Music Production Software and Songwriting

Guitarist Question Time – What is an Ebow and how do I use with a guitar?

•   EBow Frequently Asked Questions:
• Q1.Can I play long sustained notes like a violin on an Ebow.
• A1. Yes this is easy to do on an Ebow and this is why it was invented. To get the infinite sustained sound that for guitar players was previously impossible.
• Q2. Can I play chords with an Ebow.
• A2. Playing chords in the normal guitar sense is not possible with the Ebow unless you palm it. The Ebow will only sustain one string at a time. But once you have mastered the basics it is possible to play arpeggios i.e. notes from a chord played one by one. In expert hands these arpeggios can be played very rapidly.
• Q3. In what circumstance or what style of music could I use the Ebow.
• A3. The Ebow could be used for any style of music. Any music where you think long sustained notes would fit, or arpeggios cello or violin style, or guitar virtuoso solo sections – it really is quite adaptable.
• Q4. How does the Ebow work.
• A4. The Ebow works using an electronic method which excites the string. It needs steel strings on your guitar to work and although will work on an acoustic steel string it is a quiet sound. The Ebow works best on an electric guitar and also produces some of its effect from the magnetic pick ups of an electric guitar.