FInger Independency

[moro]

Re: FInger Independency

I'll second Stetina's book. Great stuff.

One thing I've found is that if you have a finger that's flailing around, it's helpful to think in terms of moving it opposite the direction it wants to move, rather than trying to keep it still.

I'm sure that made no sense. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

For example, I used to have a problem with my pinky popping up when I fretted with my ring finger. No matter how hard I tried to keep it still, it would pop up. So I started to think of it more as fretting with my pinky simultaneously with my ring finger. That counteracts the tendency of it to pop up.

Maybe it's obvious, but it was a pretty big revelation for me. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Newc]

Re: FInger Independency

Learn Tony Iommi's style by watching old Sabbath videos. He can show you what a pinky is for [img]/images/graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]

And yeah, practice hammer-ons with just your pinky. You can also do one-finger scales (play scales and such with only one finger for all the notes, then do it again with the next finger).

Typing drills also improve your dexterity and accuracy.

Remember, not ALL Pain is Gain - if your fingers hurt doing these drills, stop (practicing), drop (into a comfy chair), and roll (whatever ya got [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] )

Do NOT use squishy balls and other finger exercise tools. The best exercise for playing guitar is playing guitar.

[paulbag]

Re: FInger Independency

buy "guitar fitness" by josquin des pres
hal leonard

[GodOfRhythm]

Re: FInger Independency

A lot of basic Kirk Hammett licks use your index finger in combination with your ring and pinky. Just like 10 12 13.

But in Master Of Puppets for instance there's this alternating bit, where it alternates between;

(on E)

(A)14 14 17 16 and (B)14 14 19 17.

Play (A) with your index, middle and ringfinger and (B) with index, ring and pinky.

You coul try playing it all with your pinky as well, or so.