While still holding a note, pushing the string or strings vertically thus raising the note. The second number corresponds to the equivalent fret which would make the same note as the bend.

The same as a bend but the note is then put back to its normal position without moving on to another fret.

Where the strings connection to the body of the guitar.

Playing a string (usually the open 6th) and immediately pressing down on the whammy bar to make the pitch dive. Works well with natural harmonics too.

A floating bridge design which allows the player to push the whammy bar to the body of the guitar without breaking anything. This can sometimes leave the strings completely loose on the fretboard until the bar is released to its normal position.

Punching a string against the fretboard with a finger to make it ring. Can be performed with or without being picked first.

A combination of the two techniques to make a very quick sequence of notes.

A pickup configuration. Stands for Humbucker Single Single.

A pickup with two sets of coils which is designed to subtract noise from the signal. The combined inputs make more of a 'twang' than the single's 'ping'.

Performed by gently resting the palm on the strings in front of the bridge and playing the strings. Produces more of a thud than a tone.

Strumming while the other hand is lightly placed on the strings to stop them ringing properly.

Gently placing a finger over the fret of the number in the brackets and playing the string will make a different sound to fretting it normally. This is because of science.

Releasing a fretted string with a flicking motion to make it ring.

Pressing and slide the plectrum up or down the fretboard on one or more strings.

Playing the note with the string already bent and returning to the normal position without releasing.

Moving a finger or set of fingers up or down the fretboard while still pressing on the strings. Some slides are said to be to infinity which means off the fretboard.

e B G D A E - smallest to fattest string. Here's a good mnemonic: 'Every Bible Gets Dusty After Easter'

A device which channels the output through a tube into the player's mouth where he or she can make the guitar talk using the lips, mouth and throat.

The rapid and repeated change of a note's tone using the whammy bar or with the fingers.

A master of a particular instrument. Eddie van Halen, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani are all considered to be virtuoso guitarists.

A metal bar which is screwed into the bridge allowing the player to raise and lower notes played on all of the strings.