The Trail Off
There is another effect called a trail off which is the reverse of the slide. A trail-off is achieved by playing a note and then sliding away to an indefinite pitch. This technique is used on many instruments and is sometimes called a fall-off or a glissando. A trail-off is indicated by a wavy line moving down from the note to which it applies, as shown in the following example.
Here is a simple 12 bar Blues in the key of G demonstrating both slides and trail offs. Practice it slowly with a metronome until you can play the whole thing without losing your timing when sliding between notes, then play it along with the recording.
Here are some more riffs featuring slides and trail-offs. The harp has been omitted from the recording on the repeats so you can practice these techniques with the band. Once you have control of them, try adding these techniques to other riffs and melodies.
This one makes use of both slides and trail-offs.
The following Blues solo makes use of most of the rhythms and techniques you have learnt so far. Once you are confident using syncopated rhythms and techniques like slides and trail-offs, your playing will sound more expressive. As with all techniques, these things are most effective when used sparingly.
