Wes Style plectrum based octaves

[NSJ]

So, fluency with Wes style plectrum based octaves--

1. essentially playing a dyad/power chord but dampening the middle note ?
2. Using 1-3 and 1-4 fingerings on the left hand? 1-3 for strings 6-4 and 5-3, fingers 1-4 with strings 4-2 and 3-1.
3--good idea to learn to play scales and arpeggios using the above?
4. Key is to be able to move up and down fingerboard using above fingerings in a fluid and fast manner?

Anything I missed? Thanks.

[fep]

So, fluency with Wes style plectrum based octaves--

1. essentially playing a dyad/power chord but dampening the middle note ?
2. Using 1-3 and 1-4 fingerings on the left hand? 1-3 for strings 6-4 and 5-3, fingers 1-4 with strings 4-2 and 3-1.
3--good idea to learn to play scales and arpeggios using the above?
4. Key is to be able to move up and down fingerboard using above fingerings in a fluid and fast manner?

Anything I missed? Thanks.

He also mutes the strings below the lowest note of the octave and above the highest note of the octave allowing him to 'strum' four, five or six strings at a time while only sounding the octave notes. I think that is part of the Wes octave sound.

Also, his right hand technique. I suppose that could be broken down also.

Yes scales and arpeggios and licks to practice this.

Here's some great octave playing from 4:00 and onward.

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[JakeAcci]

I think it's great to try to play heads with octaves. If you like Wes' style, also analyzing and playing some of the lines he played with octaves. Some of those rhythms are pretty cool.

[pierre richard]

it's worth putting some time and effort into this great players style...

I usually do 1/2 hour at a time with the octaves...tunes (heads)...scales and runs..arpeggios and so on...using the thumb not a pick...

I have two of his books and the lines on his improvisations are food for thought man..do look into it...

time on the instrument...pierre

[AleikhBaba]

I've experimented with using a pick-strum or thumb technique as well as fingerpicking the octaves (thumb + index or pick + middle finger). The last method is easier for me, but doesn't give that sound of the pick or thumb raking across the muted strings, which is real cool when you listen to Wes or Bireli Lagrene (he does it with a pick).

[Larry Feldman]

I love that octave sound. Pick or fingers it all sounds good, but I usually prefer using my thumb or index and thumb.