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Title: Right and Left Hand Technique
Level: Beginner
Style: Technique
Instructor: Tim Fullerton
This is part one in a series of how to develop good right and left
hand technique for pick-style guitar.
*****THE LESSON****
PART I -- guitar position
This series is the approach that I use to teach pick-style
technique to all of my students. For best results, take these
articles to an educated and experienced teacher who is stylistically
broad based and who is acquainted with this approach, so that
(s)he may coach you.
**Disclaimer**
This approach is to attain the maximum possible cleanliness and
articulateness in ones tone. It will also give, ultimately, the
greatest speed with the least health risk. I am careful to never say
that it is the CORRECT way to play. There is no such thing, and a
lot of people do great things with really sloppy technique. Wherever
possible, though, I will indicate the exact benefits of each
technique.
If you are left handed, please excuse my right-handed bias, and
reverse all of the relevant direction and hand indications.
A) GUITAR POSITION
The strap should be worn always.
The guitar should rest on your abdomen, well above your left leg, such
that it is in the same position whether you are sitting or standing.
The neck should be at a 45 degree angle up. Note that I said LEFT leg
(if you're right handed, vice versa if you're left handed). This is
contrary to how untrained people USUALLY play. Ususally, right-handed
people rest the guitar on their right leg.
Benefits:
This is required so that the left hand may be positioned well.
Exceptions:
While some may find this awkward (or nerdy looking) at first, it is
a small hurdle. The only apprehension that I have ever had is with
small female students. A full sized guitar angled up can rest on
their left breast. All so far have assured me that this is not
a big deal. Nonetheless, if it is a problem for you for this reason, you are
probably small enough to merit a 3/4 size instrument. If this is not the case,
but you still have problems seeing the neck and/or reaching the first
fret, then having the guitar a little further to the right should solve
the problem.
Class Assignment:
Play with the guitar set up in this way all of the time from now on.
fullerto@cis.ohio-state.edu
1987 Upper Chelsea Rd
Columbus, Ohio 43221
(614) - 488 - 9322
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FUTURE LESSONS
--------------
No Name Style Level Instructor
8 Right hand Left hand technique Technique B Tim Fullerton
9 How Chords work Theory B Tim Fullerton
10 Development of Chords from Sca Chord theory B Dennis O'Neill 10
11 Right and Left hand techniques theory (etc.) b Tim Fullerton
12 Modes Theory I Dave Good
13 Octaves Theory B Bill Quinn
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