Re: RH finger tension problem

Try this:

First, lightly drum I and M on a table top at about quarter note=120--
four
hits per click. Cultivate a very easy feel as you do this, especially
with
the inactive fingers (A and C). Keep trying this until you can easily
produce
four evenly spaced hits per click. Bear in mind that if you can't do
this on
a table top, then it'll be even harder to do against the resistance of
a guitar
string.

The reason for this preliminary exercise? I believe that when someone
like Ivan Rijos does fast scales, it feels no more difficult to him
than
drumming our fingers on a table top feels to the rest of us. So we who
can't do fast scales need to become familiar with this feel before
trying
alternation on a guitar string.

When you can easily do the above, move on to the following:

Very lightly try a short three note burst (either I, M, I or M, I, M)
on
whatever string feels easiest. Don't try to play loud--instead, go for
a very light and even burst, again at about a quarter note at 120.
Your nails should easily glide over the string--don't grip the string,
and don't contact the string too far down on the nail. At this point,
you want to minimize resistance of the string against the nail. As
before, pay close attention to how your inactive fingers feel.
Ideally,
they'll slightly move with A, but if they just feel nothing at all,
you're
on the right track. Also pay attention to any unnecessary tension
in your right arm and shoulder. If you're doing it right, your arm and
shoulder should feel nothing much at all.

When you can do this short three note burst consistently and
easily, try a five note burst. Again, play light and cultivate a very
easy feel.

Do all this in a spirit of experimentation. Don't be afraid to try
subtle alterations of your hand position.

This is just a start. But it may point you in the right direction.

Tom Poore
South Euclid, OH
USA
.

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