Guitar Dictionary | A-Z
- Octave
An interval of 12 semitones.
Full Article on: intervals
- Octave Pedal
A foot operated guitar effect that combines what you are playing with a note an octave higher.
- Open String
A string that is played without being fretted.
- Open String Chord
A chord that consists of open strings and may or may not include fretted notes.
- Optional Note
A note that does not have to be played. Usually refers to notes that are sometimes improvised by a musician.
- Ottava
An instruction in written music to play a note, or series of notes, an octave higher than what is written on the staff. Represented by the symbol 8va.
Synonymous With: 8va
Full Article on: symbol dictionary
- Outside Picking
Where alternate picking is used on two strings, the lower of the two being picked with downstrokes and the higher string being picked with upstrokes.
See Also: Inside Picking
Full Article on: exercises - alternate picking
- Over-Bend
A bend that is wider than a full bend.
- Overdrive
Achieved by a gain setting that is deliberately too high. A signal overload is produced and enhances or creates distortion. Overdrive can be produced by greatly increasing volume, even in a clean channel.
- Overdub
To record a section of music that overlaps a pre-recorded piece of music.