#1
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Fingerpicking Stamina Tips?
Yes, I think I need Viagra for my fingers sometimes. I've been working on Kottke's version of Last Steam Engine Train and I'm finding that it's not technically really difficult but I can't get through half the tune without my hand/fingers being completely exhausted. Anyone have tips for conditioning their hands/fingers for some of these "endurance" pieces? Honestly, I can't say I have this issue with other songs I play. Presumably the song in itself may be the best workout you can do? Open to any tips. Thanks!
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Simple music is the hardest music to play and blues is simple music. - Albert Collins |
#2
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There's really no secret to it, you just have to keep practicing. The more you practice, the stronger your hands will become. I find that if I don't practice everyday my stamina wanes. Try practicing the piece at a breakneck pace for a while, then when you come back to it at normal tempo it will seem easier.
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#3
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Hmm...never heard anybody mentioning that his picking hand gets tired. I wish I could come up with an answer for you.
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There are still so many beautiful things to be said in C major... Sergei Prokofiev |
#4
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I teach fingerstyle and there is a secret to it. Fingerstyle to be successfully done must be relaxed and not forced. Often when players speed up, they tense up. It is part of the art to learn to relax when you play. Let your hands dance on the strings. People overplay with either hand either pressing fretted strings too hard, or plucking/pulling strings too hard. If you get to light, you can add a bit back in, but learn to back off. It's a conscious thing till you master it. No special conditioning other than just playing a lot is needed. No devices to build up strength. Finger-styling is not about strength, but timing and agility. Keep it light...and don't wrestle with the guitar. |
#5
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I think this is really good advice. As I ttry to play a faster than normal piece, I see that I am tensing up which leading to the fatigue. Thanks guys.
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Simple music is the hardest music to play and blues is simple music. - Albert Collins |
#6
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There is a power and passion in music which is played in relaxed fashion. It also puts you in control of the music instead of it controlling you. |
#7
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Kottke, of course, developed tendonitus from playing so hard in the era of Last Steam Engine, and had to stop playing for a while. He took classical lessons to improve his technique, which I assume included learning to relax! So definitely take Larry's advice, it's not just a matter of being able to play well, you can seriously hurt yourself. At the same time, even relaxed, there's a certain amount of strength and endurance you need to have to play some tunes, so it may take some (relaxed) practice to get there.
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Music: Spotify, Bandcamp Videos: You Tube Channel Books: Hymns for Fingerstyle Guitar (std tuning), Christmas Carols for Fingerstyle Guitar (std tuning), A DADGAD Christmas, Alternate Tunings book Online Course: Alternate Tunings for Fingerstyle Guitar |
#8
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I totally agree. I've sure had far more difficulty getting students to relax than having to intensify their play over the years, and with motivation and steady practice the strength and endurance came. There have been a couple what I'd call anemic players who we needed to work on strengthening their play. |
#9
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Most songs are more tiring when you don't have them down pat.
Some songs are more tiring playing slowly due to such things barre chords and long finger stretches. These issues usually involve the left hand. These songs can be brutal to learn as you are usually playing slowly as you try to learn them. Work on small sections of a piece individually can reduce fatigue as you get up to speed faster. Take breaks as needed. Stitch the sections together. Some songs are more tiring playing them fast but not so much playing them slowly. This usually involves excess tension and motion in the right hand when you try to play fast. Build up speed on these gradually, keeping the right hand relaxed and the movements efficient. For speed and accuracy it really helps to have some consistency in the fingertips, i.e. nail length and shape, or fingerpicks.
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Derek Coombs Youtube -> Website -> Music -> Tabs Guitars by Mark Blanchard, Albert&Mueller, Paul Woolson, Collings, Composite Acoustics, and Derek Coombs "Reality is that which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." Woods hands pick by eye and ear
Made to one with pride and love To be that we hold so dear A voice from heavens above |
#10
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Relaxation is key to speed and control on a lot of instruments. For example, I also play drums. For the last two months, I have been playing exercises in different patterns of sixteenth notes. I play each one at quarter=40 bpm, 42, etc. up to 96 bpm or I couldn't get it right anymore. At first, anything above about 72 felt ridiculously fast now 96 feels like "medium". The only difference is I learned to let go and relax. I wonder if that practice technique would work for guitar as well? Start slow, then ramp up to as fast as possible while still playing correctly.
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"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." -Zig Ziglar Acoustics 2013 Guild F30 Standard 2012 Yamaha LL16 2007 Seagull S12 1991 Yairi DY 50 Electrics Epiphone Les Paul Standard Fender Am. Standard Telecaster Gibson ES-335 Gibson Firebird |
#11
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I also read that Leo attributed some of his tendonitis problem to using a thumb pick. If I'm not mistaken, he doesn't use any type of thumb or finger picks anymore, claiming that using a thumb pick put his hand and wrist in an unnatural position. I dunno....
Edward |
#12
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fingerpicks, I think.
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Music: Spotify, Bandcamp Videos: You Tube Channel Books: Hymns for Fingerstyle Guitar (std tuning), Christmas Carols for Fingerstyle Guitar (std tuning), A DADGAD Christmas, Alternate Tunings book Online Course: Alternate Tunings for Fingerstyle Guitar |
#13
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I'm not familiar with that particular Leo Kottke tune, but for developing strengh in your fingers for fingerstyle, i like to do warm-up exercises and arpeggiated patterns where you have to to pluck with ALL your right hand fingers non simultaneously
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Fingerstyle Guitar & One-Man Band www.SteveHungMusic.com Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok @SteveHungMusic http://stevehung.bandcamp.com |
#14
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Thanks for everyone's input. It's right hand tension for sure that's causing the issue as i try to play faster than typical for me. Relaxation is already helping along with tune familiarity. Much appreciated !
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Simple music is the hardest music to play and blues is simple music. - Albert Collins |
#15
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Quote:
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