Molly Ayala
The EBow is a small, battery-powered device that replaces the pick in the guitarist's hand, allowing them to create unique sounds. While it is most commonly used with electric guitars, EBows can also be used with acoustic guitars and basses. The device works by creating a magnetic field that vibrates the string, producing a powerful infinite sustain that can sound similar to a cello or violin. EBows have been used by guitarists from Radiohead, Metallica, and Duran Duran to create depth and texture in their music.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of device | Hand-held electronic bow |
| Function | Replaces the pick in the right hand, allowing the guitarist to mimic strings, horns, and woodwinds |
| Power source | Battery-powered |
| Compatibility | Electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, snare drum |
| Modes | Normal and harmonic |
| Sound | Cello-like, violin-like, vocal-like, flute-like, synthesiser-like |
| Use | Creates atmospheric sounds, sustains notes, adds depth, builds tension and release |
| Notable users | Radiohead, Duran Duran, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Bongos, Andrew Gold |
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What You'll Learn
The EBow can be used on other instruments
The EBow is a hand-held electronic bow that is used on guitars, particularly electric guitars. It replaces the pick in the guitarist's right hand and allows them to mimic strings, horns, and woodwinds with great sensitivity. The EBow produces a powerful infinite sustain, rich in harmonics, and gives the guitarist greater control over attack and decay.
While the EBow is commonly used on electric guitars, it can also be used on other instruments. For example, the EBow can be used on an acoustic guitar, as well as a bass guitar. The EBow can also be used on a snare drum, as mentioned on the EBow website, although it is not clear what the result sounds like.
The EBow uses a pickup and a magnetic feedback circuit to vibrate strings without touching them. This means that it can, in theory, be used on any stringed instrument. The EBow can produce sounds similar to a cello or violin, and it is popular among metal guitarists for its ability to produce unique, haunting, and atmospheric sounds.
The EBow has been used by guitarists from bands such as Radiohead, Metallica, and Duran Duran. However, it has also been used by the Canadian-American ambient rock band Vision Eternel, who use the EBow on nearly all their songs. The EBow was also used by Richard Barone, formerly of the Bongos, who continues to use it on his solo recordings and production work.
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The EBow has two modes
The EBow is a hand-held electronic bow for guitars. It is a small battery-powered unit that replaces the pick in the guitarist's right hand, allowing them to mimic strings, horns, and woodwinds. The EBow produces a powerful infinite sustain, rich in harmonics, creating incredible guitar sounds. The EBow has been used on many iconic records, including by Radiohead, Blue Öyster Cult, and U2.
The EBow uses a pickup and a magnetic feedback circuit to vibrate strings without touching them. This gives the guitarist greater control over attack and decay. The EBow can only play one string at a time but can be moved across the strings to play arpeggios.
The EBow boosts the signal from the guitar, so it is recommended to turn down the volume and treble before using it. It takes time to get used to the unit’s idiosyncrasies, but it can bring a track to life. One trick is to lift the bow off the strings and quickly lower it to the optimum point for note projection, adding a swell articulation to the note.
The EBow is dynamic, and its harmonic content can be changed by moving to different positions along the length of the string.
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The EBow is dynamic
The EBow is used by guitarists from a wide range of genres, including Radiohead, Duran Duran, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Foo Fighters, and Bongos. It is particularly popular among metal guitarists as it allows for haunting and atmospheric sounds that can add depth to any riff or solo.
The EBow is versatile and can be used in various ways to create different effects. It can be used in combination with effects pedals, for example, delay and reverb can add an ethereal quality to sustained notes, while modulation effects like chorus can create a lush, swirling soundscape. For metal guitarists, combining the EBow with distortion can produce awesome vocal-like tones.
The EBow can also be used to create atmospheric squeals and buzzes by allowing the string to vibrate against its underside. Additionally, it can be used to slide between notes, creating a wide range of sounds. The EBow can be used on both electric and acoustic guitars, as well as other instruments such as the bass and snare drum.
The EBow is a fantastic tool for any guitarist looking to expand their sound and explore new creative possibilities. It is a unique and dynamic device that can bring a track to life with its infinite sustain and expressive capabilities.
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The EBow is tricky to use quietly
The EBow is a small, hand-held electronic bow that can be used to play the guitar. It replaces the pick in the guitarist's right hand, allowing them to mimic strings, horns, and woodwinds with extreme sensitivity. The EBow can produce a powerful infinite sustain, rich in harmonics, creating incredible guitar sounds.
While the EBow offers great creative possibilities, it is tricky to use quietly. The EBow boosts both the volume and treble of the guitar, so it is recommended to turn down the guitar amp and the tone on the guitar itself before using the EBow. Even with these adjustments, it is challenging to keep the noise level down while using the EBow. The device is designed to be used by lightly sweeping it across the strings, which can be difficult to do quietly.
Additionally, the EBow can sometimes produce unexpected octave harmonics, especially in the 'normal' setting. This can result in second harmonic feedback on a humbucking electric guitar connected to a loud amp. To avoid this issue, it is important to turn down the volume and treble on the guitar.
The EBow also has a 'harmonic' mode, which can be used to create sounds similar to a cello or violin. However, even in this mode, the volume can suddenly increase dramatically if the EBow is moved too close to the active pickup. This can be challenging when trying to play quietly or maintain a consistent volume level.
Overall, while the EBow offers a wide range of creative possibilities for guitarists, it can be tricky to use quietly due to its impact on volume and treble, as well as the technique required to sweep it across the strings without increasing the noise level.
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The EBow can be used in combination with effects pedals
The EBow is a small, battery-powered device that replaces the pick in the guitarist's right hand. It uses a pickup and a magnetic feedback circuit to vibrate the strings of an electric guitar without touching them. This allows guitarists to mimic strings, horns, and woodwinds with great sensitivity.
The EBow can also be used in the middle of a song to add contrast. For example, imagine playing a heavy riff and then switching to an EBow to create a haunting melody over the top. It's all about finding the right balance. The band Pelican, known for their instrumental metal compositions, uses the EBow to create layers of sound that build tension and release.
Additionally, the EBow can be used to create atmospheric squeals and buzzes by allowing the string to vibrate against its underside. On its own, the sound from the EBow can be a bit sterile, but it comes alive when treated with a bit of reverb and/or delay. The EBow is a fantastic addition to any guitarist's toolkit, offering endless possibilities for creativity and expression.
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Frequently asked questions
EBow stands for Electronic Bow. It is a small, battery-powered device that uses a pickup and a magnetic feedback circuit to vibrate guitar strings without touching them.
No, EBows can be used on acoustic guitars and basses as well.
The EBow is designed to be held between your thumb and index finger, much like a small pick. It works by creating a magnetic field that vibrates the string, so you need to hold it close to the string you want to play.
