Sooner or later, every guitarist will reach a point where they want to play longer, and faster. Regular practice of basic techniques will not only allow you to play faster and learn new techniques more quickly, but will also help strengthen your fingers so that you can play for an entire concert without suffering from cramps. The most important aspect is not to work only on a scale or pattern, but to practice diligently on many different techniques. Follow these examples and you will soon exceed your speed and accuracy limits.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: One Note at a Time
Step 1. The first thing to do is understand your limits
Finding the foundation on which to build will allow you to understand where you need to improve, and will help you gauge your progress. At the end of each practice session, note the metronome speed for each example, and make a note of the exercises that seemed simple and those that were difficult.
Step 2. Set the metronome to 60 bpm
The first exercise is very simple. 1 string, 1 note. All that matters in this exercise is to increase speed and accuracy. Starting with the low E, play a series of sixteenth notes (4 beats per click) using only down strumming, and try to perfect the timing, precision and cleanliness of each note.
Step 3. Fine-tune the metronome settings to your dexterity
If the exercise is too easy, increase the speed by 10, and try again, until you exceed your comfort limit, then return to the previous setting. Likewise, if you find the exercise too difficult, go down to 50 bpm, and try again. Keep practicing until you can complete the session effortlessly.
Step 4. When you have found the right tempo for you, play a measure (4 notes) on all open strings, from low E to E cantino, and then backwards
Step 5. When you can play up and down on all strings effortlessly, take note of the metronome speed
This is your basic strum speed.
Step 6. Repeat this exercise, first only with upward strumming, then alternating between strings, and take note of the metronome speed for each method
Step 7. At the beginning of each practice session, set the metronome to the speed you set
After completing the exercise a couple of times at the speed of the previous session, increase the speed by 10 bpm and continue practicing each exercise until you are comfortable with the new speed.
Part 2 of 3: Improving the Speed and Dexterity of the Fingers
In this exercise we will combine the strum speed from the previous example with the speed and dexterity of the fingers.
me ---------------------------------------- 5--7 ----- --------
Yes --------------------------------- 5--7 ------------ --------
Sol ------------------------- 5--7 -------------------- -------
King ------------------- 5--7 -------------------------- -------
The ------------ 5--7 --------------------------------- --------
I ---- 5 --- 7 ---------------------------------------- --------
Step 1. Start with the low E
Put your index finger on the fifth fret of the sixth string (low E), play the note with a downward strum, then put your ring finger on the seventh fret of the same string and play the note, again downwards. Repeat on the next string, and then on the next.
Step 2. When you reach the highest note, reverse the pattern and go back down
Using a metronome, practice this exercise at such a speed that you can perform it effortlessly.
Step 3. Repeat this exercise at the same speed, but using the middle and little fingers instead of the index and ring fingers
You may find the exercise more difficult. In this case, reduce the metronome speed until you can complete the exercise effortlessly.
Step 4. When you have mastered the exercise, repeat it, but this time using your index and middle fingers
You may find that if you have to stretch your fingers, the exercise will be more difficult. If it is too difficult, try moving your fingers to the highest notes of the keyboard so that the space between the keys is less. Instead of increasing the speed of the metronome, to make practicing more difficult, play lower notes on the keyboard, where the space between the keys is greater.
Step 5. When this stretch is no longer a problem, start increasing the speed of the metronome
Step 6. Repeat this exercise using the middle and ring fingers, and then with the ring and little fingers
Step 7. Repeat all the previous exercises using only down, up, and alternating strumming
Step 8. Always finish your training session at the maximum speed that you can sustain effortlessly
Part 3 of 3: Improving Maximum Strength and Speed
The above examples will help you improve slowly and steadily if you do them diligently. As with any training program, however, to truly improve maximum strength and speed, you will need to push your limits.
Use the following scheme for this step:
me --------------------------------------------- 5-6- 7-8 -----
Yes ------------------------------------- 5-6-7-8 ----- --------
Sol ---------------------------- 5-6-7-8 -------------- -------
King --------------------- 5-6-7-8 --------------------- --------
The ------------- 5-6-7-8 ----------------------------- --------
Mi ----- 5-6-7-8 ------------------------------------- --------
Then go back
me ----- 8-7-6-5 ------------------------------------- --------
Yes ------------- 8-7-6-5 ----------------------------- --------
Sol -------------------- 8-7-6-5 ---------------------- -------
King ----------------------------- 8-7-6-5 ------------- --------
The ------------------------------------- 8-7-6-5 ----- --------
I --------------------------------------------- 8-7- 6-5 -----
Step 1. Alternate the strumming
Using down, up, and alternating strumming, train at the speed you can handle, but make sure it's enough to tire you out after a short time.
Step 2. Try to achieve excellence
As always, try to play with respect for time and cleanliness. Each note must be clear, clean and precise.
Step 3. Persevere
Continue these exercises in each form until you can no longer continue. Rest for 5 minutes, then move on to the next picking style, and then to the last one. This way you will not only work on your dexterity, but will also develop the stamina you will need to play all night!
Advice
- When you play while practicing, do your best. Now you have a chance to make mistakes!
- Make the tutorials fun! Create simple improvisations with basic scales.
External links
- https://www.mxtabs.net
- https://www.youtube.com/user/BerkleeMusic
- https://www.myguitarsolo.com
