How to Play a Round Neck Resonator Guitar

Round neck resonator guitars offer a unique sound that can add a distinct flavor to your playing. These guitars, often associated with blues, bluegrass, and country, have a signature metallic tone produced by a resonator cone instead of the traditional wooden soundboard. Whether you're diving into slide guitar or just want to explore a different sound, the round neck resonator can be an exciting addition to your musical journey. Let's break down how you can get started with playing this captivating instrument.

Why Choose a Round Neck Resonator?

The decision to pick up a round neck resonator often stems from its unique tonal qualities. Unlike regular acoustic guitars, resonators have a metal cone (or sometimes cones) inside the body, which amplifies the sound in a way that regular guitars simply can't. This characteristic gives the resonator its bright, punchy sound that's perfect for cutting through in a band setting or adding a vintage flair to your solo performances.

Moreover, the round neck design is similar to that of a standard acoustic guitar, making it accessible for those familiar with regular guitar playing. You can use it for fingerstyle, strumming, or slide guitar, offering versatility in different playing styles. The resonator's sound is often described as "twangy" or "metallic," which can be quite appealing if you’re aiming for a retro or rootsy vibe in your music.

Picking the Right Resonator Guitar

When choosing a resonator, consider your budget, the type of music you want to play, and the sound you're aiming for. Resonators can range from affordable models to high-end instruments. Brands like Gretsch and Dobro offer a variety of options to suit different needs and price ranges.

• Budget: If you're a beginner, there are plenty of affordable options that still deliver a quality sound. Investing in a mid-range model might be wise if you're serious about integrating the resonator into your regular playing.
• Sound Preference: Some resonators have a single cone, while others have a tricone setup. Each design offers a different tonal quality, so it's worth trying a few to see which resonates with you.
• Style: The round neck design is great for both traditional and slide playing, making it a versatile choice if you want to experiment with various techniques.

Setting Up Your Resonator for Success

Before you start playing, it’s crucial to set up your resonator guitar properly. Unlike electric or standard acoustic guitars, resonators have their own quirks that need attention.

Get the Right Strings

Resonator guitars often require heavier gauge strings to enhance their tonal characteristics and sustain. Consider using phosphor bronze strings if you’re looking for a warm, rich sound, or nickel strings for a brighter tone. The choice of strings can significantly affect how your resonator sounds and feels.

Tuning Considerations

While you can tune your resonator to standard tuning (EADGBE), many players prefer open tunings like open G (DGDGBD) or open D (DADF#AD), especially when playing slide guitar. These tunings allow for more chordal possibilities and make it easier to play with a slide.

Basic Techniques for Resonator Guitar

Getting started with a resonator guitar might feel a bit different due to its unique construction and sound. Here are some foundational techniques to help you settle into playing comfortably.

Fingerstyle and Strumming

The resonator's bright sound makes fingerstyle playing particularly rewarding. Focus on developing a steady thumb rhythm while incorporating melodic lines with your fingers. If strumming is more your style, experiment with different picks to find a sound that suits your taste—lighter picks for a more jangly sound and heavier picks for a bold, assertive tone.

Slide Guitar Basics

Slide guitar and resonators are a match made in heaven. For slide playing, you’ll need a slide, typically made of glass, metal, or ceramic. Each material offers a different tonal quality. Start by practicing simple melodies, focusing on smooth transitions between notes.

Keep the slide parallel to the frets to ensure clear intonation and practice muting unused strings with your picking hand to reduce unwanted noise. A little bit of practice can make your slide playing sound clean and professional.

The Art of Slide Guitar on a Resonator

Slide guitar is virtually synonymous with the resonator, and mastering it can open up a whole new world of sound. But how do you get that smooth, soulful sound that slide guitar is known for?

Choosing the Right Slide

The type of slide you choose can significantly impact your sound. Metal slides are great for a bright, sharp tone, while glass slides tend to offer a warmer, smoother sound. Ceramic slides provide a balance between the two.

• Metal Slide: Offers a punchy, cutting tone. Ideal for players who want a more aggressive sound.
• Glass Slide: Provides a smoother, warmer tone, making it a favorite for blues players.
• Ceramic Slide: Gives a balanced sound with a bit of the brightness of metal and the warmth of glass.

Slide Techniques

Once you’ve chosen your slide, it’s time to dive into the techniques. Start with scales and simple melodies, focusing on maintaining clean and even slide movement. Practice moving the slide parallel to the strings and use minimal pressure to avoid unwanted fret noise. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you play, the more natural it will feel.

Open Tunings for Slide

Open tunings are a favorite for slide guitarists because they allow you to play full chords with a single slide across the strings. Open G and open D are particularly popular, but feel free to experiment with others to find what works best for you.

Incorporating Resonator into Your Style

While resonators are often associated with blues and country music, they can easily fit into other genres, adding a unique texture to your playing.

Experimenting with Genres

Don't be afraid to bring the resonator into unexpected musical contexts. Whether it's rock, jazz, or even metal, the distinctive sound of a resonator can bring a fresh dimension to your music. You might find that a resonator fits perfectly into a specific song or section, even if the rest of your music leans on electric guitars or other instruments.

Combining with Other Instruments

One of the joys of the resonator is how well it blends with other instruments. Whether you're playing with a band or just jamming with friends, the resonator can add a vibrant, lively element to the mix. Try playing alongside a banjo or harmonica for a rootsy sound, or pair it with an electric guitar for a contrasting tonal palette.

Maintaining Your Resonator

Like any musical instrument, your resonator guitar will require some care to keep it in top shape. Given its unique construction, there are a few specific areas to pay attention to.

Regular Cleaning

Dust and grime can affect the sound and playability of your resonator. Regularly wipe down the body and strings with a soft cloth to keep it clean. For the metal parts, like the resonator cone and coverplate, use a gentle cleaner to maintain their shine and prevent corrosion.

Resonator Maintenance

The resonator cone is the heart of your guitar's sound, so it's important to keep it in good condition. Over time, the cone can become loose or misaligned, which can affect the sound. If you notice a change in tone or volume, it might be time to check the cone's position or consult a professional for adjustments.

Using Riffhard for Resonator Techniques

While primarily known for modern metal guitar instruction, Riffhard offers a wealth of resources that can be applied to resonator playing as well. The focus on rhythm and picking techniques can enhance your resonator skills, even if the primary focus is on electric guitar.

Lessons on picking precision and rhythmic control can translate beautifully to resonator playing, offering you additional tools to refine your sound. With instructors like Zakk Wylde and Dan Sugarman, you're learning from some of the best in the business, which can elevate your playing across the board.

Advanced Resonator Techniques

Once you've got the basics down, it's time to explore more advanced techniques to take your resonator playing to the next level.

Advanced Slide Techniques

Combine slide playing with fingerpicking to create intricate patterns and textures. Practice alternating between using the slide and your fingers, and experiment with different rhythmic patterns to add complexity to your playing. The resonator's unique sound can make these advanced techniques especially rewarding.

Incorporating Harmonics

Harmonics can add an ethereal quality to your playing. Practice natural harmonics at the 12th, 7th, and 5th frets, and experiment with incorporating them into your melodies. Artificial harmonics, while more challenging, can also be used to create intriguing sonic textures.

Improvisation on a Resonator

Improvisation is a fantastic way to express yourself on the resonator. The instrument's distinctive sound lends itself well to impromptu jams and solos.

Using Scales and Modes

Familiarize yourself with scales and modes that suit the resonator's tonal characteristics. The blues scale, pentatonic scale, and major and minor scales are all excellent starting points for improvisation. Practice these scales in different keys and positions to build your musical vocabulary.

Embracing Mistakes

Improvisation is about exploration and expression, so don't be afraid to make mistakes. Often, the "wrong" note can lead to new ideas and unique sounds. Use these moments as opportunities to push your boundaries and discover new possibilities on the resonator.

Riffhard's Role in Improvisation

Although Riffhard is focused on metal guitar, the lessons on phrasing, rhythm, and dynamics can be invaluable for improvisation on any instrument. Understanding these elements can enhance your ability to create compelling improvisations on the resonator.

Recording with a Resonator

Capturing the unique sound of a resonator guitar in a recording can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you get the best results.

Microphone Placement

Proper microphone placement is crucial to capturing the resonator's sound accurately. Start by placing a microphone about 6-12 inches from the resonator cone, slightly off-axis to avoid any harshness. Experiment with different positions to find the sweet spot that best captures the instrument's tone.

Using Effects

While the resonator's natural sound is captivating on its own, don't be afraid to experiment with effects. Reverb can add depth and space, while a touch of delay can create interesting textures. Be mindful not to overuse effects, as the resonator's unique sound should remain the focal point of your recording.

Final Thoughts

Playing a round neck resonator guitar is an exciting journey filled with unique sounds and techniques. From mastering slide guitar to incorporating it into various genres, the resonator offers endless possibilities for creativity. At Riffhard, we provide resources that can help you refine your skills, even if our primary focus is on metal guitar. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, the resonator can add a rich, distinctive voice to your musical repertoire.