2. RELAX
It takes a lot of weight to hold down the
strings of a guitar, especially for bar
chords. But, not more than what's needed
to get a good sound.
Most students hold too much tension in
their hands. It's no wonder it's difficult
for them to change quicklyor get a good
sound.
A good way to release unnecessary tension
is to start with relaxing your face. Consciously
relax your face and shoulders while you
play. That will help your fingers too.
3. LEFT HAND
The best position for your left hand is
when your hand is parallel to the neck.
You want to have the pinky side of your
hand as close to the neck as your first
finger side.
Many beginning guitar players hold their
hand with the first finger side close to
the neck, but the pinky side is an inch
or more away.
4. RIGHT HAND
Relax! Most people hold too much tension
in both hands. If you're playing an arpeggio
pattern, only use energy for the stroke.
Your fingers should fall back down with
no tension.
For strumming patterns, you're hand should
be like a wet rag... relaxed.
5. FOCUS AHEAD
A simple way to flesh this out is by looking
at where the fingers will go next. For example,
if you're playing chords in the first fret,
but are going to move to a chord higher
up on the neck... look at the trets you're
moving to, not where you hand is now. You'll
get to the new chord with more accuracy.
If you're learning a new chord, try to visualize
the chord before you change.
Think ahead to the next chord, next measure.
Think ahead to where your fingers are moving.
Only look, if you watch your hands, to where
you're moving too.
