Zoso_Player
02-08-2007, 09:51 PM
Now I'm no John Petrucci, but I do use three methods to help imrpove my finger strength. This short lesson isn’t going to get you playing Yngwie’s “Blitzkrieg” in two weeks. You’re not going to develop mega-speed in a couple of days. What this lesson will do is explain how to strengthen those fingers on your left hand (For a righty) and over time you will begin to see your chops improve.
METHOD ONE: STRENGTHENING WITH REPITITION
The first method, and perhaps the most obvious, is just practicing chromatic exercises. You’ve all seen them; they usually look something like this:
e|--------------------------------------------------------------5--6--7--8-|
B|-------------------------------------------------5--6--7--8--------------|
G|-------------------------------------5--6--7--8--------------------------|
D|-------------------------5--6--7--8--------------------------------------|
A|-------------5--6--7--8--------------------------------------------------|
E|-5--6--7--8--------------------------------------------------------------|
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 etc.
What many people forget to do is change the finger combinations. Don’t just keep doing 1-2-3-4. You need to get used to playing the many finger patterns that exist in guitar music. Mix it up, using 4-finger patterns like 1-3-2-4 and 4-2-3-1. Then speed that metronome up accordingly and go to 3-finger patterns like 1-3-4 and 1-2-4. Remember to practice all of the patterns EVERYWHERE on the neck. Playing these exercises on the first four frets feels a lot different than playing on the twelfth to fifteenth frets. Also, focus on your weak areas. If you need to develop strength in your ring and pinky fingers, do patterns that focus on them, like 2-3-4, and even 3-4.
METHOD TWO: STRENGTHENING WITH RESISTANCE
You’ve no doubt heard that it’s better to start on acoustic and then go to electric. But why? It’s often said acoustic is “harder.” This is because generally acoustics have high action and thick strings. You’ll notice it is harder to depress the strings, requiring more strength from your fingers. A method of strength training I like to use is based on this principle. It’s called resistance training, like in weight lifting. If you don’t feel like adjusting your action every time you want to try this method, (Does anybody?) you would simply have to insert an object under the strings that will raise the strings about a quarter inch or so. Ideally, you can use foam or felt, just make sure it doesn’t stain your guitar if it’s treated with bad dyes or chemicals. You can also use a piece of cardboard or folded up paper. Place it underneath the first frets to raise the strings. Now you have very high action! If you normally have relatively low action, you’ll definitely notice your fingers starting to get tired faster. This is good! You’re “maxing out” on the strings.
METHOD THREE: STRENGTHENING ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
An often used excuse to not practicing enough is “I have school.” Or “I just don’t have time.” Well, guess again. You can practice strengthening your fingers anywhere, at anytime! Just by tapping those patterns in Method One on a school desk, a work desk, a kitchen table, or the armrests in a dentist’s chair, you can increase your finger coordination without a guitar. You’re not going to get the resistance of strings, so it may be awhile before you “feel the burn.” Keep at it, and work on finger independence. Try to raise one finger without any reaction form the others. Typing and piano will all help your fingers. No excuses, people! You can practice the whole day now!
METHOD ONE: STRENGTHENING WITH REPITITION
The first method, and perhaps the most obvious, is just practicing chromatic exercises. You’ve all seen them; they usually look something like this:
e|--------------------------------------------------------------5--6--7--8-|
B|-------------------------------------------------5--6--7--8--------------|
G|-------------------------------------5--6--7--8--------------------------|
D|-------------------------5--6--7--8--------------------------------------|
A|-------------5--6--7--8--------------------------------------------------|
E|-5--6--7--8--------------------------------------------------------------|
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 etc.
What many people forget to do is change the finger combinations. Don’t just keep doing 1-2-3-4. You need to get used to playing the many finger patterns that exist in guitar music. Mix it up, using 4-finger patterns like 1-3-2-4 and 4-2-3-1. Then speed that metronome up accordingly and go to 3-finger patterns like 1-3-4 and 1-2-4. Remember to practice all of the patterns EVERYWHERE on the neck. Playing these exercises on the first four frets feels a lot different than playing on the twelfth to fifteenth frets. Also, focus on your weak areas. If you need to develop strength in your ring and pinky fingers, do patterns that focus on them, like 2-3-4, and even 3-4.
METHOD TWO: STRENGTHENING WITH RESISTANCE
You’ve no doubt heard that it’s better to start on acoustic and then go to electric. But why? It’s often said acoustic is “harder.” This is because generally acoustics have high action and thick strings. You’ll notice it is harder to depress the strings, requiring more strength from your fingers. A method of strength training I like to use is based on this principle. It’s called resistance training, like in weight lifting. If you don’t feel like adjusting your action every time you want to try this method, (Does anybody?) you would simply have to insert an object under the strings that will raise the strings about a quarter inch or so. Ideally, you can use foam or felt, just make sure it doesn’t stain your guitar if it’s treated with bad dyes or chemicals. You can also use a piece of cardboard or folded up paper. Place it underneath the first frets to raise the strings. Now you have very high action! If you normally have relatively low action, you’ll definitely notice your fingers starting to get tired faster. This is good! You’re “maxing out” on the strings.
METHOD THREE: STRENGTHENING ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
An often used excuse to not practicing enough is “I have school.” Or “I just don’t have time.” Well, guess again. You can practice strengthening your fingers anywhere, at anytime! Just by tapping those patterns in Method One on a school desk, a work desk, a kitchen table, or the armrests in a dentist’s chair, you can increase your finger coordination without a guitar. You’re not going to get the resistance of strings, so it may be awhile before you “feel the burn.” Keep at it, and work on finger independence. Try to raise one finger without any reaction form the others. Typing and piano will all help your fingers. No excuses, people! You can practice the whole day now!