Hi Trey, it's cool to hear that you're going through my Land of Legato !
No, I would not recommend gripping the neck tightly in any situation whilst playing guitar.. all you're doing is using force as a leverage to try and direct some extra strength and stamina through your fingers. This won't be good for your hands.
As you've already said yourself, you feel more comfortable by gripping the neck loosely so your body is telling you something. It always tells us these things, we just need to be listening to them. The things that need to develop are the muscles and tendons that work your fingers so it's a case of building them up whilst still trying to remain relaxed. You're always going to feel the burn but that's ok
QUOTE (jstcrsn @ Sep 1 2012, 11:23 PM)
sorry to jump in , you should be able to play it without your thumb on the neck at all
Well, this is something Todd introduced in his video chats and it is a valid practise technique, sure. It can help you develop the finger dexterity without relying on the thumb/hand.. if you learned a lick like that and then returned back to normal grip it will feel easy as pie.
However, I don't want to confuse you yet, Trey so I think it's best to keep doing it the 'normal' way until you've developed the timing and finger independence before you start playing with different practise methods
You are at GuitarMasterClass.net
Don't miss today's
free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with
free content!
GMC Forum > Discussion Boards > VINTAGE GMC > Community Activities and Tutorials > Ask an Instructor > Ben Higgins
