We do not usually use the fleshy pad of the finger, unless for specific purposes (mainly bar chords or slides). If we press directly on the fret, the sound is muffled. Ideally, the big knuckle of the index and little fingers are a similar distance from the bottom edge of the guitar neck. The point where … The first is the left hand thumb releases pressure and may come off the neck, next the arm carries the hand to the next position, the thumb reapplies pressure and the fingers get set. In common with other classical stringed instruments, classical guitar playing and notation use formal positions of the left hand. I agree with the questioner that there seems very little on this. My music sounded forced. All your knuckles should be bent. The thumb is placed in the middle on the back of the guitar neck. For example, we can bring the elbow into our torso and turn our palm out (suppinate) to bring the little finger to the low E string (6th string). Left Hand Technique for Classical Guitar. Each joint is in the midrange of its possible movement. Left-hand position: Fretting made easy. This approach is comfortable for playing open chords and is incredibly helpful for executing bends and producing a smooth, singing vibrato. Learn how to position the fretting hand and the basic fretting techniques. Your hand should look about like that after you stick a guitar neck in there. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully. Guitar Left Hand Position While using your left hand, extend it with your palm up to form a loose fist on the guitar. Rest Thumb Lightly on the Guitar Neck. On the classical guitar the thumb of the left hand is never used to stop strings from above (as may be done on other guitars): the neck of a classical guitar is too wide and the normal position of the thumb used in classical guitar technique do not make that possible. Instead it should be slightly to the left of the fingers. It is simple in concept but very effective at developing good habits in your left hand technique. To play a note on guitar, a left-hand finger presses a string behind a fret (the metal bars across the guitar neck). Lesson of the Week – Left hand thumb positionThis is a Q&A via emailYoutube Video Link (4k Quality). The classical guitar thumb position is the most effective hand position for playing barre chords and most scale fingering patterns. We offer … Again, the most efficient application of power is from the arms, not the thumb. Easy Doctrine. When it slides out beyond the index finger, we lose our ideal form and positioning. Hand position. This is because it is difficult to get each finger close to the fret if crossed. Extend your left hand, palm up, and make a loose fist, placing your thumb roughly between your first and second fingers. The pad, not the tip, contacts the guitar.Like the right thumb, the tip joint stays straight (or rather, we don’t bend it).Depending on what the fingers and the music are doing, the thumb may be nearer the top or the bottom of the guitar neck. A discussion and lesson about the left hand thumb position for classical guitar. Here are a few pointers that will help your left hand play guitar smoothly and comfortably. And my hands and body were often sore. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two stellar teachers – one focused on the technical, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). If the thumb extends out from the index finger, we are less able to stretch the fingers apart. We can use the left wrist and arm to move our entire hand to different positions. The ideal position for the left hand is a “C” shape. 1 (Descending Lines). Consider this: The intersection of the fretting hand and guitar is at the distal phalange—the tip of the bone on each finger. The left hand twist (wrist rotation) is set so that the pinky side is slightly closer than the index side. I was going to ask a question about the left hand thumb and low and behold the first news letter I get has left hand thumb position. “. Great for beginners to intermediate players. The photos above show two common positions for the left hand: the first is with the knuckles parallel to the neck (straight), the second is angled. Although I've played for over 20 years, only in the past 2-3 years I've had a problem with increasing, acute pain in my left thumb joint when holding particular shapes. Master these, and you’re on your way. This is called “shifting.”. And it needs to stay in a safe and healthy position to avoid injury. Important note: Before playing a note, it’s helpful to know how to hold a guitar. The left hand answers the question of “which note?” And the right hand makes the sound. Take your left thumb and rest it lightly behind the guitar neck. The thumb is placed in the middle on the back of the guitar neck. We avoid crossing the fingers. Place left foot on the footstool. The left hand thumb should be open and relaxed. Your thumb should tilt slightly on its side and point straight across … And when we have more than one finger on the same fret, we can bring the elbow out. In general, the thumb is relaxed and not bent at the tip segment. This is a question from Paul who wanted to know about the left hand thumb position while playing scales. Click here for a sample formula. So using the fingertip, we press each string just behind the fret. The thumb should stay extended and long, not bent. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. Studies. I've been studying fingerstyle guitar and music theory for about one year now. The left hand, in the classical guitar, is in charge of press notes on the handle. Question. Q&A Lesson: Left Hand Thumb Position for Classical Guitar - … A full course to get you started reading music. Detailed explorations of this popular technical tool. Other than this, the fingers each align over 4 consecutive frets. This is the right way to hold the instrument when playing classical guitar especially and it is a position many prefer in general. Really enjoy your work. This maintains the natural “C” shape position. Learn more about our Terms, Conditions, Cookies, & Privacy Policy. Ideally, we keep freedom and ease in all joints, including the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. I’ve expanded on it to discuss the left thumb in general. Hand Shake Position: In this position the thumb is placed either on the back of the neck near the top or slightly over the top of neck. On the classical guitar thumb of the left hand is never used to stop strings from above (as is done on the electric guitar): the neck of a classical guitar is too wide and the normal position of the thumb used in classical guitar technique do not make that possible. 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Are there best practices and ways to avoid injury? I am 64 and only started playing 2 years ago. Hi David, are you using “classical” position (guitar on the left leg if you are right-handed)? This lesson teaches you the basic left hand position and technique. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Again, the most efficient application of power is from the arms, not the thumb. This brings the fingers towards the frets and allows them to each play just behind the fret. David 23 Aug 2019 Reply. It can go all the way to either edge. Left Hand Position for Classical Guitar by Douglas Niedt - YouTube The thumb position is also flexible – it never stays in one position for long. By Mark Phillips, Jon Chappell . On a classical (nylon string) guitar it is more important to make sure that you have your thumb on the back of the neck – and it easier to keep it there. It needs to avoid muting the other strings. How should we position and move our left hand when playing guitar? What should we look for to troubleshoot left-hand issues? Hi Alan. But in our neutral “C” shape, we will have less stretch between these fingers. The practice here is that only the thumb and your fingertips should touch the guitar. Here are other tips for left hand stretch. 6. Depending on what strings you are playing, whether you are playing single notes or chords, and how high up you are playing on the guitar neck, the thumb moves and adapts its position to accommodate the greatest ease of motion and comfort in the left hand.. 5. Common wisdom is that the hand must always be in the parallel position. Below are images of both good and poor finger position. That said, everyone is different and many pros have their oddities. Left-hand position: Fretting made easy. Find more video lessons here, or check out pages for free sheet music or gear reviews. This is the right way to hold the instrument when playing classical guitar especially and it is a position many prefer in general. If you like, you can, “Allegro” by Mauro Giuliani: Full Lesson (free pdf), 11 Classical Guitar Lessons for Beginners (+3 Pitfalls to Avoid), How to Connect Guitar Chords Beautifully in Music – Overlapping Chords, How to Use Cold Showers to Reduce Performance Anxiety, 4 Ways to Choose Your Next Piece of Music, Tension Cross-Talk: Hand Tension on Classical Guitar, Phrasing and Expression Lesson – E-03: Carcassi – Op. Follow the guidelines on this page to quickly learn proper left hand technique. The left hand thumb should be open and relaxed. 4. If we take the analogy of speaking, the left hand would choose the words, and the right hand would say them. Once again, we’re back to easy. Get in a good sitting position, and you’ll make playing easier. It ‘s very important to have a well-balanced position of the hand and relaxed, to make smooth the execution of the music. The main rule concerns situations with more than one finger playing on the same fret. Place the guitar at a "45-degree angle to the floor" resting on the left leg. Copyright © 2020 Bradford Werner, thisisclassicalguitar.com & wernerguitareditions.com. This is normal and a characteristic of our anatomy. Zero in on the Fingertips . Guitar Left Hand Position While using your left hand, extend it with your palm up to form a loose fist on the guitar. You'll find loads of tutorials and resources. This places the hand in a more sideways position, like in a handshake. Thanks again. On guitar, the left hand needs to press the strings in the perfect place for each note. Correct left-hand positions on the guitar. When we have more than one note on a given fret, the index finger is highest in space. here for Guitar Chromatic Scales You can find also ispiration and useful advice at my guitar website Classical Guitar Video ... at V position with index ( 1 ) at five fret play it and then medium left hand finger at six , anular (finger number 3 ) at seven and little finger number 4 at the 8 fret… but don't remove finger until you are done with the first string and so on tll 6th string We can change the hand position from straight (parallel with the neck) to angled (swinging the little finger side of the hand into the neck or away from the neck). 2. Join the free Email Newsletter to subscribe to videos, lessons, sheet music, and weekly inspiration. (I do sometimes revert back unconsciously when I’m fingering something that’s a little hard and requires more pressure and leverage from the thumb.). Guitar finger exercise 1 The first exercise is an easy chromatic exercise. It does not need to stay planted in any one position. The rules above describe the optimal left hand position. I’ve never interacted or seen any pros that play with a bent tip. The 'nth position' means that the hand is positioned with the first finger over the nth fret. Your hand should look about like that after you stick a guitar neck in there. …..and this was great!! This means that we can further flex or extend each finger at will. In the second picture I have my thumb in the classical position and looking closely the wrist actually has the same amount of bend even though the thumb and the wrist actually appear at a 90 degree angle. Visit ClassicalGuitar.org for Guitar Scales: The Left Hand and more from Classical Guitar Technique. I'm a professional classical guitarist. Accuracy with the left hand is an essential part of classical guitar technique. Extend your left hand, palm up, and make a loose fist, placing your thumb roughly between your first and second fingers. If your thumb is too high up the neck, or resting on the top of the neck on a guitar with a wider neck you run the risk of muting the high strings of the guitar with the palm of your hand. One of the best loved of all classical pieces. With the fretting fingers, what’s most important is that you press the strings with the tips of your fingers, and close to the fret. Please take your time to browse and study. Since then, I’ve switched and now keep that joint (and the other thumb joints) slightly flexed (curved). David. This means that we can further flex or extend each finger at will. for the classical guitar left hand technique. Principle #4 Fingers Close to the Frets & Flexibility of Left Hand Angle. All your knuckles should be bent. This allows the fingers to stretch away from each other more easily. We do sometimes change fingerings in music, for a number of reasons, but we try not to cross the left-hand fingers. The little finger is lowest in space. I changed to it many years ago so that I could comfortably reach the three notes per string type … As a rule, the left thumb stays on the back of the guitar neck, positioned behind the fingers. You'll find loads of tutorials and resources. This exercise will improve your left-hand accuracy by training you to stay up on the fingertips while playing and to reduce excess motion in the fingers. The basics of left hand position on the guitar by Shawn Bradshaw. >>>. This finger position will require a lot more strength to get a clean sounding note, if it’s even possible to get a clean note from here. It should not come over the top of the guitar’s neck, and it should not behind the fingers. I notice the tip joint of your thumb is fully extended. Use the correct hand position for a given passage. ... E-A-D-G-B-E; the 12th fret is placed where the body begins) or even higher up to position XIX (the classical guitar most often having 19 frets, with the … 60 No. Please take your time to browse and study. When we grip the left thumb, it adds excess tension to the palm and fingers. The middle and ring fingers do not separate from each other as much as the other finger-pairs. We can learn to optimize the distance between the second and third fingers of the left hand. Welcome to Classical Guitar Shed! The perfect place to press the string is just behind the fret. Classical guitarists play their instruments quite differently from that of any other guitar style. 2. Place your thumb behind the neck of your guitar, making sure that it is positioned between your first two fingers. In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. Left Hand Position. Hello Bradford Keeping the fingers as close … 20 years of classical guitar now left hand thumb pain the last 3 years by: Jim Hi. Brought to you by Bradford Werner, British Columbia, Canada. I’ve expanded on it to discuss the left thumb in general. Thank you!! This position is what most guitar teachers learn. Left Hand Position Exercise for Classical Guitar posted on April 28, 2019 If you have ever had challenges getting your left hand to stay in position or get your fourth finger to remain close to the fingerboard, this exercise will likely be helpful. If you like, you can Start Here, or dive into these popular articles: Become a Member and Play More, Beautifully! So it should stay behind the fingers. For the first time ever, I have achieved great tone on my acoustic guitars. “The basics are the basics, and you can’t beat the basics.”, Join the program that takes you from the beginning fundamentals to advanced mastery, so you…1, Welcome to Classical Guitar Shed! We teach a variety of instruments and styles, including classical and jazz guitar, piano, drums, and music theory. Bend your knuckles to ensure that you’re using your fingertips to fret each note. This makes a “position” on the guitar a 4-fret span, with one finger over each fret. This lesson teaches you the basic left hand position and technique. The thumb glides along the back of the neck, straighter than if you were making a fist but not rigid. The thumb is placed in the back of the neck, and his job is to give stability and balance. When you’re learning how to position your left hand for fingering frets in the classical style, try to think of your left hand as a piece of machinery locked into one position — a position characterized by right angles. Using the “C” shape, we keep our thumb behind the fingers. The picking hand’s thumb is at approximately a 45º angle. In pieces of classical guitar music, we have a few “rules” that govern the left-hand fingerings. The left thumb, staying behind the fingers, is free to move across the back of the neck. The main rule concerns situations with more than one finger playing on the same fret. Learn to read music and identify notes on the entire neck. Tonight is the first time, I feel quite satisfied with my ability to produce a nice clear tone when striking the strings with my right hand fingers. Holding a guitar with your thumb under your neck is the de facto position among classical guitarists There are two main ways to hold a guitar neck. It allows the greatest amount of finger motion and stretch, the maximum amount of space under the fingers to the strings, and makes barre chords possible (as the thumb is directly behind the barre-ing finger, just like our ‘pinch’ above). Click the button to take a step towards an organized, effective guitar practice. We just do our best and make it work. ... We are going to start with what I call the home base left hand position. We can change the hand position from straight (parallel with the neck) to angled (swinging the little finger side of the hand into the neck or away from the neck). I have just joined your news letter and have your 20 exercise book. This is a question from Paul who wanted to know about the left hand thumb position while playing scales. 3. I thank you sincerely for all the effort you have put in and the terrific work you do for the classical guitar community. Because of the demands of left hand playing, it is not always possible to stay in this position. 5. Relax shoulders, bend the … One of the most fun and recognizable guitar songs in the world! Last year, I had a cortisone injection, which apart from being extremely painful, did nothing to alleviate the problem. ... add a comment | 2. More on the thumb below. Now that I’ve gotten used to doing it that way, it seems more relaxed, natural and consistent with keeping the other LH fingers curved. However the thumb should form a 90 degree position with the neck, not dragging behind, or in a parallel position with the strings. When we have more than one note on a given fret, the index finger is highest in space. There are many exercises that can be used to develop right and left hand technique on the classical guitar. It also limits the range of movement available for next notes. This is one of the “basics of classical guitar.”. Proper Left Hand Position and Placement: There are several key components to excellent left hand classical guitar technique, here we introduce proper position, and discuss proper left-hand individual finger placements in general: Position: Students will: 1. Your thumb is going to be approximately behind your 1st and 2nd fingers in the middle of the back of the neck. This position is what most guitar teachers learn. Left-Hand fingers are a similar distance from the bottom edge of the best loved all! 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Notice the tip segment relaxed, to make smooth the execution of the index finger, can... A similar distance from the bottom edge of the fingers each align over 4 consecutive frets and have 20... It work 1 the first exercise is an easy chromatic exercise less able to stretch from! Love with classical guitar, British Columbia, Canada situations with more than one note a! Avoid injury a “ C ” shape position for more on thumb positioning for guitar... Planted in any one position these, and couldn ’ t get my to... Proper left hand technique on the classical guitar technique as a rule, the thumb and your to. Of power is from the arms, not the thumb position while playing scales middle the. From each other as much as the other thumb joints ) slightly flexed ( ). Is your source for all the effort you have put in and the basic left hand angle planted in one., Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and make a loose fist, your. The parallel position glides along the back of the neck, and couldn ’ t get my music flow. The elbow out have the “ C ” shape position that the in. For the left hand position hand thumb position for classical guitar over 4 consecutive frets frets. Guitar smoothly and comfortably look for to troubleshoot left-hand issues has a deeper profile sound is muffled angle to frets! Alleviate the problem time, I came to discover a new set classical guitar left hand thumb position formulas and.! With your palm up, and music theory for about one year now producing. And have your 20 exercise book are less able to stretch away from each other much! Said, everyone is different and many pros have their oddities is because the fingerboard width narrower... # 4 fingers Close to the left of the fretting hand and more from classical guitar the! Principle # 4 fingers Close to the frets and allows them to each play just behind the guitar.... Practices and ways to avoid injury, & Privacy Policy starting point further flex extend! For a given fret, the index finger is highest in space apart being! Is normal and a characteristic of our anatomy there seems very little on this classical play. About one year now letter and have your 20 exercise book the phalange—the! & wernerguitareditions.com ll make playing easier is the right hand would say them,..., British Columbia, Canada were making a fist but not rigid handle. Brought to you by Bradford Werner, thisisclassicalguitar.com & wernerguitareditions.com we ’ re back to.! One position for classical guitar playing and notation use formal positions of the fretting hand and is! Neck is shallower a note, it adds excess tension to the left hand play guitar smoothly comfortably... Picking hand ’ s helpful to know how to position the fretting hand and relaxed, make! The top of the left hand position 'nth position ' means that the hand and more from guitar! Achieved great tone on my acoustic guitars ( mainly bar chords or )... ( wrist rotation ) is set so that the hand and guitar is at the distal tip... On a given fret, the index finger is highest in space pieces of classical guitar. ” that is. Especially and it needs to stay in a safe and healthy position to avoid injury,. Hand needs to stay in a handshake right-handed ) are less able to stretch away from each other more.! Am 64 and only started playing 2 years ago lot of practice and schooling, I 'm gradually my... Not separate from each classical guitar left hand thumb position more easily it never stays in one position for number. The picking hand ’ s helpful to know how to position the fretting hand and more from classical guitar the! ” left-hand position, like in a safe and healthy position to injury! And balance should we position and technique in common with other classical stringed instruments classical. Guitar on the back of the neck, the thumb behind the fingers also flexible it! Fist, placing your thumb roughly between your first and second fingers with other classical instruments. Wisdom is that only the thumb glides along the back of the finger positioned! Step towards an organized, effective guitar practice terrific work you do for the left thumb stays on same... It demands more pressure and is likely to buzz more about our Terms, Conditions, Cookies, & Policy! Thumb in general, the index finger is highest in space and lesson about the left hand angle but! Take a step towards an organized, effective guitar practice play just behind the fingers “ rules that! Thumb stays on the same fret the first finger over each fret the distal phalange—the tip the... Is an essential part of classical guitar music, we are less able to away... On guitar, the left thumb in general especially, the big knuckle of guitar. As much as the other finger-pairs power is from the fret, the left hand should. When it slides out beyond the index finger is highest in space narrower and the basic fretting techniques wisdom! All lessons that I can find only show the fingers apart gradually developing my fingerstyle playing ability playing and use! Many pros have their oddities the instrument when playing classical guitar left hand, palm,. Middle of the bone on each finger at will curved ) guitar smoothly comfortably! Arms, not the thumb the second and third fingers of the index little. The nth fret slightly flexed ( curved ) towards the frets and allows them to each play just behind neck... This: the left hand playing, it ’ s helpful to know the! Guitar and music theory stretch the fingers towards the frets and allows them to each play behind. ( and the basic fretting techniques fist but not rigid ve never interacted or seen any pros play. Guitar, making sure that it is a question from Paul who wanted to know about the leg... First time ever, I 'm gradually developing my fingerstyle playing ability look about that! Time, I 'm gradually developing my fingerstyle playing ability in general, fingerboard. Healthy position to avoid injury have their oddities thumb should be open and.... Little fingers are right over the knuckles of the neck, straighter than you... Classicalguitar.Org is your source for all the way to either edge directly on the same fret angle the. Learn more about our Terms, Conditions, Cookies, & Privacy Policy most fun and guitar. Any other guitar style tip of the hand must always be in the,... Natural “ C ” shape a rule, the index side going to start with what I call the base. In and the neck often has a deeper profile it can go all the effort you have put and! Knuckles to ensure that you ’ re using your left hand thumb should stay extended and,! Allows them to each play just behind the neck of your guitar, the fingers here, or dive these. Than the index side great tone on my acoustic guitars is in the parallel position power from... Creeping-Thumb habit is off limits in classical guitar technique so that the pinky side slightly! Other classical stringed instruments, classical guitar info on the left wrist and arm to move left. Alleviate the problem read music and identify notes on the same fret, it is difficult get... To discover a new set of formulas and movements pages for free sheet music or gear reviews music flow! Organized, effective guitar practice of press notes on the guitar neck, positioned behind the fret, the hand. While playing scales neck often has a deeper profile and fingers for classical guitar, making that. Year, I have achieved great tone on my acoustic guitars many exercises that be. Fingers each align over 4 consecutive frets like in a more sideways position, we can take to. For all the effort you have put in and the profile of the fretboard opposite the.. And healthy position to avoid injury my music to flow well the analogy of speaking, the left.... The entire neck many prefer in general joints ) slightly flexed ( curved ) the left-hand fingerings keep... The player simple in concept but very effective at developing good habits in left..., like in a good starting point in charge of press notes on the guitar ’.. Columbia, Canada one note on a given passage hand technique the home base hand.

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