The shimmering, cascading sound of a guitar being played like a piano is a distinct signature of the 1980s studio scene, and few musicians owned that sound as completely as Steve Lynch. As the guitarist for the rock band Autograph and a renowned session player, Lynch developed a "two-handed" tapping technique that was less about gymnastics and more about melodic architecture.
Lynch’s style, famously showcased on the hit "Turn Up the Radio," involves "hammer-ons" from nowhere. He uses his right hand to tap notes on the fretboard while his left hand holds down shapes, allowing him to play chords, bass lines, and melodies simultaneously. It transforms the guitar from a stringed instrument into a percussion instrument with the range of a keyboard.
Video Lessons: For direct visual instruction of the techniques in the book, there are clips from his original The Two-Handed Guitarist instructional video available on YouTube. Steve Lynch - The Two Handed Guitarist steve lynch two handed guitarist pdf link download
Mentorship and Clarity: High-profile industry veterans like Grammy-winning producer John Shanks describe Lynch as a patient and kind mentor who takes the time to explain the intricate details behind his virtuosic "feel and touch".
The Evolution and Legacy of Steve Lynch: Mastering the 8-Finger Technique The shimmering, cascading sound of a guitar being
While physical copies are rare, you can find digital versions and reviews through these community-shared resources: Instructional Reviews Shredaholic provides a deep dive into the specific chapters of The Right Touch
Lynch’s journey began on the bass in 1967, but the death of Jimi Hendrix in 1970 inspired him to master the guitar. His signature style was born in April 1978 after witnessing a clinic by Emmett Chapman, inventor of the Chapman Stick. Awestruck by Chapman's ability to create piano-like textures on a fretboard, Lynch spent years adapting those concepts—arpeggios, triads, and scales—to the standard electric guitar. Groundbreaking Instructional Resources He uses his right hand to tap notes
While I couldn't provide a direct PDF link for download, there are several resources where you can learn more about Steve Lynch's techniques: