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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