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Old 12-22-2012, 09:20 AM
000-18GE 000-18GE is offline
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Default 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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Old 12-22-2012, 01:42 PM
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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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Old 12-22-2012, 01:46 PM
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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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Old 12-22-2012, 02:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 000-18GE View Post
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!
Hi 000-18GE...

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.


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Old 12-22-2012, 04:07 PM
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Keep it light...and don't wrestle with the guitar.
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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Old 12-22-2012, 05:00 PM
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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.
Hi 000-etc...

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.


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Old 12-22-2012, 05:32 PM
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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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Old 12-22-2012, 05:41 PM
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...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.
HI Doug....

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.

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Old 12-22-2012, 09:05 PM
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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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Old 12-22-2012, 10:56 PM
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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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Old 12-23-2012, 12:19 AM
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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
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Old 12-23-2012, 12:53 AM
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I also read that Leo attributed some of his tendonitis problem to using a thumb pick.
fingerpicks, I think.
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Old 12-23-2012, 09:10 AM
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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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Old 12-24-2012, 08:38 AM
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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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Old 02-05-2015, 07:31 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ljguitar View Post
Hi 000-18GE...

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.


Agree 100% Keep it light and agile !!!
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