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GUITAR TECHNIQUE TIP OF THE MONTH Your Personal Guitar Lesson |
Photo by Robin Gentile, NYC
| BE SURE TO VISIT DOUG'S "SECRET VAULT" It contains many of Doug's Previous Guitar Technique Tips of the Month |
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We have a Printer Friendlier (PDF) version of this article that's also easier on the eyes.
It's SO much easier to read a printed article than to read it from the computer screen.
It's SO much easier to read a printed article than to read it from the computer screen.
An Underused But Important Body Part
By Douglas Niedt
Copyright Douglas Niedt, All Rights Reserved. This article may be reprinted, but please be
considerate and give credit to Douglas Niedt.
You are on DouglasNiedt.com
When we play the guitar we are very aware of the movements and actions of our hands and
fingers. But there is one part of the body that can make a huge difference in the success of
execution of a difficult shift, stretch, or chord change. Yes my friends, it is that unsung hero of
guitardom--the left elbow.
For a scientific/anatomical discussion of the importance and role of the left elbow in playing the
guitar, I would highly recommend Charles Duncan's fine book, The Art of Classical Guitar
Playing (the chapter on the left hand). But for this tip of the month let's keep it short and to the
point.
If you are having trouble with a shift or especially a chord change or difficult reach, try it with the
elbow "winging" out and to the left. Then try the opposite with two variations--tuck the elbow
tightly into your side and forward, then tightly into your side and pushed somewhat to the rear. I
have been amazed that after struggling with a chord change for weeks that I could suddenly do
it accurately with far less effort if I tried one of these three variations in left elbow position. (I
must mention that Duncan in the aforementioned book and others actually recommend against
these positions. But I find that they really do work in many situations.)
For this technique to work, YOU MUST REMEMBER THESE POINTS:
So, try applying a little "elbow grease" to your playing this month! (I'm so sorry but I just couldn't
resist using that line.)
You are on DouglasNiedt.com
By Douglas Niedt
Copyright Douglas Niedt, All Rights Reserved. This article may be reprinted, but please be
considerate and give credit to Douglas Niedt.
You are on DouglasNiedt.com
When we play the guitar we are very aware of the movements and actions of our hands and
fingers. But there is one part of the body that can make a huge difference in the success of
execution of a difficult shift, stretch, or chord change. Yes my friends, it is that unsung hero of
guitardom--the left elbow.
For a scientific/anatomical discussion of the importance and role of the left elbow in playing the
guitar, I would highly recommend Charles Duncan's fine book, The Art of Classical Guitar
Playing (the chapter on the left hand). But for this tip of the month let's keep it short and to the
point.
If you are having trouble with a shift or especially a chord change or difficult reach, try it with the
elbow "winging" out and to the left. Then try the opposite with two variations--tuck the elbow
tightly into your side and forward, then tightly into your side and pushed somewhat to the rear. I
have been amazed that after struggling with a chord change for weeks that I could suddenly do
it accurately with far less effort if I tried one of these three variations in left elbow position. (I
must mention that Duncan in the aforementioned book and others actually recommend against
these positions. But I find that they really do work in many situations.)
For this technique to work, YOU MUST REMEMBER THESE POINTS:
- If a new elbow position works for a particular chord change, shift, or stretch, your elbow
must be in that position BEFORE the chord change, shift, or stretch.
- If you wait until the last moment, changing the elbow position will cause more harm than
good.
- Be certain to return the elbow to its normal position as soon as possible after the difficult
spot.
- For the technique to work in the context of performing the piece, the change of elbow
position and recovery must be memorized and anticipated as clearly as you memorize
and anticipate the notes.
So, try applying a little "elbow grease" to your playing this month! (I'm so sorry but I just couldn't
resist using that line.)
You are on DouglasNiedt.com
BE SURE TO VISIT DOUG'S "SECRET VAULT"
It contains many of Doug's Previous
Guitar Technique Tips of the Month
It contains many of Doug's Previous
Guitar Technique Tips of the Month
Have a comment?
Question?
Suggestion for the website?
We would love to hear from you.
Question?
Suggestion for the website?
We would love to hear from you.
We have a Printer Friendlier (PDF) version of this article that's also easier on the eyes.
It's SO much easier to read a printed article than to read it from the computer screen.
It's SO much easier to read a printed article than to read it from the computer screen.
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| These are my very detailed, in-depth articles and high-def videos on how to play the classical guitar. It's like getting your own private guitar lesson every month. Need info on classical guitar right hand technique? Guitar scales? How to play bar chords? Harmonics? Looking for a classical guitar practicing routine? Tips on performing onstage? How to tune a guitar? Looking for easy Christmas guitar arrangements? Chances are, I have covered it, or will soon. The tips are by subscription only. |
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Doug's Guitar Technique Tip of the Month will be sent to you monthly. These are the best on the
Internet. No one else's technique articles and videos even come close. Most of the written tips run
over 20 pages. Most of the videos run from 15-30 minutes. The tips are thorough and the
production is excellent. Check out the free tips in Doug's Vault for a sampling.
A one-year subscription (12 tips) is only $24. That is only $2 per tip.
Purchase a ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION to:
DOUGLAS NIEDT'S GUITAR TECHNIQUE TIP OF THE MONTH
Doug's Guitar Technique Tip of the Month will be sent to you monthly. These are the best on the
Internet. No one else's technique articles and videos even come close. Most of the written tips run
over 20 pages. Most of the videos run from 15-30 minutes. The tips are thorough and the
production is excellent. Check out the free tips in Doug's Vault for a sampling.
A one-year subscription (12 tips) is only $24. That is only $2 per tip.
Be a better guitar player or teacher. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Purchase a ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION to:
DOUGLAS NIEDT'S GUITAR TECHNIQUE TIP OF THE MONTH
Doug's Guitar Technique Tip of the Month will be sent to you monthly. These are the best on the
Internet. No one else's technique articles and videos even come close. Most of the written tips run
over 20 pages. Most of the videos run from 15-30 minutes. The tips are thorough and the
production is excellent. Check out the free tips in Doug's Vault for a sampling.
A one-year subscription (12 tips) is only $24. That is only $2 per tip.
Purchase a ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION to:
DOUGLAS NIEDT'S GUITAR TECHNIQUE TIP OF THE MONTH
Doug's Guitar Technique Tip of the Month will be sent to you monthly. These are the best on the
Internet. No one else's technique articles and videos even come close. Most of the written tips run
over 20 pages. Most of the videos run from 15-30 minutes. The tips are thorough and the
production is excellent. Check out the free tips in Doug's Vault for a sampling.
A one-year subscription (12 tips) is only $24. That is only $2 per tip.