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Post by andyhowell on Mar 10, 2017 9:17:41 GMT
I know I'm a theory and technique bore, but I genuinely think that running through scales and exercises helps to alleviate quirks like excessive finger pressure. If you can get the finger memory working to the point where you can do the routines whilst distracted by watching telly or reading a book so much the better, as you're not working so hard that you over-emphasise. Whether we are talking about formal scales or whether we are talking about just favourite licks and ones I think that is right! Basically practice allows you to relax and allows you to put less pressure down on the fretboard.
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Post by littlemart on Mar 12, 2017 22:28:40 GMT
It is relaxation, posture and all that — hence the Alexander technique. I'm not sure Keith's light strings are necessary — in many ways I prefer heavier strings for a lighter touch, especially on celtic stuff (though probably not with the country blues). Style of music is probably also an issue. Barre chords tend to encourage too ham fisted an approach. I often get a bit tense and heavy handed with ragtime for some reason! I think the Alexander technique could have a lot of relevance here - not that I'm an expert, I hasten to add. Quite often though tension in one part of the body can trigger tension in another part. I know I always had a tendency to hunch my shoulders up when playing - which is probably the worst thing to do because it causes tension all down the back and neck (my neck, not the guitar's!)
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Post by andyhowell on Mar 14, 2017 10:24:11 GMT
It is relaxation, posture and all that — hence the Alexander technique. I'm not sure Keith's light strings are necessary — in many ways I prefer heavier strings for a lighter touch, especially on celtic stuff (though probably not with the country blues). Style of music is probably also an issue. Barre chords tend to encourage too ham fisted an approach. I often get a bit tense and heavy handed with ragtime for some reason! I think the Alexander technique could have a lot of relevance here - not that I'm an expert, I hasten to add. Quite often though tension in one part of the body can trigger tension in another part. I know I always had a tendency to hunch my shoulders up when playing - which is probably the worst thing to do because it causes tension all down the back and neck (my neck, not the guitar's!) That's about it. Well put. SaveSave
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