Distal Joint

Technical Tip#2

Read success story after
success story on our "Testimonial Scroll!!

The Guitar Principles System

"Safe Passage" through the dangerous waters of learning the guitar! Avoid the bad habits that plague so many players. Use "The Principles" system for achieving guitar excellence!

A Milestone in Guitar Education!

"The Principles Of Correct Practice For Guitar" more info on The Principles.....

"The Path Level One: Chords & Rhythm" more info on The Path...

"The Principles DVD Set" more info on the DVD's

The Distal Joint

I find myself focusing a lot lately on a real flaw in many peoples technique. It has to do with the left hand distal joint. This is the joint closest to the fingertip. It often must BEND, in order to do what is required. And many students do NOT bend it as they should. This is especially true of the 1st finger, and the 4th finger.

A lot of times, this joint does not want to bend, but must be made to when doing finger drills, scales, and other exercises. It is very important, for instance, to make sure this joint is bent on the first finger while doing a C chord.

For those using the Foundation Exercises in "The Principles", be warned about this: the exercises involving the left hand, (All Aboard, The Crutch with Heavy and Floating Arm) should all have the distal joints BENT, directing the force and weight of the arm down to the string, thereby enabling you to play with minimum effort. Make sure you LOOK AT THE PICTURES AND COMPARE IT TO YOUR OWN FINGERS!

I am trying to shout at you, because most of the time, when I check my own private students, they are missing this in their at-home practice, and the only way I can get them to pay attention to it is to SCREAM!

(excuse me while I take a deep breath and calm down)

So start examining your distal joints as you play and practice. If you work with it, it will become more and more flexible, and will be another move forward in your ability as a guitarist.

Go To Tech Tip #3

What are people saying about
the GuitarPrinciples System?

"I am sure you know better than anyone else that your book, "The Principles Of Correct Practice For Guitar" did entirely change my way of looking at this intriguingly attractive instrument. Your book was, is, and will always remain the "turning point" of my musical life." Hossein , Iran

"After reading your new book “The GuitarPrinciples Path: Level One Chords & Rhythm” and working with it for the past 30 days, I can tell you that I now know that smooth chord changes and a sense of rhythm can be developed. I am finally, after two years of training to play a guitar, getting better at my first few chords: G, Em, C, D. I am also improving at reading and strumming along to different rhythms, including syncopated rhythms and 16th notes (which are quite challenging for me)"........Jim C., Chicago

On "The Principles" DVD's Set......it completes what is to me: a masterpiece......."For anyone reading this who may be thinking there is another book and set of DVD’s that will serve you better, I'd like to save you some time and money in saying that there is not”....Donna Z., CA. (player of 30 years experience)

top