10 Ways to Increase Guitar Speed

This article is a write-up of a video of the same name that I did a while back. I just thought I would expand on some of the ideas presented in the original video in order to give a fuller picture for those of you wanting to increase your playing speed.

Here is the original video:

Click here if you can’t see the video.

All of the ideas below, as mentioned in the video, are aimed at decreasing excess tension in your muscles. The 10 points are the same as those in the video.

1) Play Slowly and Deliberately

This will really help you to think about what you are doing, and which muscles you are using to do it. Whenever you encounter a new technique or a lick that you find tricky, do it slowly and deliberately, concentrating on getting each note perfect- rather than just trying to rush into doing everything sloppily at full speed!

2) Randomly Stop on Each Finger

This works if you’re playing something slow or fast. Play the exercise or lick and suddenly stop on any finger (this can be done with a timer if you want), the idea being that (if there is no extra tension) you should be able to stop dead on any finger at all- or at any part of the exercise.

3) Video Yourself

When we play our guitars, we often make movements without even realising it. These movements can be harmless (such as tapping your foot, or nodding your head) or they can be detrimental (such as a stray little finger). Find those that are inhibiting your ability (with help from the video of yourself) and deal with them!

4) Play Without Thinking

Especially useful if you intend on playing and singing, playing without thinking too much about it will really help you decrease the tension you have. You see, the more you worry about what you’re playing, the more muscles you tend to use- muscles that will only hinder your performance!

5) Go to the Gym

Did you know that people who exercise regularly are generally less stressed and happier? Less stress in your body equals less stress in your mind, which means theres less stress in your guitar playing. Fingers that are less tense have greater dexterity and flexability.

6) Correct Your Posture

Are you sitting comfortably? Then you may begin. Make sure you sit so that you can easily reach the guitar, and the frets (or more, so that your fingers can easily reach the frets). Try my technical exercises or my YouTube channel for more on correct hand position and posture.

7) Use a Metronome

That little ticking box is a much undervalued bit of kit, because with a metronome you can train yourself to “feel” where the beat is- something that is invaluable to any musician! Why struggle to count the beat yourself when you can buy a dedicated little machine? A metronome can never be out of time, you can.

Don’t Force It

Most of the damage and poor technique I see is actually caused by people trying to “force” themselves to play at full speed- which almost always results in sloppy playing! By forcing yourself, you are actually engaging more muscles and, if that’s not bad enough, just plain rushing!

Start slowly, at a speed you can do it perfectly, and build the speed up.

9) Subscribe to My YouTube Channel/Blog

I constantly update both my YouTube channel and this blog with new tips and information on becoming the best guitarist you can be. Why miss out?

10) Practice Everyday

Every day you don’t practice your skill (and, therefore your speed) will decrease, and you will start to forget what you’ve learnt. Why do you want to let that happen? Even 10-15 minutes practice is worth something! Also, when you miss a day that’s a missed opertunity, you could be “one day’s worth” better, it’s like, one louder isn’t it? Why wouldn’t you want your playing ability turned up to eleven?

If you like my blog, please don’t forget to subscribe.

November 18, 2009 at 2:00 pm | Guitar Technique and Exercises, How to, Practicing and Practice Routine | 1 comment

One Response to “10 Ways to Increase Guitar Speed”

1. How to Play Guitar: Setting Goals | Chainsaw Guitar Tuition says:

   23/02/2010 at 4:30 pm

   [...] get that tone? How could you get a similar sound? Do they play faster than you can? How can you increase your playing speed? These questions will help outline your roadmap to success, before you even start the [...]

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