EXCERPT 1

Right hand technique on guitar is one of the most misunderstood and overlooked aspects of guitar playing. With the myriad of right hand styles used by guitarists it is difficult to know which technique is best. Whether you are an occasional strummer of the guitar or are seeking to become a "world class" guitarist, utilizing the muscles of your right arm in the proper way will insure you years of pain-free development.

Volume 1 of this series will cover the basics for good right hand technique. It is a big commitment to stop one's current right hand technique and start on a new course, but I have found that the students I teach have substantially better speed and accuracy in 6 to 8 months utilizing the suggestions found in this book. These students usually come to me experiencing pain from improper technique. Even partial implementation of the methods put forth in this book will help you to play more fluidly.

The guitar is a very versatile instrument and is capable of many different sounds and styles, and the right hand is your tool for creating many of them. Volume one of the right hand technique series will only cover some of the more basic techniques. Styles such as harmonics, muting ,alternative picking applications etc. will be covered in future volumes.

Frequently when people discuss right hand technique they overlook the most basic things. Guitar placement in relation to your body and pick placement within your hand have to be addressed before proper right-hand movement can be obtained. These two aspects along with the correct movement of your forearm and elbow comprise a right hand technique that can be sustained for a lifetime.

It is important to remember that every person is built differently. What works for one person may cause severe pain to another. Don't figure that because your friend or superstar hero plays with the guitar at knee level means that it will work for you. If you are experiencing pain or if you have tried a technique and don't feel that you are progressing, start questioning the wisdom of continuing with a position that's probably not right for you. Admittedly, the method presented here is tedious and time consuming but keep in mind that it will not cause you a fraction of the anguish you will experience if you have to start a new way of picking half way through your career, or never reach your goal because of bad form.

GUITAR PLACEMENT

The placement of the guitar in relation to your body is a tricky subject because of the many body types that exist. (This applies to both people and guitars!) Long and short arms and torso, body weight and size can mean further adjustments have be made to the basic suggestions that follow.

You should always stand up while practicing any of the exercises in this book. After you have mastered these techniques you will know the proper position to use when sitting.

In general the guitar should be slightly above the hip region. If the guitar is placed too low it will adversely effect your left hand position. The wrist of the left hand will be too bent to play quickly and without pain. The wrists and elbows of both arms should be in the middle of their radius to avoid injury.

If the guitar is too high, you will have a tendency to raise or hold up your shoulders. This "shrugging" will end up causing you pain in both upper arms and shoulder regions, as well as in the neck and back. To check if you have the proper position for the guitar, strap on the guitar and allow your right arm to fall free at your side. Raise your arm from the elbow while swinging your arm over the guitar into a position where your hand is halfway between the highest fret on the guitar and the bridge where the strings rest. Try not to let your pick fall directly above a pickup if possible; the pickup will amplify the sound of the pick striking the strings.