Finger Strength vs Force

Here is a video of me sweep-picking (and also something refered to as sweep-tapping) on an acoustic guitar.

click here if you can’t see the video.

If you’re familiar with playing an acoustic guitar, you’ll know that the strings tend to be alot thicker (my acoustic is strung with elevens, but has had up to thirteens in the past- click here for my post on guitar strings)- which makes them harder to play. Part of the point of me making this video with an acoustic guitar is to show that I’m not using a huge amount of force on the strings- if I was, I could never play so fast.

So, how is it possible for me to sweep-pick on an acoustic guitar? The “secret” actually lies in the co-ordination, not strength, and good co-ordination will work on either an electric or an acoustic guitar. There is a certain amount of finger strength involved, but no more than it would take to hold down a chord.

So, how do you build up your co-ordination? By starting slowly, at a speed where I’m not tense (however slow that may be- one note per beat at 40bpm anyone? Well, if that’s what it takes…) and working up to a higher speed using that exact motion. This is the only way to get great co-ordination between your two hands, and it takes time and effort.

This is why I love using my metronome so much, and I recommend you do the same. A metronome will allow you to break a song down both in speed and into sections. If something is too hard to do fast you can simply slow it down in this way until it’s easy and then slowly speed the same motion back up- without increasing tension (also, be aware of the Fretboard Finger Trap!). Never force yourself to go faster- as this will just put more tension into your hand/arm/shoulder/face (depending on the motion, although sometimes rock-based facial tension is allowed…).

Know Your Limits

Be aware that there may be some things that you can’t play just yet, due to technical ability or musical knowledge or whatever. The best thing to do with these songs is to put them away for later and go and learn something easier. Yes, I know you really want to show off to your friends at how many difficult (or difficult-sounding) tunes you can play, but wouldn’t you rather play a slightly easier tune really well than a more difficult song badly? People will notice if you play a song badly, no matter how difficult it is, and it’s much more impressive to play a slightly easier song perfectly.

Some of the problem, I find, is that some people only like music that is based on technical guitar playing and advanced musicianship. There is nothing wrong with liking this sort of music, but if you want to play it you need to realised that you’re going to have to work for it- it wont come overnight (or even in one or two years- I don’t care who you are!). Always, always, always start off slowly, with easier songs and work your way up to being a “musical genius”. As Zakk Wylde once said, it’s just like lifting weights- how many people do you think are born as the worlds strongest man? None (at least I hope it’s none, I would feel sorry for the mother giving birth to a 20 stone 8 foot tall baby…). Atheletes all have to do years of training to get to where they are, and playing guitar is no different.

So work on your co-ordination with technical exercises, and never push yourself to play fast- it will come with practice over time.

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December 9, 2009 at 12:00 pm | Guitar Technique and Exercises, Practicing and Practice Routine | 1 comment

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One Response to “Finger Strength vs Force”

1. fretboard knowledge says:

   01/04/2010 at 2:30 am

   [...] / Trivia … The whole fret board of a guitar can be learned immediately even in just an hour. …Finger Strength vs Force | Chainsaw Guitar TuitionHere is a video of me sweep-picking (and also something refered to as sweep-tapping) on an acoustic [...]

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