How do you know if you should use finger picks or thumb picks?
Many fingerstyle guitar players use them, and many don't. As I was learning to play and started to play the acoustic guitar into a microphone, it became more of a necessity if I was going to control the volume and tone. Like other beginning guitarists, I started out using bare fingers which were fine for playing at home, but when I needed more volume and balance it just didn't work. Next came just the thumb pick, and that made bass notes that overpowered the treble strings. After several attempts I decided one pick on my thumb and one pick on my index and middle finger was the solution.
Can't I just grow my nails longer?
A lot of people do that, but I really hate having long fingernails. For some really cool videos and advice, I'd recommend you visit http://www.jamestaylor.com/guitarlessons/ to see what James goes through to play with bare fingers. One of my guitar students recommended the site which is not only interesting but very well made. Check it out! (I love the camera they have inside the sound hole so you can clearly see how he picks.)
What kind of picks should I use?
Everyone's different, so my best advice would be to experiment and see what works for you. I use Zookies thumbpicks which have a 10 degree angle, and Dunlop .0225 picks for the fingers. You can watch my short instructional video here: Fingerpicking Guitar Lesson.
Be patient when using the picks.
I tried several times before I could get comfortable with the picks since you have no feeling with them. Once you commit to using them, use them all the time. Switching back and forth from picks to fingers will make it even more awkward and more difficult to get used to them.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Avoiding Tension and Sore Muscles
Are you supposed to be in pain when you play?
I get that question a lot, and while your fingers may get sore and your hands may be tired in the beginning, being in pain usually has to do with a mechanical problem. Let's look at some of the reasons you could be experiencing unnecessary pain or soreness.
Where do you practice, and where is your music?
I've had students tell me they practice in a recliner, sitting on the edge of the bed, or on a nice, comfy couch. So where do you put the music? "On the floor, on the coffee table, or on the side of the bed." A basic music stand costs about $15, go get one now! Set it up where there's plenty of light, get yourself a nice chair with no arms, and practice in a room where there are no distractions. One banjo student even told me he practiced with the radio on the background, tuned to a station that had nothing to do with banjos or bluegrass music.
Relax your picking hand.
Beginning guitar students tend to hold the pick tightly so they don't drop it. You need to hold it tight enough so that it doesn't wriggle around, but no so it feels like you're making a fist or squeezing it. A medium gauge pick is probably a good choice, but picks are cheap, buy some different thicknesses, sizes and shapes. I use Jim Dunlop nylon picks with little bumps on them to keep them from spinning around or feeling slick. This is really important if you play outside in hot, humid conditions.
The fretting hand can relax as well.
When you first start learning you do have to hold the strings down using a lot of pressure, but as your fingers toughen up you don't have to push so hard. My students tell me it doesn't look like I'm pushing that hard and that's because I'm not. Yes, there are certain chords and fingerings that require more pressure, but it's not as bad as you think.
Sit up straight and hold the guitar correctly.
Again, this eases tension and makes it less difficult to get nice, clear notes and chords. If you're not sure how to sit, there are pictures and descriptions in almost any guitar instruction book or on the internet. Have your guitar teacher help you sit and hold the guitar correctly, you'll be amazed at what a difference it makes.
I get that question a lot, and while your fingers may get sore and your hands may be tired in the beginning, being in pain usually has to do with a mechanical problem. Let's look at some of the reasons you could be experiencing unnecessary pain or soreness.
Where do you practice, and where is your music?
I've had students tell me they practice in a recliner, sitting on the edge of the bed, or on a nice, comfy couch. So where do you put the music? "On the floor, on the coffee table, or on the side of the bed." A basic music stand costs about $15, go get one now! Set it up where there's plenty of light, get yourself a nice chair with no arms, and practice in a room where there are no distractions. One banjo student even told me he practiced with the radio on the background, tuned to a station that had nothing to do with banjos or bluegrass music.
Relax your picking hand.
Beginning guitar students tend to hold the pick tightly so they don't drop it. You need to hold it tight enough so that it doesn't wriggle around, but no so it feels like you're making a fist or squeezing it. A medium gauge pick is probably a good choice, but picks are cheap, buy some different thicknesses, sizes and shapes. I use Jim Dunlop nylon picks with little bumps on them to keep them from spinning around or feeling slick. This is really important if you play outside in hot, humid conditions.
The fretting hand can relax as well.
When you first start learning you do have to hold the strings down using a lot of pressure, but as your fingers toughen up you don't have to push so hard. My students tell me it doesn't look like I'm pushing that hard and that's because I'm not. Yes, there are certain chords and fingerings that require more pressure, but it's not as bad as you think.
Sit up straight and hold the guitar correctly.
Again, this eases tension and makes it less difficult to get nice, clear notes and chords. If you're not sure how to sit, there are pictures and descriptions in almost any guitar instruction book or on the internet. Have your guitar teacher help you sit and hold the guitar correctly, you'll be amazed at what a difference it makes.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Make a To Do List, Set Some Goals and Focus
How to start making progress again.
It happens to the best of us. We're learning songs, working on technique, feel like we're getting somewhere, and then we hit the proverbial brick wall! We seem to be getting worse instead of better, our motivation's taken a serious hit, and we're starting to wonder if this is as good as we'll ever be able to play. I see and hear this from my students all the time, and experience it myself too.
First things first, take a break.
It sounds wrong, but sometimes the best thing you can do is walk away. Take a few days or even a week or so and just do something else. My feeling is that we still practice in our subconscious mind, and taking a break is the same as going on vacation and not thinking about work. I've quit playing and working on a song and actually been able to play it better after leaving it alone for a while.
Make a to do list.
Record yourself, listen to how you sound, and make a to do list of things to work on. We're all our own worst critics, so be critical and write out exactly what was good and what needed improvement.
Set some goals for yourself.
After you've listened and critiqued yourself, set a deadline. Decide you'll master what you're working on, and hold yourself accountable. Be realistic and reasonable, but be hard on yourself as well. With a specific time frame in mind, your motivation will definitely improve.
Focus.
Now that you have the to do list and goals in place, work on being in focus. It's way too easy to get distracted, let your mind wander, and play things that are easier and more comfortable. Set a timer and use that as a way to give the song your undivided attention. Work on difficult passages, smooth out the rough parts, and again, record yourself. It's hard to hear progress from day to day, so a recording is a good way to judge where you are and where you still need to be.
It happens to the best of us. We're learning songs, working on technique, feel like we're getting somewhere, and then we hit the proverbial brick wall! We seem to be getting worse instead of better, our motivation's taken a serious hit, and we're starting to wonder if this is as good as we'll ever be able to play. I see and hear this from my students all the time, and experience it myself too.
First things first, take a break.
It sounds wrong, but sometimes the best thing you can do is walk away. Take a few days or even a week or so and just do something else. My feeling is that we still practice in our subconscious mind, and taking a break is the same as going on vacation and not thinking about work. I've quit playing and working on a song and actually been able to play it better after leaving it alone for a while.
Make a to do list.
Record yourself, listen to how you sound, and make a to do list of things to work on. We're all our own worst critics, so be critical and write out exactly what was good and what needed improvement.
Set some goals for yourself.
After you've listened and critiqued yourself, set a deadline. Decide you'll master what you're working on, and hold yourself accountable. Be realistic and reasonable, but be hard on yourself as well. With a specific time frame in mind, your motivation will definitely improve.
Focus.
Now that you have the to do list and goals in place, work on being in focus. It's way too easy to get distracted, let your mind wander, and play things that are easier and more comfortable. Set a timer and use that as a way to give the song your undivided attention. Work on difficult passages, smooth out the rough parts, and again, record yourself. It's hard to hear progress from day to day, so a recording is a good way to judge where you are and where you still need to be.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Making Time to Practice
How Long Should You Practice, and How do You Find Time?
Beginning students, especially adults, seem to have a lot of trouble finding time to practice. The list of excuses is very long, and I believe I've heard almost all of them by now. Here are some tips to getting yourself into a practice routine.
Beginning students, especially adults, seem to have a lot of trouble finding time to practice. The list of excuses is very long, and I believe I've heard almost all of them by now. Here are some tips to getting yourself into a practice routine.
- Make the time. Yes, that's right, make the time. Like any other skill, playing guitar takes time, concentration, and commitment. A set time of the day is best, so schedule it like any other important appointment.
- You're too busy, really? I hear that more and more. Here's a hint: turn off the TV, close Facebook, put the computer to sleep and pick up your guitar. Just like exercise, practicing guitar will become a habit if you do it at a set time each day.
- Any time spent practicing is better than none. We all need to practice more, me included. The question I get from parents all the time is "how much time should he/she be practicing?" The general answer is 15 minutes or more, the practical answer is as much as possible. You don't have to spend hours, but playing every day is a lot better than 3 hours one day and then none the rest of the week.
- Find a comfortable space to practice in. If at all possible, find a place where you can practice that's quiet, away from any distractions, and preferably set up as a guitar practice space. Having your guitar on a stand is a good idea, since it's harder to ignore it when it's right there in front of you. Invest in a decent music stand so you don't have to waste valuable time locating your music, finding a place to put it, and then finally getting started on your daily practice.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Strength and Independence, Part 2
Playing guitar well involves building strength and independence in both hands.
The previous post suggested a left hand pattern to work on, now it's time to get the right hand moving as well. Once you can do the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th fret exercise, you can start to build technique with your right hand as well.
Alternate picking and timing exercises.
Play the left hand exercises as before, but now play two of each note using alternate picking. Pick down on the first note and up on the second. While doing that, count 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and. You should tap your foot and it should follow the same pattern as your picking hand, down on the number and up on and. Practice slowly, with a metronome, and once you're able to play the exercise flawlessly, add a few beats per minute. Beginning guitar players need to be patient, not rush, and build muscle memory.
A new exercise for the fretting hand.
Still using the position playing concept of one finger per fret, now play 2nd fret, 2nd finger, 3rd fret, 3rd finger, 4th fret, 4th finger and 1st fret, 1st finger. Go slow until your fingers land on the right frets, then add the metronome and the down and up picking.
Commit yourself to doing these exercises when you start your daily practice and you'll be surprised at how much easier it gets.
The previous post suggested a left hand pattern to work on, now it's time to get the right hand moving as well. Once you can do the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th fret exercise, you can start to build technique with your right hand as well.
Alternate picking and timing exercises.
Play the left hand exercises as before, but now play two of each note using alternate picking. Pick down on the first note and up on the second. While doing that, count 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and. You should tap your foot and it should follow the same pattern as your picking hand, down on the number and up on and. Practice slowly, with a metronome, and once you're able to play the exercise flawlessly, add a few beats per minute. Beginning guitar players need to be patient, not rush, and build muscle memory.
A new exercise for the fretting hand.
Still using the position playing concept of one finger per fret, now play 2nd fret, 2nd finger, 3rd fret, 3rd finger, 4th fret, 4th finger and 1st fret, 1st finger. Go slow until your fingers land on the right frets, then add the metronome and the down and up picking.
Commit yourself to doing these exercises when you start your daily practice and you'll be surprised at how much easier it gets.
Monday, July 9, 2012
What is Position Playing?
Position playing for beginning guitar players.
Position playing means using one finger per fret. So if you're playing in the 5th position, your 1st finger plays the 5th fret, your 2nd finger plays the 6th fret, your 3rd finger plays the 7th fret and the 4th finger plays the 8th fret. Position playing is extremely useful when soloing so you don't have to do too much extra moving back and forth. Most guitar teachers teach positions using scale patterns which will help you figure out which position to use.
Exceptions to the rule.
There are times when it will be necessary to go out of position by 1 fret in either direction. Some of the scale patterns need to be altered so that you're still in the basic position.
How fingering relates to scales and chords.
Every chord has a corresponding scale, so when you become more advanced you'll be able to visualize the scale that goes with that particular chord. Once you become more familiar with the guitar fretboard you'll be amazed at how logical it is.
The takeaway from all of this is to be patient, play slowly so that you develop muscle memory, and get in the habit of using one finger per fret. One of the most important things my guitar teacher did was to not let me get away with using the wrong fingers!
Position playing means using one finger per fret. So if you're playing in the 5th position, your 1st finger plays the 5th fret, your 2nd finger plays the 6th fret, your 3rd finger plays the 7th fret and the 4th finger plays the 8th fret. Position playing is extremely useful when soloing so you don't have to do too much extra moving back and forth. Most guitar teachers teach positions using scale patterns which will help you figure out which position to use.
Exceptions to the rule.
There are times when it will be necessary to go out of position by 1 fret in either direction. Some of the scale patterns need to be altered so that you're still in the basic position.
How fingering relates to scales and chords.
Every chord has a corresponding scale, so when you become more advanced you'll be able to visualize the scale that goes with that particular chord. Once you become more familiar with the guitar fretboard you'll be amazed at how logical it is.
The takeaway from all of this is to be patient, play slowly so that you develop muscle memory, and get in the habit of using one finger per fret. One of the most important things my guitar teacher did was to not let me get away with using the wrong fingers!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Building Left Hand Strength and Independence
In order to play for a considerable length of time, your left hand needs to be strong.
Here are a few left hand exercises to help you gain strength and independence in your left hand:
Do this exercise 2 or 3 times on each string every time you practice, and you'll notice results in a short time. It will make it easier to reach notes and hold them down without buzzing.
Here are a few left hand exercises to help you gain strength and independence in your left hand:
- Hold down the 1st string, (the skinny one closest to your leg) at the 1st fret and then pick the string.
- Without taking the 1st finger off of the 1st fret, play the 4th fret with your 4th (pinky) finger. Don't avoid using the pinky, yes it's weak, and yes many people work around it. If you're going to play barre chords and complicated solos, you'll be glad you took the time to strengthen it.
- Without taking the 1st finger off the 1st fret, play the 3rd fret with your 3rd finger.
- Without taking the 1st finger off the 1st fret, play the 4th fret with your 4th finger.
- 1st finger, first fret.
- Without taking the 1st finger off the 1st fret, play the 4th fret with your 4th finger.
- Without taking the 1st finger off the 1st fret, play the 2nd fret with your 2nd finger.
- Without taking the 1st finger off the 1st fret, play the 4th fret with your 4th finger.t
Do this exercise 2 or 3 times on each string every time you practice, and you'll notice results in a short time. It will make it easier to reach notes and hold them down without buzzing.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Frustrated and Other Negative Terms
Are you slowing your progress with negative thinking?
I have a new student, he's been playing for 4 weeks, and he must have used the word "frustrating" no less than 15 times at his lesson! Are you doing that too? Yes, beginning guitar lessons is very hard at first. Your fingers feel fat, they won't go where your brain tells them to go and to add insult to injury they hurt when you play. Wow, no wonder he was frustrated.
How to overcome the beginning guitar player blues?
I have a new student, he's been playing for 4 weeks, and he must have used the word "frustrating" no less than 15 times at his lesson! Are you doing that too? Yes, beginning guitar lessons is very hard at first. Your fingers feel fat, they won't go where your brain tells them to go and to add insult to injury they hurt when you play. Wow, no wonder he was frustrated.
How to overcome the beginning guitar player blues?
- Accept the fact that you're a beginner. No one starts playing the guitar or any other instrument without feeling frustrated. After a couple lessons you realize it's not a short term project.
- Make it a game. See how many times you can play song, exercise or scale without a mistake. Set the metronome to painfully slow, play the music, and when you can do that perfectly, in time, without stopping, kick the beats up a little. Key words, a little.
- Record yourself. Many beginning guitar students can't hear any progress, so one technique I recommend is recording yourself. Do that, listen to it, then put it away for a few weeks. The next time you listen to it you should be amazed at the progress you've made, provided you've been practicing in between.
- Get feedback from your teacher. When your guitar teacher suggests something or points out a problem area, pay attention! The goal before your next lesson should be to fix whatever the problem area is so you can move forward.
- Be extremely patient. I know, easy for me to say! Learning guitar is all about muscle memory and unfortunately it's not something you develop instantly. While practicing does help, the process really can't be accelerated that much. Playing music is definitely a time art.
- Lose the negative terms and thinking. Attitude plays a major role in your ability to progress. Don't allow your "lizard brain" as Seth Godin calls it get the best of you. Think positive thoughts and look at learning the guitar like the challenge that it is.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
R.I.P. Doc Watson, One of My Guitar Heroes
It was a sad day when I read that Doc Watson passed away on Tuesday, May 29. I'll never forget checking his first record, simply called Doc Watson, out of the library after reading in the liner notes that he liked to play fiddle tunes on guitar. I'd never heard anyone do that with a pick, and I was absolutely amazed at his speed and technique.
Then there was the fingerpicking on the guitar. That I was familiar with, but again his flawless technique had me wondering how in the world anyone could play like that. I had been playing guitar for maybe a year or two at the time, and vowed that I'd learn Doc's arrangement of Sittin' On Top Of The World. The only problem was, I couldn't figure out how he was getting that sound.
I listened, experimented, and finally, after reading the liner notes, (duh), I found that he had tuned his guitar to a D chord. I knew about lowering the 6th string to D, but didn't know about the rest. His tuning from the low notes to the high ones was: D, A, D, F#, A, D. A couple years later I found a guitar tab book, which is still in print, and figured out how to play the song.
If you're not familiar with Doc, check him out on You Tube, or get some of his recordings so you can appreciate the great gift that he gave to the world. His playing, his singing, and his versatility were what made me a fan from the day I heard that first album. So to Doc Watson, Rest In Peace, we're going to miss you.
Then there was the fingerpicking on the guitar. That I was familiar with, but again his flawless technique had me wondering how in the world anyone could play like that. I had been playing guitar for maybe a year or two at the time, and vowed that I'd learn Doc's arrangement of Sittin' On Top Of The World. The only problem was, I couldn't figure out how he was getting that sound.
I listened, experimented, and finally, after reading the liner notes, (duh), I found that he had tuned his guitar to a D chord. I knew about lowering the 6th string to D, but didn't know about the rest. His tuning from the low notes to the high ones was: D, A, D, F#, A, D. A couple years later I found a guitar tab book, which is still in print, and figured out how to play the song.
If you're not familiar with Doc, check him out on You Tube, or get some of his recordings so you can appreciate the great gift that he gave to the world. His playing, his singing, and his versatility were what made me a fan from the day I heard that first album. So to Doc Watson, Rest In Peace, we're going to miss you.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Is Your Guitar Teacher Inspiring You or Showing Off?
Inspiration or show-off?
There's a fine line when it comes to showing a beginning guitar student how a song goes, and having him or her interpret it as showing off. I've had students tell me I was showing off or trying to show them up, when actually I was playing the song fast enough that they would hear what it was supposed to sound like.
Does your teacher show off sometimes?
Absolutely! Most of the time it's when I'm asked to play something, maybe even on a different instrument. Students have asked me to play the banjo for them, or if they play banjo to play something on the guitar. Sometimes they're searching for credibility or checking to see if you really can play a particular song.
What's the problem?
The problem pops up when your guitar teacher does more playing than teaching. We're not talking about accompanying you, but rather playing instead of teaching. This happens a lot with teachers who are either inexperienced, lacking in self confidence or just trying to impress the student.
What should you do?
It depends on how comfortable you are with it. When I've been accused of showing off I explain why I played that song or passage in that way. I try to lead by example and make it clear that what I just played is for the benefit of the student. There are times when a certain technique or song has to be played at a faster pace for it to make sense. So, listen to what your teacher is playing, and if you have any questions or concerns about the motive behind it, just mention them and see what the answer is. Most of the time it will be played with every intention of instructing rather than showing off.
There's a fine line when it comes to showing a beginning guitar student how a song goes, and having him or her interpret it as showing off. I've had students tell me I was showing off or trying to show them up, when actually I was playing the song fast enough that they would hear what it was supposed to sound like.
Does your teacher show off sometimes?
Absolutely! Most of the time it's when I'm asked to play something, maybe even on a different instrument. Students have asked me to play the banjo for them, or if they play banjo to play something on the guitar. Sometimes they're searching for credibility or checking to see if you really can play a particular song.
What's the problem?
The problem pops up when your guitar teacher does more playing than teaching. We're not talking about accompanying you, but rather playing instead of teaching. This happens a lot with teachers who are either inexperienced, lacking in self confidence or just trying to impress the student.
What should you do?
It depends on how comfortable you are with it. When I've been accused of showing off I explain why I played that song or passage in that way. I try to lead by example and make it clear that what I just played is for the benefit of the student. There are times when a certain technique or song has to be played at a faster pace for it to make sense. So, listen to what your teacher is playing, and if you have any questions or concerns about the motive behind it, just mention them and see what the answer is. Most of the time it will be played with every intention of instructing rather than showing off.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Optimist, Realist or Pessimist, Which One Are YOU?
Would you describe yourself as an optimist, a pessimist or a realist?
As a guitar teacher I've taught, (am teaching), plenty of examples of all three. Most beginning guitar students start out as optimists, and I do my best to have them maintain that outlook. I've said for years that talent is overrated, and I still believe that to this day. Let's look at how attitude plays an important role in learning to play guitar.
The optimist.
The beginner starts out being optimistic about how much fun guitar will be, the enjoyment that will be derived from it, and how great it will be to have a hobby that will last a lifetime. He or she has no doubt that learning the guitar will become a part of the daily routine and that progress will be steady.
The realist.
A little more conservative than the optimist, but still maintains a lot of the same positive attitude. Smart enough to not buy the "learn guitar in a weekend" hype, and understands that learning is going to be a slow and sometimes difficult process.
The pessimist.
The most difficult of the three to teach. The pessimist calls or sends an email with red flags waving. I'm thinking maybe I'd like to try to learn guitar, but I'm not sure I'll be able to do it, or I may not even like it that much. Already convinced that it will be hard to learn, the journey begins on a negative note.
Changing the thought process.
Before seeking out a guitar teacher, you need to ask yourself some questions. Here are some you should think about in no particular order.
As a guitar teacher I've taught, (am teaching), plenty of examples of all three. Most beginning guitar students start out as optimists, and I do my best to have them maintain that outlook. I've said for years that talent is overrated, and I still believe that to this day. Let's look at how attitude plays an important role in learning to play guitar.
The optimist.
The beginner starts out being optimistic about how much fun guitar will be, the enjoyment that will be derived from it, and how great it will be to have a hobby that will last a lifetime. He or she has no doubt that learning the guitar will become a part of the daily routine and that progress will be steady.
The realist.
A little more conservative than the optimist, but still maintains a lot of the same positive attitude. Smart enough to not buy the "learn guitar in a weekend" hype, and understands that learning is going to be a slow and sometimes difficult process.
The pessimist.
The most difficult of the three to teach. The pessimist calls or sends an email with red flags waving. I'm thinking maybe I'd like to try to learn guitar, but I'm not sure I'll be able to do it, or I may not even like it that much. Already convinced that it will be hard to learn, the journey begins on a negative note.
Changing the thought process.
Before seeking out a guitar teacher, you need to ask yourself some questions. Here are some you should think about in no particular order.
- Have I always wanted to play guitar? Some beginning students have a burning desire to learn to play. I took my first guitar lesson when I was 5, although I believe my parents were just humoring me. They bought me a beginning guitar book but no guitar, and I was supposed to "practice" playing air guitar. When I didn't practice enough, remember I was only 5 years old, they told me I couldn't take lessons.
- Do I have time to practice? A minimum amount of practice time would be 5 days a week, at least 30 minutes. Making the commitment to put in the time is absolutely essential. If you can't see that happening, taking guitar lessons is probably not a good idea.
- What kind of music do I want to play? If all you can come up with is a general statement like I just want to learn to play guitar, you need to drill deeper. While it's possible to start taking generic guitar lessons, it's a lot more fun to learn songs you know and would like to play.
- Am I willing and able to commit time and money to this? While the cost of entry isn't a large amount of money, there are some basics that will help you get the most out of your lessons. At the bare minimum you need a decent instrument, a music stand, and learning resources. Either a teacher or a do it yourself method to guide you. Self serving or not, I always recommend a live teacher, especially in the beginning. The main reasons are that a book, CD or DVD can't answer questions, and they won't correct potential bad habits. There are many different ways to get started on guitar, and a teacher can move you in the right direction.
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