K/W Guitar Tip #3, ALL LEVELS

Playing on your fingertips to develop independence and strength in each finger!

Thank you to all, who have provided positive feedback regarding last weeks tip.

I thought this week would be a good idea to take it one step further.

No matter what your level or style, this next exercise will help you develop independence and strength in each finger!

On the first string, place your index finger at the fifth fret.  Pick the note and let it ring for 4 beats.

Slowly, lightly and with nimble dexterity place your index finger on the second string, pick it and let it ring for 4 beats.

Do the same for the third string, fourth string, fifth and sixth strings.

Tell me…. what happened???

1.  Did you play flat-fingered?

2. When you raised your index finger did you hear the open string?  A telltale sign of applying too much pressure.

3. Did your left hand position change every time you went down a string? Or did it change position three times?

Ideally, your left hand basically stays put, while your index finger travels up and down the strings with a light and nimble dexterity.  If that didn’t happen then you have a host of issues that may be stopping you from being the player you want to be.

Playing flat-fingered is like walking in a field of mud:)

Pressing too hard is a waste of energy and cements your fingers to the fretboard.

Changing your whole left hand position to move to the next string should tell you that whatever thumb position you have settled into, may not be the best for creating flowing passages of notes, or quick changing chords.

This week, experiment with this exercise with all your fingers, especially the second and fourth ones as they tend to be the weakest.  Practice moving up and down the strings with the slightest of ease.

Let me know how it goes and I will address any questions in next weeks post!

Stephen Zurakowsky

Artistic Director

K/W Guitar Society