How To Become A Faster Guitar Player

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The guitar world does not have a shortage of fast and hot players. It seems like every time I open up a guitar magazine there is a new individual playing some hot licks, whether its bluegrass fiddle tunes, gypsy jazz, electric blues, or something else. I can see this being intimidating at times, obviously you cannot start playing this fast when you first pick up a guitar. And some of these people play so fast that it almost seems inhuman, yet alone something to aspire to.

So the first question you must ask yourself is do you want or need to play that fast? You may play a musical style that requires some speed. Genres like bluegrass, celtic, and gypsy jazz are fast forms of music, and to play them beyond a certain level you need to be able to play with some speed. But say you don't play a style of music that requires fast picking. Do you really NEED to play that fast? If it is something that going to fulfill you musically and emotionally then go for it. Just remember that speed for speed's sake more often comes across as a fast jumble of notes rather than a profound musical statement. Many of the greatest musicians of our time were not technically astounding players. In the end, most people agree: it's all about heart and feeling.

So you have decided that you want to be able to keep up at the local bluegrass or gypsy jazz jam and need to work on your speed. There is a saying I heard somewhere in sports "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast". What this means is that you want to make sure your technique is perfect at a slower tempo before speeding it up. Lets look at a few general points. These can apply no matter what your style: fingerpicking, flatpicking, or fast rhythmic strumming.

Never sacrifice correct technique for speeding up the tempo. Always make sure things like pick direction and finger placement are correct before turning up the metronome.

Pay attention to your tone. Is it consistent and the same at a slower tempo as when you speed up?

Are you staying relaxed as you speed up? A lot of times the right and left hand will tense up as the player tries to increase speed.

Try to let speed be a natural by product of relaxation, consistent technique, and good practice. Don't worry about increasing the speed of the metronome every day. Trying to push the tempo to fast at first will result in a breakdown of technique.

Above all, have fun! Its about the journey, not the destination.

About the Author:
Jennifer Martin is the CEO of http://www.RhythmStrummer.com. Her site offers easy guitar lessons in a fun & supportive atmosphere, taught by teachers who care. Students learn song and technique lessons across a variety of genres, including Folk, Country, and Classic Rock- all with NO advertising



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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