New Year’s Resolutions You Can Actually Keep: Instrumentalist Edition Part 1
New Year’s resolutions are really hard sometimes, especially when the goal is lofty, requires loads of time, effort, and ultimately will not come to fruition without a solid plan. (It’s okay friend, we’ve got you.)
Here’s a SOLID exercise that I use with my guitar and bass students time and time again because it helps build muscle, fine motor skills, dexterity, and speed. So whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate student, this exercise is for YOU. (If your name is Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, or Steve Vai… obviously this is not for you. If you don’t know who any of these guitarists are… congratulations, you now have homework. You’re welcome.)
For Guitarists:
Please read through the directions before playing.
For Bassists:
Please read the directions before playing.
PLEASE NOTE: This exercise can be performed on either the guitar or bass, the concepts are the same.
ACTION STEPS:
1. Start slow, focus on note accuracy, and produce clean sounds on the instrument. Do not fly through the notes if they sound odd, or muted. It is important that you FIRST dedicate the time to getting the pitch to ring out, or resonate clearly. A GOOD TONE must always be produced.
2. Make sure you are holding down each of the frets as you play. Do not allow your fingers to let go. This will help you build strength.
3. Alternate your picking hand. Start with plucking in a downward motion for the first note, then an upward motion on the following note. (Alternate each as you go. Do not use too much of the pick while plucking upward, utilize just the tip of the pick. Remember: use small short strokes. This will help you when you’re ready to go fast.
4. Once you can play through the exercise CLEANLY, and at a steady tempo, then begin to pick up speed.
*For The Star Students*
If you are ready to pick up a decent amount of speed, then place the heel of your picking hand over the bridge/saddle. Use the bridge/saddle to rotate the heel of your palm as you pluck so that you can make even smaller motions that will allow you to play faster! (Check out the video on Instagram where you can see me do this on the guitar.)
