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Question for guitar players of the music board.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:20 am
Posted on 5/14/24 at 7:20 am
I've had a hard time getting proficient with my finger picking on guitar, Admittedly largely because I get frustrated too easy and lose interest. But I really want to commit and put in time to practice this and hopefully get somewhat good at it.
What are some good basic songs to practice with or exercises to work on the build up that picking hand dexterity? I did google it and look on youtube but most of that seemed like guys just trying to show off their skill and seemed to be much advanced to where I'm at. Where am I at you ask? I've been picking around for several years mostly self taught so I have all the bad habits you can think of but I try to recognize them and attempt to correct them as much as possible.
TIA.
What are some good basic songs to practice with or exercises to work on the build up that picking hand dexterity? I did google it and look on youtube but most of that seemed like guys just trying to show off their skill and seemed to be much advanced to where I'm at. Where am I at you ask? I've been picking around for several years mostly self taught so I have all the bad habits you can think of but I try to recognize them and attempt to correct them as much as possible.
TIA.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 8:12 am to Snipe
I started off with simple 3 chord songs. Mostly blues stuff in E Major and E7
That's Alright Mama, Folsom Prison Blues, stuff like that.
I read stuff about proper technique, but I don't know if it did me very much good.
I just worked hard at getting those bass notes right with my thumb. After a while it seemed like my fingers started falling inline, then I tried improving on that and playing more difficult songs.
I'm pretty sure that I don't play properly, but I just do what comes naturally and it get's me by.
That's Alright Mama, Folsom Prison Blues, stuff like that.
I read stuff about proper technique, but I don't know if it did me very much good.
I just worked hard at getting those bass notes right with my thumb. After a while it seemed like my fingers started falling inline, then I tried improving on that and playing more difficult songs.
I'm pretty sure that I don't play properly, but I just do what comes naturally and it get's me by.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 9:58 am to Snipe
I compare guitar playing with basketball. I've played for 35 years, but very rarely I play w/ others... so it's like shooting free throws. You can get good, but it's not basketball.
Then I bought a looper pedal 5 years ago and my skill have jumped dramatically. It's like comparing shooting free throws vs 3 on 3 w/ actual plays.
Weird analogy, but me getting a looper has really made a difference.
Then I bought a looper pedal 5 years ago and my skill have jumped dramatically. It's like comparing shooting free throws vs 3 on 3 w/ actual plays.
Weird analogy, but me getting a looper has really made a difference.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 10:15 am to Snipe
Not a joke,,, Hide your picks. Break the habit of playing with them.
Years ago, many years ago.... In college, I was so broke, and lived in a town without a guitar store, long before amazon, etc... I was making pics out of old credit cards, or whatever.. Finally, I just decided to play without.
Now, I prefer to play without a pic.. I only use one for something specific... but there has to be a reason for it.
The "that's all right, and Folsom, etc.. Great suggestions... Thumb down bass notes, middle and index finger up roll, down roll,,, 3 note arpeggio fills..
Years ago, many years ago.... In college, I was so broke, and lived in a town without a guitar store, long before amazon, etc... I was making pics out of old credit cards, or whatever.. Finally, I just decided to play without.
Now, I prefer to play without a pic.. I only use one for something specific... but there has to be a reason for it.
The "that's all right, and Folsom, etc.. Great suggestions... Thumb down bass notes, middle and index finger up roll, down roll,,, 3 note arpeggio fills..
This post was edited on 5/14/24 at 10:21 am
Posted on 5/14/24 at 10:23 am to 053wab
quote:
Weird analogy, but me getting a looper has really made a difference
Not weird at all. I've always heard that the best way to improve is to get with other musicians and you'll be amazed at how fast you set up you playing. Unfortunately for me it hasn't been an opportunity yet.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 10:29 am to Back to Scat
quote:
Not a joke,,, Hide your picks. Break the habit of playing with them.
No this is true for sure. I always fall back to a pick when I set out to try finger picking. After a while I just get frustrated and pick up the pick or just strum, with the nails of my thumb and index finger together.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 11:16 am to Snipe
Just take it one measure at a time. Finger picking takes a different way of thinking about what your right hand is doing and it just takes longer than you'd expect. It's also easy to get your hand going in the wrong pattern (depending on the song). Luckily, songs typically use the same pattern over and over again, so once you get the muscle memory down, you can focus on the left hand changes.
Travis picking is a little different. That requires really ignoring everything at first but teaching your thumb to be independent from the rest of your hand. There are some good youtube videos on how to train the thumb but it takes a ton of patience and practice.
Travis picking is a little different. That requires really ignoring everything at first but teaching your thumb to be independent from the rest of your hand. There are some good youtube videos on how to train the thumb but it takes a ton of patience and practice.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 2:22 pm to Back to Scat
quote:
The "that's all right, and Folsom, etc.. Great suggestions.
I must really suck because I don't really hear the finger picking in either of them. lol
I actually love It's alright Ma but I've always played it with a pick. Not even sure how I would approach that finger picking.
fwiw a friend suggested trying Bring on the Night by the Police. I had totally forgotten about that song. Andy plays it so damn fast but it seems to be simple 3 note pattern.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 4:11 pm to Snipe
Learn Landslide. That song is great for learning Travis picking.
Posted on 5/14/24 at 6:02 pm to Snipe
quote:
Where am I at you ask? I've been picking around for several years mostly self taught so I have all the bad habits you can think of but I try to recognize them and attempt to correct them as much as possible.
Get a good teacher. I wish I'd taken lessons early on in my journey. I am still undoing a couple decades of bad habits.
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