Practice

Thumb and Finger Independence for Fingerstyle Guitarists

In this post, I will show you the basics of thumb & finger interaction…That said, there is always more than one way to attack a problem. Currently (2018) I am experimenting with the opposite of what I say here – more like a Larry Graham bass technique.

Here are the basics as they are taught to guitarists 95% of the time, so start here. Enjoy!

I got a question from a blog reader recently that said:

How, in your mind, can you coordinate both a bass line with your thumb and a melody line with your fingers? I can’t seem to divide my mind that way. What can I do to gain finger independence?

There is a 2 part answer!

[Read more…]

What’s the Best Approach for Improving Your Guitar Technique?

By Adam Rafferty 14 Comments

Learning to blend technique and feel are like having a good balance of “head and heart.”

Both are important!

If all we use is our head, the feel will be missing
If all we use is our feelings, we’ll miss out on good musicianship and nice harmonies

I got a question recently from a subscriber that read…

I was wondering what your opinion was on practicing technique, learning scales, chord progressions, and theory in the context of a song versus on their own.

This is really a good – and complex question. Here goes… [Read more…] about What’s the Best Approach for Improving Your Guitar Technique?

Practicing Guitar and Your “Happy” Brain Chemicals…

By Adam Rafferty 19 Comments

This is a pretty taboo subject, but let’s dive in.

I recently got an email from a reader saying:

“Hi Adam. I’m going through a phase where I can’t find any I situation or have as much fun playing as I used to. Have you got any idea or any tips or me to get back into it? Thanks – Mick”

Musicians are human, and all of us have ups & downs because it is built into our system. When we have ups & downs, much of “how we feel” has do do with the presence or absence of certain naturally produced brain chemicals.

Should You Use a Thumb Pick for Fingerstyle Guitar?

By Adam Rafferty 51 Comments

Tony Robbins says the more you tell yourself you “should do something” you end up “should-ing all over yourself!”

So – you’re not going to get a “you should” or “you shouldn’t” with this article.

I’m just going to help you think it through.

[Read more…]

Practicing Music or Practicing Guitar Technique – What’s Better?

By Adam Rafferty 3 Comments

Adam Rafferty guitar technique
Often when we hear a soulful musical performance we can’t imagine that the “wonderful music” had to be practiced technically.

Even though we are “feeling it” as listeners, much more than “feelings” had to go in to it.

Master musicians look at music from all angles, musical and technical.

Master musicians love it all…music and technique. They go together.