Hello to all.

[Narcosis]

I was intrigued by the zen aspect of this approach. I've been learning guitar for 6 months and like the focus on attention and relaxation.

I'm looking forward to getting to know others here.


I do have a quick question as well: After 6 months, I just can't seem to get any space between the second and third fingers on my left hand. They seem married. Is there anyway to speed this process up? The only way I can get any space at all between them with my hand in playing position is to physically pry them apart.

Help!

[Stan]

Hi and welcome to GP Forum!

Space between 2nd and 3rd - getting that right takes some dedicated No Tempo practice and making sure these fingers are right on top of their respective frets... and Posing.

For a more specific advice - your best bet is a webcam lesson with Jamie, and second best is posting a video of your practice!

Cheers!

[Narcosis]

Thanks, Stan.

I've only started with this program yesterday. I'll be watching the "offending" fingers with some attention and posing.

[BarryJ]

Hi, Stan is one of the people here well worth listening to.

I would advise against being tempted to look for an answer other than doing as Stan as suggested (and following The Principles of course)

I think one of our many human flaws is to try to make the simple complex and the complex simple.

Barry

[Jamie]

Perfection of the walking ex is the answer. There are many posts here devoted to training 2 and 3. I believe there are some specifics given as well. I would look for those posts.

[Narcosis]

Thanks to you all for the answers.


I plan on devoting quality time to exercises 24 & 25 in the Correct Practice for Guitar book.

Just to play devil's advocate here: I can certainly see how the Walking exercises will train independence and fine motor control. But how can it increase stretch since nothing is stretching?

Thanks!

[Jamie]

There is stretching involved, especially at the lower frets. Even at the higher frets there is a "gentle stretching out" of the fingers as they slowly and gently position themselves. A lot of the inability to separate undeveloped fingers comes from the fact that there is a general tensing of the hand musculature with each attempt to activate a finger. By proper no tempo practice, we prevent this overall tensing, and move only the bones (fingers) we want with only its own attached muscles. This immediately results in the ability to separate that finger from its neighbor.

More aggressive stretching does need other exercises. I have, in some cases, given such exercises early on to students with especially tight hands, exercises such as 1 & 2 on the 1st and 3rd strings. I have to tailor such things in person to each student though. Just do your best, and post some videos.