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→Location on the String
== Location on the String ==
Exactly where on the string you pick the string has a huge impact on the resulting tone. Picking closer to the center of the resonant portion of the string (halfway between the fret being held and the bridge) will give a strong balance of fundamental and overtones, resulting a square wave type tone from the resonant string. (That's like an "oooooooo"). In contrast, picking closer to the bridge will give a more nasal, bright tone, similar to a sitar.
The natural location for you to pick is between the pickups or over the neck pickup. This means for riffs or chords where the fretted notes are lower on the fretboard (towards the nut), the tone will be the bright, somewhat nasal tone we are familiar with. As you move towards 12th to 15th position, your picking location will naturally be at the center of the resonant strings, getting that singing lead tone.
But don't rely on changing positions to dial in that tone. Move your right hand around to try some new tones out. For an extra smooth lead, make sure you are picking exactly in the center of the resonant portion of the string; move back towards the bridge for a more aggressive tone.
== Dynamics and Fret Buzz ==