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→Synth
== Synth ==
A common way to embellish a synth sound is to pitch shift upwards, into the note. This can be simulated with [[Bending|bending]], but often bending is too slow and limited in pitch to mimic some of the more noticeable synth effects. So instead we use the whammy bar, depressing it before plucking the desired note, then quickly releasing it afterward/during. With the strings slacked by depressing the bar, it's often unnecessary to pick the string at all - a hammer-on works just as well, freeing your right hand to focus exclusively on timing the bar.
== Flutter ==
On a floating bridge, one performs a flutter by quickly hitting/pushing the bar and sliding off of it, causing the bridge to snap back towards its resting position. Because the floating bridge relies purely on counter-balancing tensions to find its resting point, the momentum of the snap-back carries it past neutral position, where it then changes directions. It ''flutters'' around the neutral point before returning to rest. It's basically like a super-fast, diminishing vibrato.
To get a feel for the technique, position the bar so it is pointing towards the nut. Push the bar down with your ring and pinky fingers from your picking hand to lower the pitch of all the strings but don't wrap your fingers around and grip the bar. Now move your entire right hand towards the nut while maintainting pressure against the bar - your fingers will start to slide towards the end of the bar. Keep moving your hand, allowing your fingers to slide off the tip of the bar. With nothing to maintain pressure, the bar pops back towards neutral, but flutters before getting there.
One can perform a flutter by using the bar initially in either direction. In other words, you can point the bar towards the back strap pin or the opposite direction of the nut. Now if you push on the bar, it will raise the pitch of the strings. But if you slide-off and let it snap back to neutral, it will still flutter the same as when done the opposite direction.
Most flutters are done while the note is sustaining, almost like a secondary accent. For example, if the same note is played consecutively on the 1 and 2 beat of a measure, the performer may pluck the first beat then use a flutter on the 2nd beat.
== Fast Bends/Wobbles ==