying emotions associated with rocking out. Screw it up, raise your eyebrows, stick your tongue out, pout… Be creative, it’ll all come together and work out for the best.

 

Step 4 – Practice and Experimenting.

 

Just like playing a physical instrument, practice makes perfect. However with Air Guitar, the practice time is considerably less. Whenever you hear a song and you know a ripping solo is approaching, get the Air Guitar out and shred to your heart’s content. You’ll find the Air Guitar has a contagious effect on those around you, and may result in a spontaneous Air Band being formed. Playing with others will help to increase your understanding of the techniques we have discussed here and you may wish to experiment with new techniques and instruments. It’s perfectly natural to want to progress and experiment with bizarre songs and crazy arrangements. These will only help propel you to that of an Air Guitar champion.