Yep, its bad, but its a start

[dfrench]

Feel like I can't get any faster I even struggle with G to C - is it a fundamental issue? Trying to relax...
Dan

A bit embarrassed by the video, but what the heck, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6jRKJK8f3c

[uechij]

dfrench,

Excellent start, don't be so hard on yourself! It'll get better with time and attention.

Try 2 simple things and see if this doesn't help.

1. put more bend in the distal joint of the ring finger, play more on the tip of the finger. Your ring finger is too straight, probably from tension.

2. get your thumb a little more behind the neck, it looks like its a little too close to the top edge of the neck, this should help playing on the finger tips easier by getting your hand around to the other side of the neck (floor side).

Start slow, pay attention, and maintain a relaxed hands (and body) at all times

[Jamie]

Dan, Jason is exactly right on all points......that is a good start, you are too hard on yourself, your distal joint needs more bend, etc!

I suspect the bottom of your practice is not deep enough, your no tempo is too fast. You are not spreading and energizing your fingers enough before placing. See if you can fix that. I could fix you in one lesson if you have trouble improving it.

[Mark SL]

What does "spreading and energizing" your fingers before starting mean?

[Jamie]

Some people really need to do this. Just hold up your hand over strings and forcibly stretch your fingers out before placing them down. This does take you away from a completely "light" state, but it is necessary for some folks with limited ligament development.