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Fretting Hand Technique

8/28/2017

Fretting Time!

In addition to the many picking hand techniques that exist (see my last blog entry for details), there are also several fretting hand techniques you'll need to master to play well. Synchronizing your right and left hands is an absolutely essential skill needed to play the guitar and bass well.

Here are 6 fundamental technique reminders for your fretting hand (these apply to both the guitar and bass):

Play on your fingertips, close to your fingernails.
Place each finger so that the right edge nicks the left edge of the fret.
As you ascend (move to the right) on the same string, keep your fingers down on the fretboard.
Keep your palm pararllel to the fretboard, tipping the instruments neck upwards will help facilitate this.
Place your thumb in the middle of the back of the neck and make sure your palm isn't touching the bottom of the neck.
Apply quite a bit of pressure on the fretboard when playing. This will help your strength and endurance and will ensure a clean tone from each note.

Ready for your first lesson? Get in touch.

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Picking Hand Technique

8/21/2017

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The guitar has a tremendous number of right hand techniques, here are the 5 most important fundamentals beginners will need to master. (these are also applicable to the bass):

Hold the pick very loosely
Make sure that only the tip of the pick is making contact with the string
Practice down and up picking, also known as alternate picking. You'll need to do this until the down and up motion becomes completely subconscious.
Keep your picking hand as loose and relaxed as possible. If you feel you hand, wrist or arm becoming tight, take a break for a few second and gently shake out your hand.
Developing an almost machine-like consistency to your picking technique is crucial. To achieve this, frequently ask yourself the following questions: Am I holding my pick loosely? Am I alternating my pick down and up? Am i striking the string with the very tip of my pick? Finally, to begin practicing alternate picking, play 4 picks per string(down, up, down, up) beginning on string 1 and working down through all 6 strings then work your way from string 6 back through string 1. Then you can play the same exercise with 2 picks per string instead of 4.

Ready to learn more about picking? Get in touch today.

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What to Look for When Buying an Instrument

8/15/2017

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If you're looking for a guitar or bass at a big music store like the Guitar Center, the sheer volume of choice can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to whittle down the options:

The playability (action, size of neck, size of instrument and length of instrument) and specifically the "action" (the height of the strings relative to the fretboard) is the biggest factor determining how well an instrument plays.
I recommend buying a used instrument for a few reasons: First, it's cheaper and if you end up quitting playing, you'll lose less money selling it. I actually prefer used instruments that have a bit of wear on them because then they aren't so pristine you're afraid to really play them. Finally, older instruments are often made better, especially those that are decades old, this is why so many millionaire musicians are using instruments from the 60's and 70's.
Buy the instrument in person, not online. You should to physically play it before you buy it.
Put more value on the sound/tone, function and playability of the instrument rather than its looks.
Versatility - when trying out an instrument, you'll want to spend a good deal of time and listen to every possible setting. You should also watch some YouTube videos on how to vary tones on instruments with different pick up and electronic arrangements.
When trying out and comparing multiple instruments it's very important to plug into the same amplifier! The impact of the amp on overall sound is at least an important as the instrument itself!

Still need some more advice and guidance, including the best music stores to shop at? Get in touch - I'd be happy to discuss your needs.

Contact me here >>

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Guitar or Bass - Which One Should I Play?

8/10/2017

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Eddie Van Halen

While the guitar and the bass are certainly more similar than say the drums and a trumpet, the closer you inspect them, the more divergent they become.

Of course, there is the personality part of the equation, the jumping around the stage, windmill strumming and setting your guitar on fire of Eddie Van Halen, Pete Townshend and Jimi Hendrix versus the stoic, lurking in the shadows persona of John Entwistle, John Paul Jones and John Deacon.

John Entwistle

I recommend you try and really analyze both guitar and bass parts in your favorite songs to see if one instrument speaks to you more than the other. Also watch some instructional videos by good teachers on YouTube to get a better sense of what each instrument is capable of.

A final consideration in favor of the bass is the fact that good bass players will always be in demand due to their limited supply.

For a more in-depth exploration of Guitar Vs Bass, see my 2-part series on the topic: part 1; part 2.

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Why Guitarists Should Also Play the Bass (Part 2 of 2)

8/7/2017

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Suzi Quatro on bass

People tend not to think of the bass as a melodic instrument, this is a mistake in my opinion. I believe that's because they haven't listened intently enough to great players like Geddy Lee or Chris Squire. Having experience as a guitar player can make your bass playing more melodic. (the bass master Jaco Pastorius said, as a bass player, you should learn the melody to every song you play).

Another overlooked aspect of the bass is it's ability to play chords (which, with the right voicings can be quite powerful) and even be a beautiful solo instrument. It's a great physical and mental challenge as a guitar player, to negotiate building chords and even harder to come up with solo arrangements with a bass and melody and if you're up for it, maybe even some additional inner voices.

The combination of the basses bigger frets and thicker strings will increase finger and hand strength and stretching capacity plus the two fewer strings on the bass will force you to problem solve in terms of chord voicings, inversions and note placements all of which will improve your guitar playing as well.

Ready for your first bass lesson? Get in touch with me here >>

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Fretting Hand Technique

Picking Hand Technique

What to Look for When Buying an Instrument

Guitar or Bass - Which One Should I Play?

Why Guitarists Should Also Play the Bass (Part 2 of 2)

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