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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Bending Strings Out Of Tune When Playing

Posted by: Gerald Dec 26 2007, 02:50 PM

I had my first guitar lesson last Saturday! When I was running through some of the things I could play, my instructor mentioned that I was pressing down to hard on the fretboard. I guess I didn't notice it, but when he played the same chord I could tell. Ever since I have been trying to work on my touch and fretboard pressure. Does anyone have any tips for this?

Posted by: Owen Dec 26 2007, 02:59 PM

Too much pressure can lead to straining of the hand so try to relax your hand as much as possible, this will reduce the amount of pressure your putting on the fretboard and make playing faster stuff easier. Just dont tense

Posted by: Freddie Fourfingers Dec 26 2007, 03:00 PM

Try the open chord lessons here. Listen to the sound of the chord as it is played on the track and compare that with your sound. Your ear should be able to tell you when something is "off". I sometimes have the same problem with open chords. Take your time and try to play with as little pressure and as relaxed as you can...and as always, start slow. At least that is what has helped me with that problem.

Posted by: Gerald Dec 26 2007, 03:19 PM

Thanks for the tips so far. Something that I am trying to do is put the least amount of touch/pressure as possible to get the strings to ring.

I also have 9s on this guitar. Would switching to a higher gauge string help?

Posted by: Freddie Fourfingers Dec 26 2007, 03:48 PM

As little pressure as necessary is the way to go.
As for strings, 9s are a common gauge, sort of all purpose lead and rhythm. Heavier strings are preferred by many people for rhythm work, but they are also more difficult to play and can be harder on the fingers. I would get used to the lighter gauge first and then try heavier ones. It's up to you, but ultimately you should experiment with different brands and gauges to find what works best for you.

Posted by: RIP Dime Dec 26 2007, 09:17 PM

9-46 gauge, is a nice happy medium for me in standard tuning. As for touch, I would say try to keep as relaxed as possible, but in time you will get it down and come up with your own theories as to how it should be done.

Posted by: fatb0t Dec 26 2007, 10:35 PM

What I do is I'll record a passage of me playing something then I'll listen to myself - sometimes you'll notice little things such as bending out of key and you can easily correct them.