Fretting Hand Technique

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):

1. Play on your fingertips, close to your fingernails.
   
   
2. Place each finger so that the right edge nicks the left edge of the fret.
   
   
3. As you ascend (move to the right) on the same string, keep your fingers down on the fretboard.
   
   
4. Keep your palm pararllel to the fretboard, tipping the instruments neck upwards will help facilitate this.
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. 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.

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